Filmmaker Laurent Cantet’s Legacy Continues with “Enzo”
Laurent Cantet, an esteemed figure in French cinema, passed away in April 2024 after a battle with cancer. He was best known for his critically acclaimed 2008 film “The Class,” which won the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes. Tragically, he did not live to see the completion of “Enzo,” his final project.
Continuation Under Robin Campillo
Tasked with bringing “Enzo” to fruition is Robin Campillo, a long-time friend of Cantet and a noted director in his own right, recognized for his 2017 Cannes Grand Prize winner “BPM.” The film debuted at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and is described as a coming-of-age story that delves deep into the protagonist’s inner struggles and class-related conflicts.
Plot Overview
The narrative follows 16-year-old Enzo, played by newcomer Eloy Pohu, who rebels against the expectations of his affluent bourgeois family. Living in a secluded villa in the South of France, Enzo opts for a masonry apprenticeship, diverging from his parents’ hopes for him to pursue a more academic path. His world expands significantly after he meets Vlad, a Ukrainian construction worker portrayed by Maksym Slivinskyi. This meeting not only offers Enzo new possibilities but also awakens his sexual identity.
A Friendship of Cinema
Campillo has spoken about his long-standing friendship with Cantet, emphasizing their collaborative spirit in shaping narratives. Following Cantet’s diagnosis, Campillo proposed to finish the film together. “It was a real pleasure to do this film. It was not sad at all,” Campillo remarked, reflecting on their swift decision to continue the project after Cantet’s passing. He noted that Cantet’s wife, Isabelle, expressed a desire to see the film completed, adding further motivation to their efforts.
Casting Insights
Campillo selected actors who resonated well with their roles. He noted that Maksym, upon auditioning, presented a strong presence that suggested an internal depth beyond just acting. Regarding Pohu, he highlighted a sense of mystery that made him an ideal fit for the character of Enzo, despite initial reservations from Cantet. “I was amazed by the fact that he was something like a child, he has a baby face, and at the same time, he’s trying to become a man,” Campillo described.
Future Prospects
“Enzo” is set to open the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight on May 15 and is currently seeking distribution. Campillo’s dedication to completing Cantet’s vision signifies a profound respect for his late friend and collaborator, while also aiming to engage audiences with the story of Enzo’s transformative journey.