Enzo: A Cinematic Legacy of Laurent Cantet
Enzo delves into the complexities of a young boy grappling with his family’s social status, but it transcends this theme. Director Robin Campillo reveals to The Hollywood Reporter that this French film is, in essence, a poignant tribute to the life and work of his long-time friend, the acclaimed filmmaker Laurent Cantet, who won the prestigious Cannes Palme d’Or.
A Shared Vision
Campillo emphasizes, “It’s truly a film from Laurent Cantet and by Laurent Cantet.” Since their initial meeting in 1983, Campillo has taken on a pivotal role as the steward of Enzo. He reflects, “I played my part, but ultimately, this is Laurent’s vision. The existence of this film stands as a testament to a victory over death.”
The Journey of Creation
Initially, Cantet wrote the screenplay centered on a 16-year-old boy named Eloy Pohu, who challenges the expectations of his bourgeois family by embarking on a masonry apprenticeship. Originally intended as his directorial endeavor, Cantet’s plans were abruptly changed following a cancer diagnosis that prevented him from completing what would have marked his 18th film. Sadly, he passed away in April 2024, leaving the project in Campillo’s capable hands.
Reflecting on their partnership, Campillo notes, “I was involved at every step of the film’s production. We anticipated that Laurent might become too fatigued to engage with the crew, so I acted as his personal assistant during casting, preparation, and filming.” He continues, “We planned to edit the film together, but his health declined rapidly, and he left us soon after.”
A Promise Fulfilled
Before Cantet’s passing, he and Campillo, alongside Cantet’s wife, Isabelle, and producer Marie-Ange Luciani, made a heartfelt agreement to see the film through to completion. Campillo recalls, “We assured him we would be honored to finish the project for him, and this gesture visibly moved him.”
Thematic Depth
Campillo describes Enzo as more than a mere coming-of-age story; it is a critical exploration of the immense pressures faced by today’s youth in a tumultuous world. He remarks, “We demand that young people make swift decisions about their futures amidst chaos—there’s war in Ukraine, violence in Gaza, and political upheaval, particularly in the U.S. We present them with a disordered reality while expecting clarity.”
While the film does not center around a rebellious protagonist, Enzo’s unexpected romantic involvement with an older Ukrainian man on his construction site astounds his parents. Campillo explains, “For Laurent, there was a certain admiration for the sexual fluidity of youth. Enzo’s attraction isn’t solely about desire; it represents his yearning to escape a superficial bourgeois life, to uncover the reality behind the facade.”
A Festive Debut at Cannes
Looking ahead to the film’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Campillo expresses optimism: “Cannes is the perfect venue for Enzo. The audience will be filled with many of Cantet’s peers and collaborators from the film industry. It’s not a bleak film; rather, it radiates optimism. I envision a celebratory atmosphere, full of joy.”