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Editor-in-chief
Almost a failed footballer, I chose journalism because it is the only profession that allows you to criticize those who have succeeded. After realizing my dream of playing in the 2010 World Cup (in the press box), I live from my passion with the transfer window and major sporting events as a second family.
22 years after the release of the legendary film “3 zeros”, Fabien Antoniente returns to the screen with the second opus which will be released in theaters on Wednesday October 23. On the bill for “4 zeros”, an XXL casting with Rolland Courbis, Paul Pogba, Guy Roux, Karim Benzema and even the stars of PSG. Interview.
“3 zeros” is one of the rare films about the world of football to have been successful. Why is it complicated to make films on this subject?
When you have passion and motivation, nothing is complicated. Afterwards, what can make some directors think is to say that football is already in itself a permanent soap opera, with matches every three days, a multiplication of competitions, etc… But there are moments where people, and not just football fans, need other perspectives on this sport which remains THE universal sport. A lucid look at the evolution of the world of professional football and which also uses humor to relax the sometimes heavy atmosphere that emerges from current football, its enormous stakes, its incessant controversies.
Why did you wait so long, more than 20 years, before releasing the sequel?
Precisely because it was necessary to take a step back and measure the evolution of the football world, of all these characters who can gravitate around the players, the clubs, while highlighting the growing weight of the media in the process. In twenty years, football “has changed” as Kylian Mbappé said one day and it was this statement that had the effect of clicking in my head. It was finally a sign that the time had come to make this film. Before, it would have made less sense because football had not yet changed enough.
“A single bad decision can have a disastrous impact on an entire career”
Since “3 zeros” (2002), what is the thing that has changed the most in this mysterious and exciting world of football? What if we only had to remember one detail, just one element, in your eyes?
The film revolves a lot around the rivalry that has emerged between the agents of the “old world”, a generation played by Gérard Lanvin, and these new agents or pseudo-agents that Kaaris represents. We clearly see, through the film, the impact that these advisors can have on the career and destiny of a young player. Sometimes a single bad decision can have a disastrous impact on an entire career. The entourage can and must help a young athlete to defend his interests but unfortunately they can also shatter his dreams, and it is also this ridge that the film wanted to highlight.
Rolland Courbis, Guy Roux, David Ginola, Raï… Which personality, living or dead, would you have dreamed of featuring in this “4 zeros”?
When we see the emotion raised by the recent disappearance of Didier Roustan, I think of this journalist who was extraordinary. His way of expressing himself, of dressing, his view of football yesterday and today, his aesthetic approach to reporting, especially when he started in this profession… Didier was a character and, as such, the link with cinema would have been easy to forge. And among the players I adore, there is Antoine Griezmann. I like what he gives off and his vision of football.
A filming anecdote that is worth a double in the World Cup final?
To shoot at the Parc des Princes, I was allowed eight hours, under the watchful eye of the pitch manager, Jonathan Calderwood, a firm but adorable Northern Irishman, who left me a little bit of relief. We couldn’t walk with just any shoes on the pitch, but PSG were cool, really, it must be said. It was cold, we were shooting at night, and I had around ten players on the pitch. I focused on Presnel Kimpembe, and I mixed it with images shot by Jean-Jacques Amsellem.
“I wanted this film, like the Olympics, to bring people together instead of dividing”
You have accumulated just under 13.5 million cinema admissions. With “4 zeros”, do you think you’ll pass the 15 million mark?
I always have big ambitions for my films. I make films that aim to reach the widest possible audience. I claim my attachment to popular cinema, which brings people together. “4 zeros” has everything to please a wide audience, to mix generations, to meet up with friends or family. I edited the film during the Olympic Games and it reinforced my desire. I wanted this film, like the Olympics, to unite instead of divide, for living together to prevail over the rest.
Paul Pogba is starring in your film, his appearance is highly anticipated. Just like his return to the field, for March 2025. Is that more than good news? Will Parisian fans agree to see her in the colors of OM…? If you were his agent, would you advise him to sign for which club, in France or elsewhere?
I don’t have any advice to give him, he is well supported for that! What I can tell you is that I really enjoyed shooting with him. Paul is a real star but someone who is very humble and who also has real acting qualities, with great charisma. I might as well tell you that it was a treat to work with him on this film!
