Supernatural Respect: Alexandre Astier’s Admiration for French Cinema Legend

From the beginning of his career, Alexandre Astier has openly acknowledged the influence of several major figures from French cinema. Among them, one name consistently mentioned is Louis de Funès. The creator of Kaamelott holds a genuine fascination for the actor, who has captivated generations of viewers with his energy and distinctive comedic flair.

His attachment to the legendary comedian is so strong that he has never hesitated to recognize his influence on his own work. He even dedicated the series Kaamelott to Louis de Funès, while admitting to borrowing some creative ideas from him.

The writer and director admits to having tried to “steal a few little tricks” hoping “it wouldn’t be too noticeable.”

More Than Just a Comedic Actor

In 2024, during a retrospective hosted by La Cinémathèque in honor of the actor known for his role as the gendarme Cruchot, Astier extensively explained what he felt made Louis de Funès exceptionally special.

“(…) People say, ‘De Funès is all about making faces,’ but I don’t give a damn about De Funès’ faces; that’s definitely not where his talent lies. (…) I remain mesmerized by De Funès, even in movies that I think pander somewhat, more than any TV movie I might stumble upon that might be better written. So yes, he’s a creator. He must be a creator, since he writes enough to keep me attached to a work I’m not necessarily fond of.”

For Astier, De Funès’ genius far exceeds the facial expressions to which he is often reduced. His talent lies elsewhere, in his ability to create something unique on screen, sometimes transcending the intrinsic qualities of the films he stars in.

Astier’s Take on De Funès’ Genius

If he were to pinpoint what sets Louis de Funès apart from other comedic actors, Alexandre Astier would highlight his mastery of timing.

“De Funès, to me, is the absolute king of ‘when’ to deliver. He is supernatural in the timing of his breaks. That is, your eye might be on Gensac, Lefebvre, or anyone else delivering a line that should trigger a reaction in him, but you don’t have time to see the effect on him because he’s already reacted ‘off’ while you were looking [at the other actor]. And to me, that’s supernatural.”

According to him, this command of timing is so exceptional that it seems almost impossible to replicate.

An Actor Always Ahead of His Audience

Alexandre Astier believes that De Funès’ quick reactions consistently give him an edge over the audience, who are always trying to keep up with his pace.

“If someone behaved like that in real life, we wouldn’t understand how they functioned, we’d think they were ill. In movies, it gives him this kind of perpetual lead over the viewer, making the viewer always one step behind. De Funès puts the audience behind, always making people chase after him.”

An analysis that perfectly encapsulates the enduring fascination that Louis de Funès still holds for Alexandre Astier, who continues to see him as one of the greatest comedic artists in the history of French cinema.

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