Astier's High Praise for an Icon of French Cinema

Alexandre Astier, known for his work on Kaamelott, has expressed his admiration for two titans of French cinema, highlighting the remarkable talent of not just Louis de Funès but also the legendary Bernard Blier. Astier describes Blier's abilities as 'supernatural,' marking him as an actor whose skills are simply unmatched.

While Astier frequently cites Louis de Funès as a major influence, he also holds a deep respect for Blier, whom he regards as possessing a unique quality that sets him apart from his peers.

A 'Supernatural' Talent

During a 2020 event hosted by the Cinémathèque française, Astier was asked to discuss actors he considers to have extraordinary abilities. Two names immediately came to mind.

"There are two people who, for me, are in the realm of the supernatural among actors,” Astier stated, with Louis de Funès being the first name he mentioned, lauding him for his exceptional timing and rhythm. However, it was Bernard Blier that truly captivated him.

Unmatched Articulation

What particularly intrigues Astier about Blier is his rapid-fire delivery of dialogue, which he manages without compromising clarity.

"There’s Bernard Blier, for the speed of his speech. It doesn’t seem like much, even if you can tell he talks quickly, but if you mute the sound or try to mimic Blier in Le Cave se rebiffe or something where he’s lively, you realize it’s literally impossible."

Astier further elaborated, “I don’t have bad diction, but I am incapable of matching Bernard Blier’s speed. It’s astonishingly fast: every 'p,' 't,' and 'l' is perfectly placed, everything is present, it’s crystal clear and incredibly rapid."

A Cornerstone of French Cinema

Before Astier's accolades, Bernard Blier had already made his mark as a quintessential figure in French cinema. He shared the screen with notable talents like Jean Gabin, Michel Audiard, Henri Verneuil, and Lino Ventura, captivating audiences across generations with a diverse filmography.

One of his most memorable roles was as Raoul in Les Tontons flingueurs, where he delivers the iconic line, "But this guy doesn’t know Raoul... he’s going to have a rude awakening! I wanted to be a diplomat because of all of you, to prevent bloodshed, but now it’s over! I’m going to deal with him ferociously! I want to see him in my grasp! And I promise he will beg for forgiveness! At attention!"

This tirade culminates in a memorable punch delivered by Lino Ventura's character.

A Remarkable Career Honored

Blier's career began in 1936 with La Terre qui meurt, directed by Jean Vallée. Over the decades, he maintained a staggering pace, appearing in three to five films annually until the mid-1970s.

Throughout nearly forty years in the industry, he effortlessly transitioned between roles, from a lovesick suitor to a betrayed husband, a businessman, a police commissioner, and even a gangster, showcasing his incredible versatility.

Just weeks before his passing on March 29, 1989, Blier was awarded an honorary César, recognizing a career that continues to inspire cinema enthusiasts, including Alexandre Astier.

Astier recommends revisiting Le Cave se rebiffe, available for streaming on Gaumont Classique.