They dreamed of a million entries, they made ten times more. Released in theaters on May 1, Artus’ first feature film spent the summer of 2024 on the big screen and attracted more than 10.7 million spectators, ranking first among the most viewed French films of the year, in front Le Comte de Monte Cristo which has nothing to be ashamed of with its 9.2 million spectators. An impressive success that the director did not expect, any more than most of his actors, anonymous people linked by a powerful common point: they all A little something extra. By playing robbers forced to hide among a group of vacationers to escape justice, Artus and Clovis Cornillac have delighted thousands of hearts and raised awareness of the issue of disability to a new audience. A risky bet, but met with flying colors.
Artus brings together an exceptional cast
“I had to make them accomplices, not victims”. To interpret his main characters, the comedian surrounded himself, not with experienced actors, but with Gad, Ludovic, Stanislas (journalist from Papotin meetings), Marie, Thibaut, Mayane-Sarah, Théophile, Arnaud, Sofian, Boris and Benjamin. A team of happy guys who he asked not to change on set. So they came, one with his banana costume, the other with his unconditional love for Dalida, their colorful personalities and their good humor. With this jovial troupe, the filming could not be entirely traditional. In addition to Artus, who had to learn to direct them, the production hired a coach to support the apprentice actors and guide them. Sometimes even through a headset. A tool that Ludovic particularly liked! A little something extrabroadcast Friday November 15, 2024 at 9:10 p.m. on Canal+, was an extraordinary adventure for this casting, rewarded by a rise to the steps of the Cannes Film Festival.
A little something extraun very nice learning film about otherness
Artus’ feature film goes further in the representation of characters and actors rarely present in cinema than the films Untouchables et Exceptional by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano before him. Despite the sometimes far-fetched plots, it is largely to them that this colorful and touching comedy owes its success. And for good reason, their personalities and their enthusiasm make this unique achievement so special. Result : A little something extra entered ninth place in the top 10 of the biggest hits in French cinema, downgrading Taxi 2 and Emmanuelle (1974) et hot on the heels of the very funny What have we done to the good Lord? et Le Corniaud. While we could have imagined that this human work on the acceptance of others and tolerance would quickly see a sequel, Artus (who was announced in the casting of season 5 of LOL: whoever laughs, gets out!, alongside Camille Chamoux, Vincent Dedienne and Fred Testot) declared that they did not wish to “fear of disappointing people”. A decision that makes sense and makes the film all the more unique and pure.
