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» » Массовка Ben Stiller (2005–2007)

Short summary

Andy and Maggie are both extras in a serious genocide movie being shot by Ben Stiller in England; however, Andy isn't satisfied with his minuscule role, and so goes to the genocide witness Goran to try and get him a bigger part.

According to Ricky Gervais, Ben Stiller's rant at the end was largely improvised.

The scene where Ben Stiller tells an extra how to beat up an old lady with the butt of a gun was completely ad libbed.

Originally filmed as the second episode, but was broadcast first because Ben Stiller was better-known to American audiences than Ross Kemp, who guest starred in the original pilot. The correct order is restored on the DVD.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Tane
    This episode was originally intended as the second in the series (the DVD has the correct running) but was moved forward, perhaps due to the better script or the presence of Ben Stiller. Whatever the reason, this is cracking comedy.

    Stiller sends himself up brilliantly, portraying himself as an egotistical, power-mad actor turned director. Superb stuff.

    Gervais is his simpering best as the struggling extra trying to coax a few lines out of a film's genocide witness and expert, Goran, and the film's producer. This is a cue for classic Gervais tragicomedy. You genuinely feel for the character of Andy Millman, an individual far removed from the self confident David Brent, as he slips into Larry David territory, i.e. speaking first, thinking afterwards.

    The delightfully beautiful Ashley Jensen is a wonderful actress and lights up every scene she appears in.

    This episode of "Extras" is a beautifully crafted show and a joy to watch.
  • comment
    • Author: Friert
    Extras

    Ben Stiller

    A Golden Globe Winning series; Extras is another one of Ricky's gem that came out from his pot and just as it predecessor it stands out alone on witty humor, practicality awareness and no nonsense sequences that glues this majestic series. Ricky Gervais keeps it true and to-the-ground one of the main reasons why it works everytime when he draws the curtains.

    The tone and the environment is palpable from the first frame projecting the discipline and the dedication of Ricky's work. It can be tricky to give space and range to the guest stars and still forward the plot line maintaining the quality of the material; something to look forward to.

    Ben's track; even though being on screen for few minutes, has quite an interesting arc in its character which I suppose only Ricky could have pulled it off and whilst on Ricky's side his struggle through is what makes it going along with his relationship with Ashley Jensen.
  • comment
    • Author: Dream
    The premise for this series presents a challenge for its writers: using a different brand name actor in each episode among a more constant ensemble. The problem is well illustrated by watching just the first two episodes as presented on US release of DVD, Kate Winslet and Ben Stiller. Kate Winslet is a fabulous actor is both the star and a member of the entire team. She is funny and supports the others. I laughed a lot.

    On the other hand, Ben Stiller is a serious liability in his episode. He simply does not have the acting ability to do this well. He is not funny and the show grinds to a halt whenever he has centre stage.

    The contrast between these two episodes was so great that I went back through the credits to see if they had used different writers. No, it's all down to acting ability, or lack thereof.
  • comment
    • Author: fire dancer
    Ricky Gervais is wannabe actor Andy Millman eking out a living as an extra and hoping to get a part with lines. With best friend Maggie (Ashley Jensen) this is the tale living in the bottom of the acting chain.

    In the first episode Ben Stiller sends himself up as an egotistical director making a east European set genocide film based on true events. This Ben Stiller will not pass up any opportunity to tell the various grosses of his movies in the worldwide box office.

    Andy seeing Ben would do anything for Goran the man who the movie is based on and tries whatever he can to persuade Goran to get him a few extra lines.

    Maggie meanwhile takes a shine to someone in the production but goes off him when she discovers he has one short leg. Meanwhile Andy tries to ingratiate with the producer of the movie by discussing classic Japanese cinema.

    In the vein of The Office but with more humour the episode ends with Ben going bat crazy including insulting the genocide survivor.
  • Episode cast overview:
    Ricky Gervais Ricky Gervais - Andy Millman
    Ashley Jensen Ashley Jensen - Maggie Jacobs
    Boris Boscovic Boris Boscovic - Goran (as Boris Boskovic)
    Steve Jackson Steve Jackson - Jon
    Shaun Pye Shaun Pye - Greg
    Ben Stiller Ben Stiller - Ben Stiller
    Liza Sadovy Liza Sadovy - Jackie Greer
    Jay Villiers Jay Villiers - Producer
    Eleanor Matsuura Eleanor Matsuura - Producer's Wife
    Jo Wyatt Jo Wyatt - Woman In Bar
    Thomas Byrne Thomas Byrne - Boy
    Paul Tripp Paul Tripp - Grip
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