The Intouchables: Movie Review
Cast: Francois Cluzet, Omar Sy, Audrey Fleurot
Director: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano
After smashing its way through the box office and hearts in France, The Intouchables finally lands on New Zealand cinema screens. Rumour has it as well, that it's on course for the Oscars next year - but time will tell.
It's the heartwarming and true, yet irreverent tale of quadriplegic millionaire, Philippe (Cluzet) whose life took a turn for the worst after a paragliding accident. Confined to a chair, Philippe lives day to day, appreciating the finer things in life like art and classical music and yet not quite living properly.One day, while interviewing for a new carer, he comes across Omar Sy's street smart ex-con Driss. Driss is there simply to tick a box and to apply for a benefit - however, when he ends up at the interview, his lack of interest in the role and stolid adherence to being there only because he has to (although he ends up flirting with flame haired interviewer Magalie, played by Audrey Fleurot), fires up something long dormant in Philippe.
Driss ends up being hired by Philippe and, unsurprisingly, the pair strike up an unlikely friendship as the carer from the projects brings his unorthodox view on life to the starchly stiff world of Philippe.
The Intouchables is very much the antithesis to the Diving Bell and The Butterfly - and is so diametrically opposed in approach that it's easy to see why this broadly uplifting and at times, irreverent comedy has been so cherished by many.
With the words: "Based on a true story" ringing out at the start, it's clear that this piece will strike a chord in many - and to be frank, having sat through it, you'd be hard pressed to have it not elicit some form of reaction from you while viewing.
Uplifting, surprisingly never mawkish and always heartwarming, The Intouchables is a joy to behold. From the humour of the writing which punctuates any lingering sentimentality (which would normally threaten to derail a film such as this) to central performances which are never anything less than compelling despite being non-showy, it's a film which will linger on in you long after you've left.
Some films are meant to be seen - and by seeking out The Intouchables, you will find yourself acknowledging some of the predictability of this story of a man from the wrong side of town meeting a man from the higher echelons of society, but yet revelling in the mismatched duo. Smart repartie and camaraderie punctuate the screen and with plenty of charm to it, The Intouchables is a near shoo in for Oscar nominations come 2013.
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Good review Darren and absolutely agree. I think it's the power of the performances that prevent it from ever descending into mawkish sentimentality and ultimately they hold the whole thing together. It may lack the sense that you're watching something truly consequential (more "Scent of a Woman" than "Diving Bell and the Butterfly"), but the chemistry between the two protagonists makes for compelling viewing. It's my film of the year so far. Big call, I know!
ReplyDeleteYeah, all you ever need for a great film like this is chemistry between the main actors - and The Intouchables has it in spades. Thing is with a film like this, you need the broader brush strokes for it to be seen by the masses. As it is, it's likely to only get a limited release to the arthouse market who will, in fairness, love it - but it's wide enough for all to enjoy. I expect it'll do OK and if it scores an Oscar nomination, there'll be a resurgence in interest.
ReplyDeleteOh and Ian, thanks for taking the time to comment - always appreciated.
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