A True French Masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (7 May 2014)

"The Intouchables" is a French movie based off a true story about a wealthy quadriplegic man named, Philippe, who was in need of an in-home caretaker. A young man from the projects named, Driss, came in to be interviewed by Philippe for the position, but rather than actually trying to be hired, Driss only comes in so Philippe could sign a form that proves he is trying to find a job. He needs this form so that he could get unemployment benefits, but instead of just signing the paper, Philippe decides to hire Driss. Along this unexpected journey they are able to build a friendship that is different from many others but with a bond that is stronger than most.
The film was officially released in France on November 11, 2011 and has grossed $166 million in France and $447 million worldwide, which made it the second biggest box office hit in France. It has also won many awards for Best Foreign Film, Best Actor (Omar Sy), Best European Film, Outstanding International Motion Picture, and Best Foreign-Language film.
"The Intouchables" is one of the most beautiful films I have seen not because of the crazy computer graphics, insane effects, or intense editing, but because of the simplicity and deeper meaning behind it. The directors/writers, Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, are able to capture the hearts of the audience with each choice they made in this movie. In the script, the dialogues of both Philippe and Driss were typical but not predictable. Philippe's dialogue was stereotypical to a wealthy white man who lives an over the top luxurious lifestyle, but rather than seeming spoiled and selfish, his character came across as very sincere and passionate. Driss' dialogue was stereotypical to a poor tough guy from the ghetto, but on top of that, his character came across as very loving and caring. The dialogue made it very apparent about the two worlds that Philippe and Driss were from, but it also created a bond between the two. Toledano and Nakache were able to stereotype these characters and yet still defy these stereotypes, making the characters very unique and memorable.
The dialogue was not the only thing that showed the invisible line that separated Philippe and Driss' world. With the help of the cinematographers, Nakache and Toledano were able to make creative choices that displayed the two separate worlds that Philippe and Driss lived in. The low- key lighting in Driss' territory showed that even though he is fully functioning and healthy, he is still trapped by his past and background. The high-key lighting in Philippe's home showed that he has all the freedom in the world because of his wealth, yet his disability keeps him prisoner of his own freedom. Even the costuming showed how their two worlds were separated with Driss always wearing a hoodie and a pair of jeans and Philippe always wears a nice suit or knitted sweater. Little details like lighting and costuming that Toledano and Nakache added were simple yet genius. It was the little things that made this film very beautiful but still relatable with the audience.
Although we feel this separation that Philippe and Driss have, they are still able to have this strong connection with each other that the audience is able to feel as well. When they are together high-key lighting consumes them showing that when they are together they can truly be free. The dialogues of the two, although they seemed to be polar opposites, were meshed together in such a natural way that made the whole movie flow and carry the story along. The chemistry between the actors also made each scene very emotional and brought the whole story to life. It was as if the actors weren't playing characters but were really living their roles and had the same bond that the characters had with each other. The small intimate scenes that showed this bond really touched me and overwhelmed me with emotions that I cannot explain.
This film is able to defy all stereotypes and crush all thoughts we might have about movies under the genre of drama. It was not your typical sappy love story one would think of as a drama, but more of a refreshing take that was both comical yet meaningful. It really touched my heart and is a movie that really needs no other words to describe it other than awesome! There is nothing more I can say other than to just watch this movie and experience its entirety as a true work of art.