THE INTOUCHABLES (2011)

Summary:

The Intouchables is a heartwarming and critically acclaimed French comedy-drama film released in 2011, based on the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver Abdel Sellou. The film chronicles the unlikely friendship that blossoms between two men from vastly different worlds: Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic aristocrat, and Driss, a charismatic ex-convict from the projects who becomes his live-in assistant. Their initial interactions are marked by a clash of cultures and expectations, but through shared experiences, humor, and a deep mutual respect, they forge an extraordinary bond that transforms both their lives.

The movie masterfully navigates themes of disability, social class, prejudice, and the redemptive power of human connection. Driss, with his unconventional approach and refusal to treat Philippe with pity, injects a much-needed zest for life into Philippe's otherwise sterile existence, while Philippe provides Driss with stability, purpose, and a glimpse into a world beyond his past. The film's blend of humor, genuine emotion, and powerful performances by François Cluzet and Omar Sy resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of the most successful French films in history.

Keywords: The Intouchables, 2011, Omar Sy, François Cluzet, Comedy-Drama, French Film, True Story, Friendship, Disability, Quadriplegia, Caregiver.

Plot:

The film opens with a thrilling scene: Driss, a young man, is driving a Maserati at high speed through the streets of Paris with Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic, in the passenger seat. They are pulled over by the police, but Driss cleverly uses Philippe's condition to feign a medical emergency, leading the police to escort them to the hospital, effectively escaping a ticket. This exhilarating prologue sets the tone for the unconventional relationship that will unfold.

The narrative then flashes back six months to when Driss, recently released from prison, is applying for a job as a live-in caregiver for Philippe. Philippe, a refined and highly educated aristocrat, has been paralyzed from the neck down following a paragliding accident. His opulent Parisian mansion is filled with valuable art and staffed by a team of meticulous assistants, including Yvonne, his dedicated administrative assistant, and Magalie, his attractive but reserved house manager. Driss, with his streetwise demeanor and lack of formal qualifications, stands out starkly among the other applicants, who are all highly trained and sympathetic. He isn't interested in the job itself; he simply needs Philippe's signature on a document to prove he's been rejected, allowing him to claim unemployment benefits. Philippe, however, is intrigued by Driss's blunt honesty and his complete lack of pity. He sees a refreshing authenticity in Driss's indifference to his condition, a stark contrast to the saccharine sympathy he usually receives. To the surprise of Yvonne and the other staff, Philippe hires Driss on a one-month trial basis, challenging Driss to adapt to a world he knows nothing about.

Driss's initial days are a hilarious clash of cultures. He struggles with the demands of personal care, from changing Philippe's catheter to understanding the nuances of his communication. He openly mocks classical music and opera, much to Philippe's amusement and Yvonne's consternation. He replaces Philippe's sophisticated classical music with Earth, Wind & Fire during his morning routine, creating an energetic and unexpected start to the day. Driss also introduces a sense of informality and irreverence into Philippe's life. He shaves Philippe's beard, not with a delicate touch, but with a practical, almost rough efficiency, and even convinces Philippe to smoke marijuana, much to the horror of Yvonne. Philippe, initially resistant, finds himself enjoying the unexpected freedom and the genuine laughter Driss brings. Driss’s presence is a breath of fresh air, cutting through the stifling formality and somber atmosphere that had enveloped Philippe's life since his accident and the death of his wife.

Their bond deepens as they share personal stories. Philippe reveals the depth of his grief over his wife's death and his longing for a meaningful connection. He also shares details of his epistolary romance with Eléonore, a woman he has only corresponded with through letters, fearing that his disability would deter her if they met in person. Driss, in turn, opens up about his troubled past, his difficult relationship with his adoptive mother and younger siblings, and the challenges of growing up in the impoverished suburbs. He acts as a surrogate father figure to his younger brother, Adama, who is falling into a life of petty crime. Driss’s influence begins to extend beyond Philippe’s immediate care; he encourages Philippe to be more assertive with his estranged daughter, Elisa, and even takes an interest in Philippe’s art collection, eventually creating his own abstract paintings, which to everyone's surprise, sell for a considerable sum.

A pivotal moment occurs when Driss accompanies Philippe to the opera. Driss's boisterous laughter at a performer dressed as a tree initially embarrasses Philippe, but Philippe soon finds himself laughing along, realizing the absurdity and humor in the situation through Driss's unfiltered perspective. This shared moment of genuine joy solidifies their unique connection. Driss also pushes Philippe to confront his fears. He takes Philippe paragliding, recreating the very activity that led to Philippe's accident, but this time, it's an act of liberation and triumph over fear, with Driss ensuring Philippe's safety. The experience is exhilarating for both of them, marking a significant step in Philippe's emotional recovery.

However, Driss's past eventually catches up with him. Adama, his younger brother, gets into trouble, and Driss is forced to intervene, reminding him of his responsibilities to his family. Philippe, noticing Driss's increasing distraction and the need for him to fully embrace his responsibilities outside the mansion, makes the difficult decision to let Driss go. He tells Driss that he needs to be there for his family, recognizing that Driss has matured and needs to forge his own path. This separation is painful for both of them. Driss returns to his family, taking on a more active role in Adama's life and trying to find stable employment. Meanwhile, Philippe's life slowly reverts to its former sterile state. The succession of new caregivers fails to meet his expectations, lacking Driss's humor, candor, and genuine connection. He becomes increasingly withdrawn and depressed, neglecting his personal hygiene and losing his zest for life, much to Yvonne's concern.

Yvonne, witnessing Philippe's decline, contacts Driss and urges him to return. Driss, seeing the state Philippe is in, immediately takes charge. He shaves Philippe, gets him dressed, and takes him for a drive. This brings us back to the opening scene with the high-speed chase and the police escort. After their playful escape, Driss drives Philippe to the coast, to a beautiful restaurant overlooking the sea. He tells Philippe that someone is waiting for him. Driss then leaves, and a beautiful woman approaches Philippe's table – Eléonore, his pen pal. Philippe, nervous but excited, finally meets the woman he has loved through letters, encouraged by Driss to embrace life and love. The film ends with Driss watching from a distance, smiling, as Philippe and Eléonore begin their date. A title card reveals that the film is based on a true story and that Philippe and Abdel (Driss's real-life counterpart) remained close friends, with Abdel eventually starting his own business and marrying.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Omar Sy as Driss Bassari
• François Cluzet as Philippe Pozzo di Borgo
• Anne Le Ny as Yvonne
• Audrey Fleurot as Magalie
• Clotilde Mollet as Marcelle
• Alba Gaïa Bellugi as Elisa

Crew:

• Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano
• Writers: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano
• Producers: Nicolas Duval Adassovsky, Laurent Zeitoun, Yann Zenou
• Cinematography: Mathieu Vadepied
• Editor: Dorian Rigal-Ansous
• Music: Ludovico Einaudi

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: November 2, 2011 (France)
• Language: French
• Genre: Comedy-Drama, Biographical
• Running Time: 112 minutes
• Accolades: César Award for Best Actor (Omar Sy); Nominated for nine other César Awards, including Best Film; Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film; BAFTA Award nomination for Best Film Not in the English Language; European Film Award for Best Film nomination. Became the highest-grossing French film of all time in France and worldwide.