The closing night film at this year's FilmFest DC was The Intouchables, a feel good buddy comedy which is like Driving Miss Daisy meets The Bucket List. Make of that what you will, but it has become a literal cultural phenomenon in France, where it became their second highest grossing film in their history within just a few weeks of release. There's a good reason for it, as despite a few glaring weaknesses in the culture clash storyline, a remarkable amount of humor and affection springs from the two fantastic lead performances.
You're going to know whether this is a film for you right off the bat, as it begins with a high speed car chase with Driss(Omar Sy), a black petty criminal and caretaker to Philippe(Francois Cluzet), a wealthy quadriplegic. Chased by the cops as they speed through the Paris streets in Philippe's Maserati, the soundtrack is cheerfully backed by Earth, Wind, and Fire's joyous 'September'. If the sight of the smiling, uncouth Driss and the stiff billionaire bopping to the beat makes you smile, then chances are you'll find much to laugh about along the way.
Much like the vast majority of successful buddy comedies, it's their ethnic and cultural differences that make this such an endearing film. Driss is an immigrant from the inner city with a murky and crime riddled past, who despite his dangerous lifestyle maintains a gleaming smile and positive outlook on life. He needs his unemployment benefit just to get by, and to prove he's looking for work he applies for a caretaker position taking care of Philippe. The initial meeting is brusque and awkward, but Driss's honesty and spirit makes him a better choice than the other boring and lifeless candidates.
On the surface it looks to be a match made in Hell, as Driss has no desire to do all the work necessary to take care of a quadriplegic. The daily grind of stretching and exercising Philippe's muscles...the bathing...oh, and the "emptying of his ass" are things he's never seen or done on the streets, and if anyone knew he was doing it he'd be ridiculed for life. However, he appreciates his newly earned lifestyle, and sees an opportunity for real change. Philippe, on the other hand, is happy to have someone around who doesn't just take pity on him, but tells it like it is in as blunt a way possible. The two find in one another exactly what they need to make it through life, and their bond grows into something greater than mere friendship.
French movies tend to take a broad approach to comedy, and when it comes to potentially sensitive racial issues they tend to to have the subtlety of an anvil. Many will find Driss's character to be offensive, and certainly some of the things he says and does here would NEVER fly in Hollywood. He's basically one giant stereotype, a thug who smokes weed and steals and can't hold a job to save his life. When he livens up Philippe's dull birthday party by forcing the stuffy white folks to dance to "Boogie Wonderland", it's like every comedic stereotype of black and white relations crammed into one. And yet, it never feels offensive, partly because of the effortless performances by Sy and Cluzet, but also because the two characters are undoubtedly portrayed as equals.
That's what separates The Intouchables from similar Hollywood movies we've all cringed over at one point or another. Driss and Philippe are on the same level in every respect, and there isn't that irritating sense of the poor black guy being taught how to be civilized. On the contrary, it's often as if Driss is teaching Philippe a thing or two about staying young and vital, and not giving up on life despite his condition. When Driss discovers that Philippe has been having a stagnant six-month flirtation with a woman he's only met through love letters, it's Driss who sees this as a losing situation and encourages moving the relationship along a few steps. Philippe is of course reluctant, but eventually learns to trust in his companion's enthusiastic, if poorly planned, ideas. By the time Driss's past comes back to haunt him, the two have learned to rely on one another to the point where they've become inseparable.
The Weinstein Company has the distribution rights to the film, and has mentioned plans to possibly release it here in the States, or the more likely option of a remake. They'll have a hard time finding someone with the natural charisma and charm Sy brings to the table. Perhaps Kevin Hart would be a nice fit? Cluzet has the toughest job in the film by far, restricted solely to the use of his face and eyes. A particularly hilarious scene in which Philippe is at the mercy of Driss and a shaving razor(he gives the poor guy a Hitler 'stache at one point) shows Cluzet's ability to convey a wealth of emotions at the drop of a hat.
Whether The Intouchables can prove to be a success here in America is unclear, especially since what passes for humor in France is so different than it is here. But if people take that into account, and simply take in this poignant, uplifting comedy about loyalty and unexpected friendships, they will be all the better for it.
