filmbore pick of the week - Untouchable

Untouchable (The Intouchables)

Director: Oliver Nakache, Eric Toledano
Screenplay: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano
Starring: François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Audrey Fleurot, Anne Le Ny
Year: 2011
Language: French
UK rental release: February 2013

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Last week's pick of the week was linked to historical truth. Let's take this up to the 21st century this time around for the beautiful tale, based on a true story, of an accidental kinship between two very different individuals, in Untouchable. 

Philippe (François Cluzet, Tell No One, Little White Lies) is a rich and thoroughly cultured aristocrat. He is also a quadriplegic. Through his incredible fortune he lives in absolute luxury but is hindered by his plight, burdened upon him by a paragliding accident. Couped up all day in his mansion, he misses an adventurous life.

As we open on Philippe, he's being driven by his carer, Driss (Omar Sy, Micmacs, Mood Indigo) at speed through the Paris streets in a Maserati, purely for amusement. A police chase ensues, but once the authorities catch the pair they're in for a surprise. On seeing Philippe's condition (and dressing the situation with a few white lies) they not only get let off, they even convince the police to escort them to a nearby hospital for authenticity, and for a cheeky little bet! 

Prior to this event, Driss met Philippe by chance, applying for a job as a full-time assistant but not to be successful... he just wants a signature to ensure that he can claim benefits. His first encounter through this reluctant interview is a little coarse, very matter of fact, and there's even a few banterous, strong words exchanged between the pair. This exchange seems to perturb Philippe's administrator, Magalie (Audrey Fleurot of Spiral: TV series fame), who Driss takes a shine to.

Driss is from a different world to Philippe. He lives in a small apartment in the projects with his mother and lots of brothers and sisters. His constant absences upsets his mother however, so she chucks him out of their home.

Yet, Philippe seemed to enjoy the verbal swordplay with Driss, impressed enough to offer him the job. Driss is unaware of this at first, just popping by to get his autographed form for the claimant office. When it dawns on him that he may have to take this a little more seriously, he's at odds whether to move forward with it. That is, until he sees his new quarters.

Driss is in awe of his new home with Philippe and decides to give his new career a try. He'll also have to impress Philippe's other aid, Yvonne (Anne Le Ny, Le Gout Des Autres) before he can really settle in however. But as Driss starts to take responsibility for his new tasks, and unexpected relationship starts to develop between him and Philippe...a real understanding.

Untouchable is a fictional representation of the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his carer Abdel Sellou (here represented as Driss), which was discovered by Oliver Nakache and Eric Toledano through a TV documentary called A la vie, à la mort. Taking this source material is a brave choice when considering the delicate nature of the subject matter but in the first few moments you get to understand how, through comedy and drama, the directing pair have built a wonderful piece.

There's a plethora of filming techniques used with precision and a gentle nature here, including the confident handling of extreme close ups at interesting angles, with  minimal but effective lighting. There's a wonderful palette too, with the rich browns as ambers of both the Paris streets and the interiors of Philippe's home finding a common canvas. It's crafted with care and attention, which is noticeable from beginning to end.

It moves at an easy pace too. Its jokes are layered gently through a story that carefully blends Driss's adaptation to his new life and the friendship that evolves between him and Philippe. There's a warmth streaming through the entire movie, and it's joyous and enigmatic. Plus, there is one undoubtable fact at play here...it's refreshingly funny.

The timing of the comedy is spot on. There is some dark, but great humour sprinkled between plot points and you'll definitely chuckle out loud at least a couple of times. It plays strongly on the limits bound to Philippe's condition (and quite bravely at points, I must add), while exploiting the "duck out of water" situation experienced by Driss, thankfully without too many clichés. Laughter is the drive to the whole plot, gluing it all together neatly as the pair's predicament and wordplay go hand-in-hand perfectly.

Although, there's still time for the serious moments: Philippe's panic attacks and "phantom pains", Driss's brother getting in trouble with drugs. But where the true drama fall here is in the "bromance" that starts to envelop our leads. There's wonderful chemistry between the pair, as we get to experience a clashing of their two worlds - they become the bridge between their two realms. 

One key way of demonstrating this is through the inclusion of a great soundtrack: a selection of funk and northern soul spread throughout, paired with classical interludes. The choice of music at poignant moments of the picture represents the change experienced by both characters while highlighting their alternate backgrounds. This is highlighted more literally in one of the most enjoyable scenes of the movie, where on Philippe's birthday they spar and chat about music. It's a perfect example of their blooming friendship and the light they expose from jabbing at each others' cultural differences.

The growing magnetism between boss and employee is thanks to some great performances from out leads. Cluzet is fantastic as always; calm, deep, emotional at just the right level when required. And, his measured performance adequately leaves room for Omar Sy to breathe in his portrayal of Driss. What's clear though is that Omar Sy is sensational. He plays a character so unmarred by the disability of Philippe, seeing through the chair that imprisons him and recognising the real man deep down. His rambunctious but charismatic execution of this role is the heart of the whole story. Thankfully, he owns the whole film.

There's a relentless amount of banter between them both too. Driss's blunt addresses to Philippe are partly what he admires about him. There's no pity there. Just honesty, which makes him feel full again. You notice too how Philippe melts into this direct approach from his new carer, while Driss opens his heart to his new boss and friend, in guiding him through life from a different perspective. Within these views, and through understanding each other further, a kinship is nurtured.

There is familiarity to the obscureness of new found friendship in the unlikeliest of places. This film has soul and it has truth. Plus, the fact that it's a true story, combined with its perfectly balanced humour, makes this an incredibly approachable piece and a must for those of you less familiar with foreign film. What's most beautiful about this tale however is, at its core, it's really Driss's story and about his achievement and redemption at all odds, purely through making a new buddy.

Friendship is a peculiar beast. There are those that we have known for years of with who we have bonds that reside deep within us...in a place where we feel there's no room for any more. That is until we are thrown together with a stranger by chance and a stronger connection to this unknown buried even deeper reveals itself. Untouchable identifies the care and consideration that reaches to the surface for those that we sometimes think are a world away from us, yet are actually closer to you than can comprehend. It taps into this natural affection that we all have the capacity for.

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