Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II & IV • August 29, 2012 ‘The Intouchables’ is joyous look at friendship by Dennis Seuling “The Intouchables,” the second-most-attended film in France’s history, has become an international smash and recently opened widely in the tri-state area. It is a feel-good movie and a refreshing change of pace from the type of movies usually turned out by Hollywood. Based on a true story, but elaborated on considerably, it contains solid characters played by superb actors and the kind of laughs generated by unlikely situations rather than punch lines. In present-day France, Phillippe (Francois Cluzet) is a wealthy, cultured, middle-aged, white quadriplegic in need of a live-in companion to assist him in the daily routines of living, grooming, and getting around. He bypasses far more qualified caretakers in favor of Driss (Omar Sy), a poor, black, ill-educated small-time criminal, because he is impressed with Driss’ candid, tell-it-like-it-is style and complete lack of pity. The match is not exactly one made in heaven. Driss has absolutely no experience in health care and showed up for the job interview only to get a certificate entitling him to receive welfare. Though Driss is initially a frightening presence to the rest of Phillippe’s household staff, his humanity shines through and a bond forms between Driss and Phillippe. A buddy film with a twist, it relies for its laughs on the vast inequality of the two partners and the fish-outof-water situation. Viewers get a glimpse of Driss’ life of poverty and crime and fear that his future can only hold an early death on the streets or incarceration. His chance at a better life is his employment and responsibility for the care of another human being. His life becomes more than getting by day to day. Driss brings many of his rough edges to the job, providing plenty of chuckles along the way, though his inherent decency touches not only Phillippe, but also the other members of the household. The film succeeds largely because of the chemistry between Cluzet and Sy. Sy, in particular, is an absolute charmer with his enormous smile, mischievous sense of humor, and penchant for speaking his mind. He is reminiscent of the young Eddie Murphy with his loud laughter and wicked twinkle in the eyes, yet etches a unique impression. His acting is completely natural, and he conveys not only incredulousness at the lifestyle of his rich boss, but inner sadness resulting from family estrangement. Though he is being paid and is now self-sufficient, Driss has not Phillippe (Francois Cluzet), a millionaire paraplegic, hires the street-smart Driss (Omar Sy) as his unlikely caretaker in ‘The Intouchables.’ completely left his former life behind. He is growing as a man, becoming not merely a servant to Philippe, but also a confidant and teacher. As a result, he makes Phillippe’s life more interesting, even encouraging him in matters of the heart. “The Intouchables” is co-directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, who tell their tale with panache. There are certainly messages to be gleaned, yet the film is not at all preachy. Both characters learn from each other. Driss experiences a more genteel lifestyle of privilege, while Phillippe is pushed beyond his comfort zone. There is a delightful sequence in which Phillippe buys a piece of modern art at a hefty price, much to the amazement of Driss, who sees the canvas as childlike doodling. The payoff to the scene occurs later when Driss takes up painting on his own and (continued on Crossword page)