The Intouchables (B or 3/4 stars)
French movie sensation (it's made over $360 million worldwide & counting) 'The Intouchables' is now taking America's art house audience by storm. Philippe (Francois Cluzet) is paralyzed from the neck down as a result of a paragliding accident; though, he's remarkably good-natured about his lot in life. He lives in a luxurious Paris apartment with his spoiled teen daughter & loyal members of his staff. Since his accident, he has gone through a number of caregivers, & now he's interviewing once again for his around-the-clock care. After a lengthy wait, an oddball named "Driss" (Omar Sy) barges impatiently into the interview room.
He's really there to get someone to sign his form saying that he applied for a job & was rejected so that he can receive French unemployment "benefits". But though he is a lower-class street thief, there is something about this Senegalese man's jest for life that appeals to Philippe; and he hires Driss for a 1 month trial. As a caregiver, Driss has no idea what he is doing {but that's part of the fun}. Driss moves into Philippe's lavish apartment (and an enormous bedroom with a private bathroom that contrasts his own family's crowded apartment). During his training month, Driss learns all the small, but important details of caring for a quadriplegic.
Among the pleasures that Driss shares with his newfound friend are speeding down the highway while Earth, Wind, & Fire blares on the car radio, smoking joints, getting head massages, & dancing at Phillipe's stuffy birthday party. For his part, Philippe introduces his new pal to the wonders of modern art & the opera {in a very funny scene}. Some drama enters the plot to cut the humor. And though the ending feels a bit trite, I can't say that I didn't enjoy myself throughout the proceedings. This is a movie that is chock full of wonderful movie moments.
Written & directed by Olivier Nakache & Eric Toledano, this (loosely) based on a true story is about the development of an unlikely friendship, and offers some nice ideas about the spontaneous & laughter-filled dimensions of care giving. In a touching way, it also goes to show the loneliness that handicapped individuals must bear. In one of his most tender acts, Driss encourages Philippe to reach out and finally meet the woman who he has been corresponding with for over 6 months. He believes that Phillipe needs some intimacy; both physically & emotionally.
French film veteran Francois Cluzet (Dustin Hoffman lookalike) & Omar Sy are both excellent. They "get" their characters; infusing them with vulnerability & warmth. In fact, Omar Sy's overwhelming physical presence, jovial laughter, & humorous dance moves shows us the prototype of typical (and typically wonderful) French talent. If you don't obsess over how factual this "based on a true story" is, you'll be sure to enjoy 'The Intouchables' anyway. It's funny, heartwarming ... really, a movie-movie; the kind that you want to go to the theater & experience.
He's really there to get someone to sign his form saying that he applied for a job & was rejected so that he can receive French unemployment "benefits". But though he is a lower-class street thief, there is something about this Senegalese man's jest for life that appeals to Philippe; and he hires Driss for a 1 month trial. As a caregiver, Driss has no idea what he is doing {but that's part of the fun}. Driss moves into Philippe's lavish apartment (and an enormous bedroom with a private bathroom that contrasts his own family's crowded apartment). During his training month, Driss learns all the small, but important details of caring for a quadriplegic.
Among the pleasures that Driss shares with his newfound friend are speeding down the highway while Earth, Wind, & Fire blares on the car radio, smoking joints, getting head massages, & dancing at Phillipe's stuffy birthday party. For his part, Philippe introduces his new pal to the wonders of modern art & the opera {in a very funny scene}. Some drama enters the plot to cut the humor. And though the ending feels a bit trite, I can't say that I didn't enjoy myself throughout the proceedings. This is a movie that is chock full of wonderful movie moments.
Written & directed by Olivier Nakache & Eric Toledano, this (loosely) based on a true story is about the development of an unlikely friendship, and offers some nice ideas about the spontaneous & laughter-filled dimensions of care giving. In a touching way, it also goes to show the loneliness that handicapped individuals must bear. In one of his most tender acts, Driss encourages Philippe to reach out and finally meet the woman who he has been corresponding with for over 6 months. He believes that Phillipe needs some intimacy; both physically & emotionally.
French film veteran Francois Cluzet (Dustin Hoffman lookalike) & Omar Sy are both excellent. They "get" their characters; infusing them with vulnerability & warmth. In fact, Omar Sy's overwhelming physical presence, jovial laughter, & humorous dance moves shows us the prototype of typical (and typically wonderful) French talent. If you don't obsess over how factual this "based on a true story" is, you'll be sure to enjoy 'The Intouchables' anyway. It's funny, heartwarming ... really, a movie-movie; the kind that you want to go to the theater & experience.