I'm a little late to the party with this one - Sadly I've lost touch with foreign cinema since moving away from Manchester and not having a wonderful arthouse cinema on my doorstep anymore!
Intouchables was well worth the wait though! It tells the story of a rich disabled man, Philippe, looking to recruit a new carer. Driss, recently released from prison and living in the suburbs, is just looking for a signature to prove that he has attended the interview so that he can continue claiming his benefits.
When he gets called back to trial for the job, a unique bond forms between the pair. Driss does not approach Philippe's disability as others do. Instead he injects a dark sense of humour into the proceedings, asking personal questions that make Philippe feel human and alive again, rather than being in the way, or a vessel for another person's pity.
A tale of this kind always runs the risk of being too "Hallmark" - two people becoming friends against the odds in a forced scenario that comes across as insincere. Intouchables side-steps this pitfall, though. The idea that these two protagonists could become allies is made believable by some fine acting performances, a subtle script and excellent cinematography.
Realism is kept through sparing use of "shaky-cam", especially as we follow Driss though the uncertain world of the suburbs, yet dramatic scenes are static, allowing them to resonate.
Close-up shots allow the actors to shine and reveal subtle, complex emotion without the need for elaborate dialogue. For example, in a scene where Driss shares his passion for disco music with Philippe, We can see that Philippe feels alive through watching Driss dance, and yet the pain at not being able to join him is ever visible in his eyes.
I also love a film that isn't afraid to allow the camera to pull back and show an action set-piece in full, rather than relying on close-up, fast-paced edits to create momentum. The car chase in the opening sequence is no less dramatic for it.
The humour is what makes this film so heartwarming, though. There are some fine moments that I won't dare spoil, as Driss explores Philippe's disability, and the two men's worlds collide. I will say only this: scalding tea, earlobes, modern art, spoon-to-the-face, singing tree, moustache.
...lest I forget the stunning Ludovico Einaudi soundtrack!
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