3.5/5
Stars
The performances are excellent. François
Cluzet, who plays the rich quadriplegic, gives a brilliant performance. In
spite of being confined to a wheelchair throughout the film, he manages to hold
your attention till the very end. Be it in the scene where he fakes an
epileptic attack or one in which he is getting turned on by a lady masseuse
rubbing his ears, François acts to sublime perfection.
Based on the book "You Changed My
Life" by Abdel Sellou, ‘The Intouchables’ is an uplifting comedy about
human bonding, trust and hope. It is about the friendship between a handicapped
millionaire Philippe (François Cluzet) and his caretaker Driss (Omar Sy). It
begins with a false start for Driss, who finds it difficult to adapt to this
new routine where he has to literally ‘baby-sit’ his master. Subsequently, he
gets closer to Philippe, hence developing a close friendship. There are a lot
of funny moments in this film. Embedded within them are some harsh realities
that exist in any human society. During its closing moments the film fills the
viewer with a lot of hope and goodness (much needed in this day and age).
The performances are excellent. François
Cluzet, who plays the rich quadriplegic, gives a brilliant performance. In
spite of being confined to a wheelchair throughout the film, he manages to hold
your attention till the very end. Be it in the scene where he fakes an
epileptic attack or one in which he is getting turned on by a lady masseuse
rubbing his ears, François acts to sublime perfection.
As for the caretaker played by Omar Sy, the
character had to be goofy, intense, compassionate, helpless, righteous,
directionless and so much more at the same time. Omar Sy’s role was a tall ask,
and the actor performs with a lot of ease.
The writing was the most interesting aspect
in the film. The film was interspersed with understated scenes and subtle
dialogues. There was nothing over-the-top about the performances. No emotional
outbursts, unnecessary tears or pointless melodrama. This film was purely about
the relationship between a master and his caretaker. The friendship part,
although not blatantly portrayed, did appear at regular intervals.
The story moves along nicely in spite of
not having too many side-tracks. The film was more of a collection of moments,
than being a narrative. The film speaks less, yet ends up conveying so much
more.
The music (by Ludovico Einaudi) comprises
an eclectic mix. The selection was great and even the background score
perfectly tailors into the narrative of the film.
Since this French film was dubbed in
English and not subtitled, it would not be possible to comment on the dialogue
delivery of the artistes. However, the dubbing is neatly done. Not for a moment
do the words and the lip movement seem out-of-sync. Since the operative
language was French, it must have been much easier for the dubbing artistes to
pull off the dialogues. The dubbed version is perfect for the Indian audiences,
since a majority is not accustomed to watching foreign-language films with
subtitles.
The directors (Olivier Nakache and Éric
Toledano) do a marvellous job of adapting this story. Although, the film does
run a little long at 2 hours, the message is well-intended and conveyed well.
A simple plot about complex relationships
along with an enthralling score and brilliant performances, make ‘The
Intouchables’ a must-watch.
The Intouchables has grossed more than $300
million worldwide (excluding the US), which is a record for a foreign-language
movie. Omar Sy has bagged a Cesar Award for Best Actor (the first Black actor
to ever do so). Hence, if not for the touching storyline and the heart-rending
performances, watch it for it’s been accepted worldwide. You should accept it
too. (First Posted in MSN)
Shivom
Oza
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