Untouchable
Directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano
Written by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano
with François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Audrey Fleuret
2011
A buddy comedy about a paralysed aristocrat and the ex-con he impulsively employs as a carer; it sounds sentimental and predictable, and to be honest is both those things. This doesn’t stop Untouchablebeing one of the most satisfying films of the year. It goes through all the clichés you’d expect: a wildly inappropriate job candidate impresses through their attitude and gets given a chance; the guy from a rough part of town shakes up a wealthy, restrained, and proper household; there’s even a cultural exchange – the old stand-by – as Philippe (François Cluzet) tries to introduce Driss (Omar Sy) to classical music, and Driss retaliates by taking over a staid birthday celebration with Earth, Wind & Fire.
Writer-directors Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano show that clichés can still be worked into something effective, and I think the main reason for this is simply that they don’t make a big deal out of them. They have managed to make a film where the plot is secondary to the relationship of the two main characters (which I suppose is the definition of a buddy comedy), and so the details of how they come to meet and the various trials they go through are unimportant compared to just watching the friendship develop. The whole relationship is fairly uncomplicated and amiable, a mutual respect present from the start and both men becoming fond of each other quite quickly. As that’s what makes the film as enjoyable as it is it means no pressure is put on the enjoyment, and the rest of the story drifts past charmingly. Extremely likeable rather than brilliant, but outstanding in terms of storytelling.
Tom
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