NEWS
EVENTS
Untouchable - Review
Thursday 18th October 2012 | Thomas
When you see a film “based on a true story” it’s always important to take this with the proverbial grain of salt as the reality usually is that it carries some sort of resemblance to real events but with huge fictional chunks added by the writers to turn it into competent (sometimes) narrative. Untouchable is no different, and this sugary sweet French comedy has its roots in the story of a wealthy quadriplegic who hires a young, small time con man as his full time helper. The stage is set for the “unlikely story” of two people from entirely different backgrounds learning from each other and developing a heartfelt relationship.
Whilst such description may sound damming, to its credit Untouchable is well written, humorous and ultimately held together by two brilliant central performances which paint an entirely believable picture of an unlikely relationship. The wealthy, French aristocrat Phillipe is played by François Cluzet who is as a great screen presence and brings a great deal of warmth to the role. However it is Driss, portrayed by Omar Sy who really stands out, his charisma is electrifying in particular in one scene which sees him dance to Earth, Wind and Fire’s ‘Boggie Wonderland’ at a high class party, as you watch he cannot stop smiling.
Both the stars and the supporting class manage to deliver more laughs than you would get with most modern Hollywood comedies and the film moves along at a brisk pace, it is not hard to see how this became the second highest grossing film in France to date. With the Weinstein Company juggernaut backing it I would not be surprised if it managed to pick up best foreign film when the Oscars role round.
The film is not without its limitations; it’s very light and you feel that it could have been slightly more hard hitting especially with the liberty it takes with the ethnicity of Driss. His real life counterpart is an Algerian man called Abel Sellou but the film makers decided that he should be Senegalese, in some way avoiding the racial politics between the French and their ex-colony. Although the choice completely plausible if they just chose Sy due to his immense talent.
Despite the punches it pulls Untouchable provides you with sweet, funny and moving depiction of a friendship that at times is nothing short of heart-warming.
