Untouchable

Released: 2012

Directed By: Olivier Nakache/Eric Toledano

Starring: Omar Sy, Francois Cluzet

Certificate: 15

Reviewed By: Darryl Griffiths

Metaphorically speaking, Harvey Weinstein sure knows which ‘horse’ to put his money on. It was only February of this year we bared witness to his masterful ability to create a sleeper hit. The awards season success of silent sensation ‘The Artist’ beating the competition black and white solidifed his status. Clearly on good terms with various inhabitants of France, he’s thrown his backing behind this unlikely true story. Already a worldwide hit and smashing box office record on home turf to pieces, can ‘Untouchable’ justify the hype?

‘Untouchable’ depicts the forming of a ‘chalk and cheese’ friendship. With the dark cloud of unemployment hanging over him and the fragility of his family life, Driss has succumbed to underhanded criminality to get by. Eager for a signature in order to claim benefits, he casually heads along to an interview that only ends up accentuating the notion of ‘small fish in a big pond’. Surrounded by pompous rivals, he applies to be a carer for wealthy quadriplegic Phillipe played by Francois Cluzet.

Declaring more of an interest in Phillipe’s auburn haired assistant Magalie (Audrey Fleurot) than the position, the physically challenged millionaire sees through Driss’ playful demeanour and makes the leftfield decision of providing him with a trial month. Before long, the odd couple develop a remarkable bond as they mischeviously banter about their tastes of music, the opposite sex whilst shrouded in cigarette smoke. More importantly for both their emotional security, they inject a reality check into each other’s lives instead of the token sympathy they’re drowned in by their nearest and dearest.

The central performances from Omar Sy and Francois Cluzet are nothing short of sensational. With the simplistic story slicing through the sentimentality with precision, they both escape from the confines of their archetypal stereotypes. Sy’s Driss provides the classic ‘rags to riches’ element and undeniable charisma. Cluzet’s heartbreaking restraint as Phillipe never feels manipulative or contrived as he battles to seek a life that subverts expectations. Combine the two plights together and they prove near irresistable not to root for.

Admittedly, the film’s comic potshots are undoubtedly broad. Driss’ colourful dancing to 1970’s disco classics (Earth Wind And Fire alert!), various references to popular/much revered figures (Obama.. Bieber!?) and whilst they are rooted in cliche, the execution never drops any lower than the delightfully funny mark.

Cynics have claimed there’s a politically incorrect undercurrent to the film, with its black man serving a rich white guy premise implying it’s filmmakers are stuck in the dark ages. Missing the point, ‘Untouchable’ never threatens to be a film firmly based on racial or cultural prejudices.

Heartwarming without too much manufactured schmaltz. Brimming with optimism and zest of life without the heavy handed preaching. ‘Untouchable’ is a bonafide charmer/weeper that deserves to transcend the foreign language barrier.

Merci to the French!