The Intouchables (2011)
When the French attempt to make a normal comedy, they’re intouchable!
Presentation:
French films often teeter on the line of experimental absurdism especially the critically acclaimed ones from cinephiles. Any notable French film will inevitably carry this self-fulfilling identity and so it provokes a double take when a relatively normal French buddy comedy reaches an 8.6 on IMDB with over a million reviews. This drama is simple, honest, endearing and put a smile on my face the entire time. I can’t even remember if I laughed or not because I was so immersed due to the lensing and performances. Usually I will take a mental break, perhaps think about what time it is, analyze a frame, stop and appreciate a cinematic element, but I didn’t do that once for this film start to finish. I wanted to be friends with the two, or at least for them to be friends in real life. The likability of the cast powers through any potential clichés while making us dream that more friendships could be like this.
Conclusion:
This is more than just a good film is because it doesn’t have the agenda of a good racial barrier film - it is, but from the duo’s chemistry, you can make the argument it’s a great friendship film. Many movies these days especially regarding this topic pursue solemn gravitas for cinephillic prestige, so it’s welcome to have more films that are fun and lift up your mood. Cinema doesn’t always need to be complicated, it can simply make us happy. The last time I felt this warm hearted was watching The Green Book, so if you’re in the mood to be in a good mood, the reviews are definitely spot on for this one. When the French attempt to make a normal comedy, they are intouchable!
Recommendations
A reason to return to IMAX theaters at light speed.