The Intouchables: A Film About Friendship and Independence

The Intouchables is a 2011 French comedy-drama film that tells the story of the friendship which was born out of a boss-employee relationship. It is the story of Philippe, an extremely wealthy quadriplegic who has hired Driss to take care of him 24/7.

What was notable in the visual aspect of the film was how it contrasted the differing lives of Philippe and Driss. Philippe is serious in his demeanor and lives in a beautiful mansion with rooms adorned with the dominant color of gold symbolizing prosperity. Driss on the other hand does not have his own home and was recently kicked out of the house where he lives because of his irresponsible behavior. He is a light-hearted guy who is physically healthy. The contrast between the two characters contributed to their compatibility as a duo.

The film also touches on the theme of dependence and eventually, independence. Dependence was shown in the daily chores of Driss –bathing Philippe, putting stockings on him, even cleaning Philippe’s bottom and finally tending to Philippe when he would have bouts of difficulty in breathing. Driss was dependent on Philippe financially. Towards the end of the film however, Independence was slowly taking into form when Philippe gave his blessing to Driss that he could go home in order for him to take care of his family. Philippe was also becoming independent by leaving Philippe despite his comfortable lifestyle at Philippe's mansion.

At the last part of the movie, when Driss was requested to visit Philippe once more and they went into a restaurant, Philippe got the surprise of his life when Eleanore, whom he has been sharing an epistolary relationship with for years arrives and Philippe becomes teary-eyed and expresses his thanks to Driss who is seen waving goodbye happily. This scene gives a
conclusion as to what the film is all about – learning to be independent through dependence.
Nothing is permanent in this world -people come and go in our lives but the learning, the joy brought forth by the friendship we build is what’s permanent and is the very thing that helps us be better individuals.