Intouchables (2011)

Brief Intro

“Intouchables,” a 2011 French comedy-drama directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, tells the heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic, and Driss, a lively young man from the projects. The film beautifully explores themes of friendship, social class, and resilience, blending humor and poignancy in a captivating narrative.

Literary Devices Used in Intouchables

Here are ten literary devices used in the film, each illustrated with two specific examples:

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Philippe’s soaring paragliding scenes	Metaphor for freedom and escape from physical limitations.
Driss painting in Philippe’s mansion	Represents Driss’s creative expression and new beginnings.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The painting Driss creates	Symbolizes Driss’s untapped potential and individuality.
Philippe’s expensive art collection	Represents his wealth and the barriers between social classes.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Driss’s inappropriate behavior at the interview	Ironically lands him the job because Philippe values his honesty.
Philippe enjoying Driss’s crude humor	Despite his refined tastes, Philippe appreciates Driss’s unfiltered perspective.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Driss’s street dance versus classical music	Highlights the contrast between their worlds and personalities.
The opulence of Philippe’s mansion versus Driss’s modest background	Emphasizes social disparities and their unlikely bond.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Driss’s backstory and criminal record	Hints at the challenges he will face and overcome throughout the film.
Philippe’s flashbacks to his accident	Prepares the audience for understanding his condition and past traumas.

Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Philippe reminiscing about his wife	Provides context to his loneliness and emotional state.
Driss recalling his struggles	Explains his tough exterior and need for acceptance.

Dialogue

Movie Scene	Device Example
Driss joking about Philippe’s condition	Breaks tension and builds their camaraderie.
Conversations about art and music	Reveal their contrasting backgrounds and evolving relationship.

Humor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Driss’s attempts at caregiving	Uses humor to address serious themes and highlight his unconventional methods.
The prank with the hot spoon	Shows the playful dynamic between Philippe and Driss.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Paragliding and outdoor activities	Recur throughout the film, symbolizing freedom and breaking boundaries.
Music (classical vs. contemporary)	Represents their cultural differences and eventual harmony.

Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
Scenic views during paragliding	Evokes a sense of freedom and exhilaration.
Detailed shots of Philippe’s luxurious home	Contrasts with Driss’s background, emphasizing their differences.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Philippe

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Despite his wealth, Philippe is emotionally and physically confined, contrasting with Driss.
Symbolism	His art collection symbolizes the walls he’s built around himself.

Driss

Literary Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Driss’s vibrant personality and background contrast sharply with Philippe’s refined world.
Humor	His humor breaks down social barriers and builds a genuine connection with Philippe.

Character Dynamics

Philippe and Driss’s relationship drives the narrative, highlighting themes of friendship and social integration. Their interactions, rich with humor and honesty, reveal their personal growth and mutual respect. This dynamic is a testament to how relationships can transcend social and physical barriers, creating a compelling and heartwarming story.

Thematic Analysis

Friendship and Trust

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Despite their differences, Philippe and Driss develop a deep, trusting friendship.
Humor	Their playful banter and jokes help build trust and break down barriers.

Social Class and Inequality

Literary Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	The stark contrast between Philippe’s opulent lifestyle and Driss’s humble beginnings.
Symbolism	Philippe’s art collection and Driss’s streetwise demeanor highlight the disparity in their backgrounds.

Overcoming Adversity

Literary Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Paragliding scenes metaphorically represent overcoming physical and emotional limitations.
Flashback	Provides context to the characters’ past struggles and their journey towards resilience.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Metaphor	Aerial shots during paragliding	These shots symbolize freedom and the characters’ journey towards breaking free from limitations.
Irony	Contrasting music	Use of classical music in scenes with Driss’s street dance highlights the irony of their friendship.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

1. Interview Scene
   YouTube Link
   This scene uses humor and irony to set the tone for Philippe and Driss’s relationship. Driss’s candid behavior, juxtaposed with the formal setting, creates a memorable and impactful introduction to their dynamic.
2. Paragliding Scene
   YouTube Link
   A powerful metaphor for freedom and overcoming limitations, this scene visually captures the essence of the film’s themes through stunning aerial cinematography and emotional depth.

Conclusion

To engage readers and test their understanding, here’s an interactive quiz on the literary devices used in “Intouchables”:

Quiz

1. Which literary device is used when Driss jokes about Philippe’s condition?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Irony
   • C) Flashback
2. What does the paragliding scene symbolize in the movie?
   • A) Wealth
   • B) Freedom
   • C) Conflict
3. Which device is evident in the stark contrast between Philippe’s mansion and Driss’s background?
   • A) Juxtaposition
   • B) Symbolism
   • C) Dialogue

Correct Answers:

1. B) Irony
2. B) Freedom
3. A) Juxtaposition