In The Intouchables, an unlikely bromance blooms between a blue-blooded quadriplegic and an ex-convict who becomes his caretaker. The latter is of Senegalese descent, but can race or class lines deter their improbable bond? Of course not. The film did sensationally at the box office in its native France this past winter, which begs the question: Do the French have a thing for romanticizing the black help, too?
The Intouchables doesn’t rely on the kindness of the obsequious to justify the friendship — the leads vibe as men who have lived life on the edge and still enjoy taking chances. This connection morphs into a shared penchant for meddling; they push each other’s buttons but all is made well with a little boogie time to Earth, Wind and Fire. Yes, the black caretaker jams to funk throughout the film. I guess the French have adopted that trope, too.
