Untouchable (France, 2011) is the biggest ever non-American film at the global box office, a massive hit in a very wide range of territories. What makes it so ‘universal’ in appeal despite its grounding in French language and culture? (And why is that a question we don’t usually ask about American films?) The event will explore issues around Genre and Representation, questioning how narrative conventions transcend cultural boundaries – but also recognising that sometimes local cultural preferences get in the way. The event will be suitable for any AS/A2 students of Film & Media interested in how popular cinema works in a global context.
This session will be led by Roy Stafford, Freelance Film Educator.
Screening: Untouchable (15)
Dirs Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano / France 2011 / 113 mins / In French with English subtitles / François Cluzet, Omar Sy
Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano’s comedy-drama Untouchable took the French box office by storm when it was released in November 2011. Paralysed from the neck down following a paragliding accident, millionaire Philippe lives a quiet life in a stylish Parisian apartment. When he hires Driss, a forthright ex-con as his carer, their unlikely friendship and growing bond give Philippe a new lease of life.