Intouchables
"Sometimes you have to reach into someone else's world to find out what's missing in your own."
The Intouchables - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Maserati
The Maserati symbolizes freedom, rebellion, and the fusion of Philippe's and Driss's worlds. It represents a life of luxury and speed that Philippe can no longer physically experience on his own, but that Driss reintroduces to him.
The film opens and closes with a high-speed chase in the Maserati, framing the narrative. Driss's reckless driving, with Philippe's encouragement, is a direct challenge to the constraints of Philippe's physical condition and the staid conventions of his life. It's a shared experience of exhilarating freedom that solidifies their bond.
Paragliding
Paragliding is a powerful symbol of both freedom and the fragility of life. It represents Philippe's past life of adventure and physical prowess, but also the accident that led to his paralysis.
The film depicts Philippe's paragliding accident in a flashback, establishing the source of his trauma. However, by the end of the film, Driss encourages Philippe to go paragliding again, this time in a specially designed tandem chair. This act symbolizes Philippe reclaiming a part of his former self and overcoming his fears, demonstrating the therapeutic and liberating power of his friendship with Driss.
The Fabergé Egg
The Fabergé egg is a symbol of trust, value, and the different ways in which Philippe and Driss perceive the world. Initially, it represents the cultural and economic gap between them.
Driss initially steals a Fabergé egg from Philippe's house, seeing it as a valuable object to be pawned. Later, when Driss leaves Philippe's service, Philippe gives him the egg as a gift, a gesture of trust and a memento of their time together. Driss returns the egg at the very end, placing it on the table before Philippe meets Eléonore, symbolizing that their friendship is the true treasure, not the object itself.
Art and Music
The juxtaposition of high art and popular culture, specifically classical music versus Earth, Wind & Fire, symbolizes the merging of Philippe and Driss's disparate worlds and the breaking down of cultural hierarchies.
At Philippe's birthday party, a classical music ensemble performs, leaving the guests sedate. Driss, feeling the party is too boring, puts on Earth, Wind & Fire's "Boogie Wonderland," which livens up the atmosphere and gets everyone dancing. This scene vividly illustrates Driss's influence on Philippe's rigid world, showing that joy and art can be found in many forms and that different cultural expressions can coexist and even enrich one another.
Philosophical Questions
What is the true nature of disability?
The film explores whether disability is purely a physical limitation or if it is also a social construct defined by the pity and discomfort of others. Philippe's statement that his true disability is living without his wife suggests that emotional and psychological suffering can be more profound than physical impairment. The film challenges the audience to question what it truly means to be limited and whether a fulfilling life is dependent on physical ability.
Can empathy and friendship overcome deep-seated social divisions?
"The Intouchables" directly engages with the question of whether personal connection can bridge the vast chasms of class, race, and culture that structure society. The central relationship between Philippe and Driss serves as a powerful argument in the affirmative. Their bond is presented as a force capable of dismantling prejudice and stereotypes, suggesting that on an individual level, humanity and compassion can triumph over societal constructs.
What is the relationship between happiness and wealth?
The film juxtaposes Philippe's immense wealth with his profound unhappiness, and Driss's poverty with his vibrant love of life. This raises the philosophical question of whether material possessions can bring true fulfillment. The narrative suggests that while wealth can provide comfort, it cannot buy happiness, which is found instead in genuine human relationships, shared experiences, and a sense of purpose.
Is it more compassionate to offer pity or to disregard a disability?
The film presents a compelling ethical dilemma regarding care and compassion. Philippe is surrounded by people who offer him professional care and pity, which he despises. He is drawn to Driss, who is initially ignorant of and later indifferent to the conventional etiquette surrounding disability. This raises the question of whether true compassion lies in acknowledging and respecting a person's vulnerability or in treating them with a sense of normalcy that allows them to forget their limitations.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "The Intouchables" is a powerful testament to the transformative power of human connection that transcends social barriers. The directors wanted to convey that true friendship is not bound by class, race, or physical ability. The film's central message is about finding joy, meaning, and a renewed zest for life through an unlikely bond built on mutual respect, honesty, and a shared humanity. It suggests that happiness is not determined by material wealth or physical wholeness but by the quality of one's relationships. The film also challenges societal perceptions of disability, portraying Philippe not as a victim to be pitied but as a complete individual with desires, humor, and flaws. Ultimately, "The Intouchables" is a celebration of life, emphasizing that empathy and genuine connection can bridge any divide and lead to profound personal growth for everyone involved.