Ancillary #5
The film, “Les Intouchables” was not found to be as appealing/ commercially successful in America as it was in France due to the American obsession with political correctness. American critics are hyper-conscious about issues of race due to the racial trauma deeply embedded in our society dating back to the arrival of the first African slave ship. The issue of immigration in France, however, is not as tied to race/racism as it is in America, thus racial stereotypes are not widely acknowledged/ do not carry the cultural weight that they do in America. The issues of religion, native culture, and language differences associated with immigration in France are more stigmatized than is skin color. Because the film does not touch much on Driss’s religion, native culture, and language- his character is revered and deemed inoffensive. We have sympathy towards him because of his cheery demeanor in spite of his socio-economic status/ against all odds.
American critics have been quick to note that the characters Phillipe and Driss are caricatures, predictable, and textbook (outdated ones from the glory days of the American South) versions of the groups they represent. Driss’s character has been interpreted as optimistic, and aspirational, and his relationship to Phillipe mirrors a “white-savior complex” or the uniquely American tropes of the “Uncle Tom” or “Magical Negro”. Driss can be used to appease some of the French unease/ unrest towards immigrants by putting a friendly, likable face to the population. The film heralds the end of racism (as the kids mock, “that was the day racism was solved”) because of the close bond formed by these two men.
In bell hooks’ essay, “Eating the Other: Desire and Resistance”, she talks about white people’s “consumption” of the exotic “other” in order to make themselves feel more alive. Many critics adopt this line of reasoning against “Les Intouchables”. An American remake of the movie was made in 2018, however, called “The Upside” which starred Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston which is said to have adapted the story to be more appropriate for American audiences (I have not seen it).
This being said, “Les Intouchables” is a feel-good fan-favorite among both French and American audiences, but unlike the French film industry, American critics were not quick to acclaim it due to their lens of critical race theory.
