The Vernon Film Society is starting a new exciting season of films at the Vernon Towne Cinema on Monday.
They will be shown at the usual times of 5:15 and 7:45 p.m. Fall programs are available at the theatre, the Vernon Public Art Gallery, and other outlets around town.
The first film of the season is the award winning crowd pleaser, The Intouchables.
The movie tells the story of the improbable friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and a young offender of Sengalese descent.
Based on a true story, the young man, Driss (played by Omar Sy), applies for a job as a caregiver to Philippe (Francois Cluzet), who has been injured in a paragliding accident. He only applies as he needs proof he is looking for work to continue to get state benefits.
Philippe is looking for someone who will not pity him, and against others’ wishes, he hires Driss. He is charmed by Driss’ brash self confidence and sometimes brutal straightforwardness, and a friendship is born.
Driss learns from Philippe, as Philippe learns from Driss, and there is much humour in the movie.
Attending art gallery openings and concerts is a revelation to Driss who was brought up in the high-rise ghettos of Paris. He attempts to liven up the concert goers with his own kind of music and even manages a con with painting a modern “masterpiece” and selling it.
The movie has broken box office records as one of the highest grossing non-English language films of all times and was nominated for nine awards at France’s Cesar Awards. Sy won Best Actor, beating Jean Dujardin (The Artist).
Audiences have been laughing at this enjoyable culture-clash comedy about a friendship that transcends the social and economic divide. Critic Roger David Kaplan wrote: “The Intouchables is a special film for mature audiences. No special effects, no 3D, just a solid story with extraordinary actors giving memorable performances.”
The film is in French with English sub-titles.
Tickets are $7, available at the door, the Bean Scene, and the Towne Cinema.
