Record entries for Untouchable
The hit comedy about a rich Parisian and his carer has become the most watched French film outside France
LAST year’s blockbuster Intouchables (Untouchable) has taken the world box office entries record for a French film.
The film, based on a real-life story of a wealthy Paris aristocrat with severe disabilities and his friendship with his carer from a disadvantaged, ethnic minority background, has been seen by about 25 million people so far, says UniFrance, a body responsible for promoting French films abroad.
After coming out in November 2011 Intouchables has now beaten the record of 23.1 million set by Amélie in 2001, which can be compared to a total world box office for French films last year of 66million.
The success is despite the fact it has yet to be shown in several countries, including the UK, New Zealand and Australia. It has been sold to 50 countries so far and is to be remade in America.
In the film François Cluzet plays the role of the employer, Philippe (inspired by author Philippe Pozzo di Borgo), with Omar Sy as the carer, Driss.
It has been especially popular in Germany, where 8.6 million tickets have been sold.
In France around 20 million people have now seen it, just short of the 20.5 million who saw the 2008 comedy Bienvenu Chez Les Ch’tis.
In third place is La Grande Vadrouille (1966) - which had held the top spot for 42 years at 17 million – a Franco-British comedy with stars including Terry-Thomas and Louis de Funès, about British airmen shot down over occupied France being helped to escape by the French.
