The Omnibus Entertainment division of New York-based foreign film god Film Movement releasing the 2016 Argentinian dramedy "Inseparables" on DVD on August 1, 2017 shows exceptional timing. This "ripped-from-the-headlines" story about the strong bond that develops between wealthy quadriplegic Felipe and his brash working-class ex-con caregiver Tito comes out the same day that Movement prime is releasing (the Unreal TV reviewed) "amnesia," about a 25 year-old techno DJ bonding with his 70 year-old downstairs neighbor.
Another notable aspect of "Inseparables" is that it is based on the mega-successful 2011 French dramedy "The Intouchables." That one takes a slightly different take on the disabled rich guy deeply connecting with the "slumdog" who is hired to care for him. Of course, "Driving Miss Daisy" is the mother of both films.
The only criticism of "Inseparables" indirectly comes courtesy of film critic Leonard Maltin. Maltin is not shy about expressing his dislike of what is considered a mostly ubiquitous modern film technique of beginning a film in the future and quickly shifting the action to the prior period that leads up to the opening sequence. The observations of Maltin include that this once innovative narrative tool is now very mainstream.
The Maltin digression relates to the first several minutes of "Inseparables" in which Tito is recklessly driving a Mercedes roadster with a happy Felipe in the passenger seat. The action soon changes to an unhappy Felipe interviewing caregiver candidates while then-gardener Tito is outside arguing with the head gardener.
The following YouTube clip of the Movement trailer for "Inseparables" nicely highlights the feel-good humor of the film.
In believable fashion, the highly intuitive Felipe sees great potential in Tito; this leads the former hiring a reluctant hot-blooded excitable boy to provide all manner of disgusting (but necessary) services. Some of these duties require wearing rubber gloves.
Great humor relates to the proud and strong-willed Tito initially displaying strong (but futile) resistance regarding several aspects of his job. We also see him not be so great at carrying Felipe and hilariously mixing up personal care products. The look on the face of Felipe regarding misuse of foot cream is hilarious.
These early scenes also establish the challenging home life of Tito in a manner that shows the sensitive interior of this macho man.
Much of "Inseparables" focuses on the assertive efforts of Tito to get his employer fully back in the game after his paralyzing accident and the devastating end of his marriage. This includes an amusing take on the cliched montage involving one character trying on numerous outfits while another one offers non-verbal feedback.
A modern "Mary Poppins" element exists regarding the relationship between Tito and the teen daughter of Felipe; things start with her barging into his room without knocking because she effectively owns the place. The power dynamic shifts when he comes across her in a vulnerable moment. The manner is which Tito handles this teen trauma is priceless.
The "slob" v. "snob" aspect of the film fully comes through in a scene in which Tito shakes up a stuffy party.
The interaction with the filthy rich and somewhat famous also introduces Tito to the art world in a potentially lucrative manner. The awesomeness of this is is that it reinforces the common view of modern art.
The worlds of the two leads dramatically colliding near the end of the film requires that Felipe evaluate his mentor role. He shows his typically good instincts in making the right decision.
The audience then returns back to the future in the form of going to the opening scene of "Inseparables." This leads to an adventure that provides both characters terrific closure.
The twist on the always popular "where are they now" segments at the end has the audience leave with a sense of being happy about taking the time to get to know these two guys. It further enhances the sense of hope of finding the right person at the right time when we are in a period of crisis.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Inseparables" is strongly encouraged to email me; you alternatively can connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
No comments:
Post a Comment