Swe have an atypical journey, told in the book The Second Breath, had inspired the two directors Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. In 2011, thier film, Untouchableswas a box office success, attracting 19 million viewers and revealing to the general public the remarkable destiny of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, played on screen by François Cluzet. A triumph,even a critical one,which,according to Éric Toledano,very touched by the entrepreneur’s death,would not have been possible without his help,he who since their frist meeting ”knew how to break down barriers”.
the point: What feelings does the declaration of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo’s death inspire in you?
Eric Toledano: My reaction is immense sadness and the awareness of Philippe’s immense influence on our lives and our destinies… Mine and Olivier’s but also those of Omar (Sy), François (Cluzet) and the public through this movie, Untouchables, which crossed borders, which was adapted in America, for the theater…Today I want to remember the dignity and courage of this man who always showed the desire to never show his suffering, to always show something positive. I remember a phrase of his,heard in a period in which I still didn’t know him well and which left a strong impression on me: ”there is always a reason to rejoice every day,if only the good smell of coffee in the morning.” believe it or not, but every morning, from this sentence, the smell of coffee makes me think of Philippe. We learned so much from him…
Olivier and I still often meet people in armchairs who say thank you for the film, but it is Philippe we should be thanking. I thank him for this longevity of our friendship, he gave us regular updates and the whole management of the enormous impact of the film could not have gone better, thanks to his personality.
At the end of the “Intouchables” preview, Philippe had this great quote: “François knew how to capture my attention”
Do you remember your first meeting with him?
Yes, it was in Essaouira, where he lived and where we went with Olivier and Nicolas Duval (the producer ofUntouchablesed) to talk to him about the film. Suddenly we saw this guy coming straight towards us along the beach and laughing… In less then two minutes he broke down the barriers, there was no longer a person in a wheelchair with people standing, just a beautiful atmosphere and instantly a huge desire to introduce Philippe to François and Omar. They came there to meet him for a week, and that was the birth of the film. Upon release of the preview ofUntouchables, Philippe had this splendid phrase: “françois knew how to attract my attention. »
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yes, Philippe was a hero and his passing is a real pain. He donated part of the proceeds from the film to the houses of the Simon de Cyrène Federation and I like the fact that he contributed to improving the condition of disabled people through his way of thinking, his writings but also through this type of concrete actions. He is a hero because he suffered while he was fighting, he went on tiptoe and, as I saeid earlier on the phone to Omar Sy, we will have to continue to try to perpetuate all his struggles, to ensure that all his actions do not they disappear. with him. We will continue to respond with the film whenever we are asked.
What themes in Philippe Pozzo di Borgo’s story resonate most with audiences?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Film Expert
Editor: thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss teh remarkable influence of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, as highlighted in the documentary The Second breath, and how it set the stage for the film Untouchables. Let’s start with the impact this story had on French cinema. What are your thoughts?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo is indeed compelling, and it resonates with many people for various reasons. His journey, marked by resilience and friendship, brought a fresh viewpoint to narratives about disability. The success of Untouchables, which captured this essence, laid the groundwork for more inclusive storytelling in the film industry.
Editor: Untouchables was a monumental hit, drawing in 19 million viewers. What do you think made it stand out compared to other films?
Expert: The film’s unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling set it apart. At its core,it’s a deeply human story about friendship that transcends societal barriers. Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache managed to balance these elements skillfully, allowing the audience to connect with both the comedy and the poignant moments.Philippe’s life, portrayed through François Cluzet’s performance, touched many hearts—demonstrating how friendship can flourish in unexpected circumstances.
Editor: Éric Toledano mentioned that the film wouldn’t have been possible without Pozzo di Borgo’s influence in breaking down barriers. Can you elaborate on that relationship?
Expert: Absolutely. Philippe’s willingness to share his story and experiences was crucial for the filmmakers. He has a remarkable ability to foster connection and understanding, which is reflected in the film. Their collaboration was not just professional but deeply personal, giving the directors access to insights that formed the emotional backbone of the narrative.
Editor: In what ways do you think Untouchables influenced the broader cultural discourse surrounding disabilities in France?
Expert: It opened up conversations about inclusion and depiction in media. The film challenged stereotypes and prompted audiences to consider the realities of living with disabilities in a more nuanced light. This cultural shift paved the way for more diverse stories to be told, as people began to see the value in exploring experiences outside their own.
Editor: how do you see the legacy of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo continuing in today’s films?
Expert: His legacy is meaningful and ongoing. The dialogues initiated by his story persist, encouraging filmmakers to focus on characters that reflect real-life complexity. we are seeing more projects that strive for authenticity and representation, inspired by the human experiences illustrated in works like Untouchables. As a result,I believe that filmmakers will continue to draw from narratives that emphasize empathy and shared humanity.
Editor: Thank you for your insights.It’s engaging to see how one individual’s story can ripple through the film industry and beyond.We appreciate your time and expertise today.
Expert: Thank you for having me.It’s always a pleasure to discuss such meaningful topics.
