The screenplay for the 2011 French film The Intouchables , written by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, explores the unlikely friendship between a quadriplegic aristocrat and his caretaker, blending emotional drama with comedy. It focuses on themes of dignity, mutual transformation, and the clash of social classes through sharp, humorous dialogue. The script is recognized for its dynamic character arcs and effective use of a flash-forward, in-media-res opening.
Some websites specialize in movie scripts. You can try searching for the script on sites like:
These educational sites often compile award-winning international scripts. Look for the script labeled Untouchable (the international English title). The PDF is usually formatted in standard Courier 12pt, making it easy to read on an iPad or laptop.
In the PDF, note the page where Driss walks out of the opera, laughing loudly. Then note the page where Philippe smiles silently. The script uses white space and parentheticals like (silence) and (a long look) to slow down time. This is rare in action-driven Hollywood scripts. The Intouchables Script Pdf
Q: Is The Intouchables script available in English PDF for free? A: Yes, sites like IMSDB and Script PDF Drive offer free versions, but they are user-transcribed. For 100% accuracy, cross-reference them with the official subtitles of the film.
Q: Is there an official PDF from the Academy? A: No. The film was nominated for a César Award (France's Oscar), but the script was not submitted to the AMPAS library in English. The French version is the only "official" master copy.
Q: How long is the script? A: The shooting script runs approximately 118 pages, matching the film's 112-minute runtime (standard one page per minute). The screenplay for the 2011 French film The
Since the release of The Intouchables, you have seen its DNA in other films. The 2017 Kevin Hart/Bryan Cranston remake The Upside used almost the exact same script with changed cultural references. But beyond the remake, look at films like Green Book (2018) or The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019). They all owe a debt to The Intouchables.
The script proved that a story about "rich disabled white guy helps poor black guy" is actually the reverse. In Nakache and Toledano’s script, Driss saves Philippe by teaching him to laugh at himself. Philippe saves Driss by giving him purpose. It is a mutual rescue.
The PDF is studied at film schools like La Fémis in Paris and NYU because it solves the "White Savior" problem. Driss does not learn to love classical music; he simply tolerates it while Philippe learns to love Earth, Wind & Fire. The script insists on mutual education. Key Script Elements You Can Study Without the Full PDF
The script opens with a high-octane scene of the two men speeding in a Ferrari, being chased by police. This creates a "Flash Forward."
Midway through the script, Philippe explains why he hired Driss: "He always passes me the chocolate before the main course. He has no pity." In PDF form, you will see how Nakache and Toledano bold this line. It is the thematic spine of the entire movie. Study how they set up this payoff over 30 previous pages.