«Hors Normes»: meeting the forgotten

Cinema Wednesdays - Melisa Oriol

Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, directors of’Untouchables, sign with Hors Normes a work that proves to be a slap in the face of veracity and humility. Full of humor and sincerity, whether it's about people with autism or young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods, the film puts the spotlight on people in the shadows.

Based on a true story, Hors Normes tells the story of Bruno and Malik. For almost twenty years, the two men have been caring for autistic children and teenagers. Each with their own association, they train young people from the suburbs to look after these «complex cases» that nobody wants to take on.

With disturbing simplicity, the filmmakers succeed in transposing onto the screen the daily struggle of those who have decided to dedicate their lives to autism. At times verging on the documentary, the film shows with admiration the colossal and constant work carried out by these associations, often operating with little means. It also shows the incomprehension that emanates from institutions and individuals alike. lambda, and the distress and despair of families. All themes and encounters that transcend the screen to awaken the unaware viewer.

Joseph and Bruno

Although all the relationships between the characters are intensely sincere, one in particular stands out from the rest: that of Joseph (Benjamin Lesieur) and Bruno (Vincent Cassel). There's a strong sense of complicity between Bruno and Joseph. Benjamin Lesieur really does have autism. The many sequences between him and Vincent Cassel are highly realistic, as you can't tell the difference between acting and reality.

The directors decided to have autistic people «play» their own roles. From this choice flowed many months of patience, work and sharing. It paid off, because everything, from the looks to the laughter to the gestures, is of a truth and depth that cannot leave anyone indifferent. This is a world apart, a bubble a world away from theatricality.

Better to laugh than to cry

Despite the weight of the subject, Nakache and Toledano have managed to approach everything with gentleness, humor and emotion. Whether it's Joseph's obsession with the subway alarm button or the many funny situations, a smile is never far away. Without wallowing in self-pity, the film exposes a reality that puts our priorities into perspective and makes us feel... stupid.

Without realizing it, we become attached to all these young people, the mentors as well as the mentored, we feel involved in their struggle, happy in their successes and angry at the injustice of a deficient system. The filmmakers have tackled a taboo subject. The lack of structures and the distress of families are very real. Like Joseph, the filmmakers have sounded the alarm. A must-see film!

Write to the author: melisa-orl@hotmail.com

Photo credits: © Ascot Elite Entertainment Group