The Upside, a heartwarming drama film released in 2019, has been making waves in the cinematic world with its inspiring story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caregiver. The movie, directed by Neil Burger, stars Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, and Nicole Kidman in pivotal roles. As the film’s popularity grows, many viewers have been left wondering – is The Upside a true story? In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of the movie and explore the real-life inspirations behind this emotional drama.
The Origins of The Upside: A French Film Remake
Before we dive into the true story behind The Upside, it’s essential to understand the film’s origins. The Upside is a remake of the 2011 French film, The Intouchables, directed by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. The French film was a massive success, grossing over $426 million worldwide and winning several awards, including the Grand Prix des Amériques at the Montreal World Film Festival.
The Intouchables was based on the lives of two individuals, Abdel Yasmin Sellou and Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, who formed an unlikely friendship despite their vastly different backgrounds. Abdel, a young man from the projects, was hired as a caregiver for Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic. Their story is a testament to the power of friendship and the human spirit, and it’s this remarkable bond that inspired the creation of The Upside.
The Real-Life Inspiration: Abdel and Philippe’s Story
Abdel Yasmin Sellou, a Frenchman of North African descent, was born in 1971. Growing up in the projects of Paris, Abdel struggled to find his place in society. He was involved in petty crimes and struggled with addiction before turning his life around. In 1993, Abdel applied for a job as a caregiver for Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a wealthy businessman who had been paralyzed from the neck down after a paragliding accident.
Philippe, born in 1951, came from a wealthy family and was accustomed to a life of luxury. Despite his disability, he remained determined to live life to the fullest. Abdel’s unconventional approach to caregiving and his infectious energy resonated with Philippe, and the two formed an unlikely bond.
Over the years, Abdel became more than just a caregiver to Philippe; he was a friend, confidant, and partner in crime. Together, they lived life on their own terms, exploring the world, indulging in lavish parties, and pushing the boundaries of what was possible for a quadriplegic. Their friendship lasted for over a decade until Abdel’s untimely death in 2020.
The Difference Between The Upside and The Intouchables
While both films are inspired by the same true story, there are some significant differences between The Upside and The Intouchables. The most notable difference is the tone of the two films. The Intouchables is a more light-hearted, comedic take on the story, with a strong focus on the humor and wit of Abdel and Philippe’s relationship. The Upside, on the other hand, takes a more dramatic approach, delving deeper into the emotional struggles of the characters.
Another significant difference is the casting of the two films. In The Intouchables, the roles of Abdel and Philippe are played by Omar Sy and François Cluzet, respectively. In The Upside, the roles are played by Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston. While both sets of actors deliver impressive performances, the chemistry between Hart and Cranston is distinct from that of Sy and Cluzet.
The Creative Liberties Taken in The Upside
While The Upside is based on a true story, the filmmakers took some creative liberties to enhance the narrative and characters. One of the most significant deviations from the real-life story is the character of Yvonne, played by Nicole Kidman. In the film, Yvonne is the business manager of Phillip Lacasse (the character based on Philippe Pozzo di Borgo). In reality, there is no equivalent character in Abdel and Philippe’s story.
Another creative liberty taken is the portrayal of Phillip Lacasse’s family. In the film, Phillip’s family is shown to be largely absent from his life, with his wife and daughter barely visiting him. In reality, Philippe Pozzo di Borgo’s family was very supportive of him, and his wife, Khadija, played a significant role in his life.
The filmmakers also took some liberties with the timeline of events. In the film, Phillip Lacasse becomes a quadriplegic after a paragliding accident, whereas in reality, Philippe Pozzo di Borgo was paralyzed in a hang-gliding accident.
The Impact of The Upside and The Intouchables
Both The Upside and The Intouchables have had a significant impact on audiences worldwide. The films have sparked conversations about disability, friendship, and the human condition. The true story behind the films has inspired countless people to reevaluate their perspectives on life and has shown that even the most unlikely of friendships can be the most powerful.
The Intouchables has been credited with helping to break down stigmas surrounding disability in France, and The Upside has had a similar impact in the United States. The films have also raised awareness about the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, highlighting the need for greater understanding and empathy towards people with disabilities.
The Lasting Legacy of Abdel and Philippe
Abdel Yasmin Sellou’s tragic death in 2020 sent shockwaves around the world, but his legacy lives on through the films inspired by his story. Philippe Pozzo di Borgo continues to be an advocate for disability rights and has written several books about his experiences, including the memoir, “A Second Wind: A Memoir.”
The story of Abdel and Philippe serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of friendship and the human spirit. Their bond has inspired countless people to challenge their assumptions and has shown that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
In conclusion, while The Upside takes some creative liberties with the true story of Abdel and Philippe, it remains a powerful and emotional drama that honors the spirit of their remarkable friendship. As we reflect on the impact of these films, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding, and the incredible power of the human connection.
Is The Upside based on a true story?
The Upside is inspired by a true story, but it’s not entirely factual. The movie is based on the 2011 French film The Intouchables, which tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caregiver. The Upside takes creative liberties with the story, changing characters, settings, and some events to create a more Hollywood-style narrative. While the core of the story remains true to the original, it’s not a completely accurate depiction of real events.
That being said, the heart of the story, the friendship between the two main characters, is rooted in reality. The chemistry and camaraderie between Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart’s characters are reminiscent of the real-life dynamic between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, the men who inspired the film. The movie’s emotional authenticity comes from its commitment to capturing the spirit of their bond, even if some details are fictionalized.
What is The Upside about?
The Upside is a heartwarming drama that follows the unlikely friendship between Philip Lacasse, a wealthy quadriplegic, and Dell, a struggling ex-con who becomes his caregiver. The movie explores their developing bond as they learn from each other and challenge each other’s perspectives. Through their friendship, Philip and Dell find a sense of purpose and belonging, helping each other to overcome their personal struggles.
The movie tackles themes of identity, class, and redemption, offering a nuanced portrayal of characters from different walks of life. With its uplifting tone and memorable performances, The Upside is a crowd-pleaser that will leave audiences feeling inspired and hopeful.
Is The Upside a remake of The Intouchables?
Yes, The Upside is an American remake of the 2011 French film The Intouchables. The original film, directed by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, tells the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a wealthy quadriplegic, and his caregiver Abdel Sellou. The Intouchables was a critical and commercial success, earning several awards and nominations, including two César Awards.
The Upside takes the core of the original story and adapts it for an American audience, with Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart starring as the lead characters. While the remake stays true to the spirit of the original, it makes some changes to the story, characters, and setting to appeal to a broader audience. Fans of The Intouchables may notice some differences, but the essence of the story remains the same.
Who is Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, and what is his story?
Philippe Pozzo di Borgo is a French businessman and author who was left quadriplegic after a paragliding accident in 1993. Despite his disability, Pozzo di Borgo continued to lead an active life, writing books and becoming an advocate for people with disabilities. His story inspired the 2011 film The Intouchables, which tells the story of his unlikely friendship with his caregiver, Abdel Sellou.
Pozzo di Borgo’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. His courage and adaptability in the face of adversity are an inspiration to millions, and his story has touched hearts around the world. The Upside, while fictionalized, honors Pozzo di Borgo’s spirit and legacy, ensuring that his remarkable story continues to inspire new audiences.
Is Abdel Sellou a real person?
Yes, Abdel Sellou is a real person who was the caregiver of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo. Sellou was a young man from the projects who was hired to care for Pozzo di Borgo despite having no experience as a caregiver. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the two men formed a strong bond, which became the basis for The Intouchables and, later, The Upside.
Sellou’s story is a rags-to-riches tale of sorts. From his humble beginnings to his unexpected role as a caregiver, Sellou’s journey is a testament to the power of friendship and determination. His story, alongside Pozzo di Borgo’s, serves as a reminder that people from different walks of life can come together and make a lasting impact on each other’s lives.
Did The Upside receive any awards or nominations?
Yes, The Upside received several awards and nominations. The movie premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation. It went on to earn several award nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Kevin Hart’s performance.
The Upside also won several awards, including the 2018 National Board of Review Award for Best Inspirational Film. The movie received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the chemistry between Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, as well as the film’s uplifting message and tone.
Is The Upside available to stream?
Yes, The Upside is available to stream on various platforms. The movie was released on DVD and Blu-ray in 2019 and is currently available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu, among other streaming services.
If you don’t have a subscription to any of these services, you can also rent or purchase The Upside on YouTube Movies, iTunes, or Microsoft Store. The movie’s availability may vary depending on your region, so be sure to check your local streaming options.