The 2017 film The Upside, directed by Neil Burger, tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic, Phillip Lacasse, and his caregiver, Dell Scott. While the movie takes some creative liberties with the narrative, it is based on a true story that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. But how much of the film is rooted in reality, and what liberties were taken to make the story more compelling?
The Real-Life Inspiration: Philippe Pozzo di Borgo’s Story
The Upside is inspired by the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a French aristocrat who was left a quadriplegic after a paragliding accident in 1993. Di Borgo’s life was forever changed when he fell 100 feet to the ground, breaking his neck and severing his spinal cord. Despite the odds, he survived and was forced to rely on caregivers to perform even the most mundane tasks.
Di Borgo’s story was first told in the 2011 French film The Intouchables, directed by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $426 million worldwide and earning several award nominations. The success of The Intouchables paved the way for an American remake, The Upside, which was released in 2017.
Meeting Abdel Sellou: The Unlikely Caregiver
One of the most remarkable aspects of di Borgo’s story is his relationship with his caregiver, Abdel Sellou. Sellou, a young man from the projects, was hired to care for di Borgo despite having no prior experience as a caregiver. The two formed an unlikely bond, with Sellou’s irreverent humor and lack of pity for di Borgo’s condition helping to break down the boundaries between them.
In real life, di Borgo and Sellou’s relationship was just as unlikely as it is in the film. Sellou was a rough-around-the-edges young man with a troubled past, but he brought a sense of joy and vitality to di Borgo’s life. The two men formed a deep bond, with Sellou becoming more than just a caregiver to di Borgo. He became a friend, confidant, and partner in crime.
Di Borgo’s story was first told in his memoir, Le Second Souffle (The Second Wind), which was published in 2003. The book details di Borgo’s life before and after the accident, including his relationship with Sellou. The memoir was a bestseller in France and helped to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Fact vs. Fiction: What the Film Got Right (and Wrong)
While The Upside takes some creative liberties with di Borgo’s story, it stays true to the spirit of his relationship with Sellou. Here are some of the key ways in which the film accurately captured the essence of their bond:
- The Unlikely Friendship: The Upside accurately depicts the unlikely friendship between di Borgo and Sellou. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, the two men formed a deep and lasting bond.
- The Humor: The film’s humor, particularly the banter between Lacasse and Scott, is reminiscent of the real-life dynamic between di Borgo and Sellou. The two men’s humor and wit helped to break down the barriers between them.
However, the film also takes some liberties with the story to make it more compelling:
Characterizations and Storylines
One of the biggest differences between the film and real life is the characterization of Phillip Lacasse and Dell Scott. In the film, Lacasse is portrayed as a wealthy and bitter quadriplegic, while Scott is depicted as a rough-around-the-edges caregiver with a troubled past. In reality, di Borgo is a more optimistic and outgoing person, and Sellou was not a former convict as depicted in the film.
Additionally, the film adds some dramatic plot twists, including a romantic subplot between Lacasse and a woman named Yvonne, which is not based on real events. These additions help to make the story more engaging and emotionally resonant, but they are not grounded in reality.
The Impact of The Upside
Despite the creative liberties taken with the story, The Upside has had a significant impact on audiences worldwide. The film’s portrayal of people with disabilities is refreshingly nuanced and authentic, shattering stereotypes and challenging viewers to rethink their assumptions about disability.
Moreover, the film has helped to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in society. Di Borgo’s story serves as a powerful reminder that people with disabilities are not defined by their conditions, but by their strength, resilience, and determination.
A New Era of Inclusivity
The success of The Upside is part of a larger cultural shift towards greater inclusivity and accessibility. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for more diverse and authentic representations of disability on screen. Films like The Upside, along with TV shows like This Is Us and Speechless, are helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and representative media landscape.
As the conversation around disability and inclusion continues to evolve, stories like di Borgo’s will become increasingly important. By sharing his story with the world, di Borgo is helping to challenge stereotypes and promote greater understanding and empathy.
Conclusion
The Upside is a heartwarming and inspiring film that tells a remarkable true story of friendship and redemption. While the film takes some creative liberties with the narrative, it stays true to the spirit of di Borgo’s relationship with Sellou. By sharing this story with the world, the film is helping to promote greater understanding and empathy, and to challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities.
As we move forward into a new era of inclusivity and accessibility, stories like di Borgo’s will become increasingly important. By amplifying the voices and experiences of people with disabilities, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.
What is The Upside based on?
The Upside is based on a true story, but it’s not a direct biopic. The film takes creative liberties to enhance the narrative and characters. The movie is inspired by the life of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a wealthy French businessman who became a quadriplegic after a paragliding accident in 1993.
The screenplay is based on his memoir, “A Second Wind,” which recounts his experiences and journey towards recovery. The film adaptation combines elements from his real-life story with fictional characters and plotlines to create a unique narrative. Despite the creative liberties, the core message and themes of the movie remain true to Philippe’s inspiring story.
Who is Philippe Pozzo di Borgo?
Philippe Pozzo di Borgo is a French businessman and philanthropist who was born into an aristocratic family. Before his accident, he led a privileged life, enjoying extreme sports and a successful career. After the accident, he was diagnosed with tetraplegia, which left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Despite his disability, Philippe refused to give up and fought to regain control over his life. He hired a caregiver, Abdel Sellou, who would become his closest companion and friend. Together, they formed an unlikely bond, which became the basis for the film. Philippe’s courage, resilience, and determination inspired millions, and his story has been adapted into several films, including The Upside.
What is the difference between the real Philippe and the movie character?
The real Philippe Pozzo di Borgo is a wealthy and aristocratic Frenchman, while the movie character, played by Bryan Cranston, is an American millionaire. The film takes creative liberties to make the character more relatable and likable to an American audience. In reality, Philippe’s family was not as dysfunctional as depicted in the film, and his caregiver, Abdel, was not a convicted felon.
Despite these differences, the core of Philippe’s personality, spirit, and determination remain intact in the film. The movie captures his wit, humor, and zest for life, which have inspired millions of people around the world. The film’s portrayal of Philippe’s struggles and triumphs is accurate, even if some of the details have been altered for dramatic effect.
What is the true story behind Abdel Sellou?
Abdel Sellou is the real-life caregiver who was hired by Philippe Pozzo di Borgo to take care of him after his accident. Unlike the movie character, Abdel is not a convicted felon, but a kind and gentle soul who formed a deep bond with Philippe. Abdel was a young Algerian immigrant who was struggling to make ends meet in France when he applied for the caregiver job.
Abdel’s relationship with Philippe was genuine and heartwarming, and he became more than just a caregiver – he became a friend, confidant, and companion. Abdel’s kindness, compassion, and empathy helped Philippe to regain his dignity and confidence, and their friendship became the stuff of legend.
How accurate is the portrayal of their friendship?
The film’s portrayal of the friendship between Philippe and Abdel is largely accurate. The two men formed a deep and lasting bond, which went beyond the typical caregiver-patient relationship. They shared a love for life, humor, and good company, which helped them to overcome the challenges of Philippe’s disability.
The film captures the essence of their friendship, which was built on mutual respect, trust, and affection. The movie’s depiction of their banter, humor, and emotional connections is true to their real-life relationship. However, some creative liberties were taken to enhance the narrative and make the story more appealing to a wider audience.
Did Philippe really learn to paint with his mouth?
Yes, Philippe Pozzo di Borgo did learn to paint with his mouth, which became a therapeutic outlet for him. After his accident, Philippe was determined to regain control over his life, and painting became one of the ways he expressed himself creatively.
Philippe’s art became a symbol of his resilience and determination, and he went on to create many beautiful pieces, which were exhibited in galleries around the world. The film’s portrayal of his artistic journey is accurate, and it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity.
What is the message of The Upside?
The Upside is a heartwarming story about friendship, resilience, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. The film’s core message is that everyone deserves a second chance, regardless of their circumstances. The movie shows that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, love, and friendship to be found.
The Upside is a celebration of life, highlighting the importance of empathy, compassion, and kindness. It’s a reminder that everyone has something valuable to offer, regardless of their background or abilities. The film’s message is inspiring, uplifting, and life-affirming, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a story that will touch their heart.