The Upside, a drama-comedy film released in 2017, has sparked intense debate among movie enthusiasts and critics about its origins. The question on everyone’s mind is: is the Upside movie a remake? To answer this, we need to delve into the film’s history, its inspirations, and the original story that it is based on. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Upside movie, exploring its background, the original French film that inspired it, and what makes it unique despite being labeled as a remake.
Introduction to the Upside Movie
The Upside is a heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic, Philip Lacasse, and his caregiver, Dell Scott, a man from a very different walk of life. The film, directed by Neil Burger, stars Bryan Cranston as Philip and Kevin Hart as Dell. The movie’s premise revolves around the transformative impact these two characters have on each other’s lives, challenging their initial perceptions and leading to personal growth. Despite its straightforward plot, the film has garnered attention for its performances, comic relief, and the depth of its characters.
Background and Production
Understanding the background and production of the Upside is crucial in addressing the question of whether it is a remake. The film was written by Jon Hartmere, based on the 2011 French film “Les Intouchables” (The Intouchables) by Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. Les Intouchables is itself inspired by a true story, that of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a French nobleman who became a quadriplegic after a paragliding accident, and his caregiver, Abel, a young man from the projects who was hired despite having no experience. The real-life story is documented in di Borgo’s autobiography, “Le Second Souffle” (A Second Wind).
The Original Story: Les Intouchables
Les Intouchables tells the story of Philippe and Driss, a Senegalese immigrant who becomes Philippe’s caregiver. The film explores themes of friendship, trust, and how two individuals from vastly different backgrounds can find common ground and change each other’s lives. The movie was a critical and commercial success, winning several awards, including the Grand Prix at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Its success can be attributed to the heartwarming portrayal of an unlikely friendship and the way it challenges stereotypes and societal norms.
Comparison Between Les Intouchables and The Upside
While both films share a similar premise and explore similar themes, there are notable differences in their execution and cultural context. The Upside, being an American adaptation, makes several changes to appeal to a broader audience. For instance, the character of Dell Scott is more pronounced and has a deeper backstory compared to Driss in Les Intouchables. Additionally, the humor and the portrayal of the wealthy lifestyle in the American version are more exaggerated. These changes reflect an attempt to cater to American audiences’ tastes while maintaining the core of the original story.
Is the Upside a Remake?
The question of whether the Upside is a remake hinges on how one defines a remake. A remake is typically considered to be a new version of an earlier film, often with the same story but updated in some way to fit contemporary tastes or a different audience. By this definition, the Upside can indeed be considered a remake of Les Intouchables, as it is based on the same core story and explores similar themes. However, it also brings a unique perspective and makes significant changes to the characters and setting, making it more than just a straightforward remake.
Arguments For and Against the Remake Label
Arguments for considering the Upside as a remake include its basis on the same true story as Les Intouchables and the similarities in plot and themes. On the other hand, arguments against the remake label focus on the originality brought by the American adaptation, including its unique characters, the comedic approach provided by Kevin Hart’s performance, and the distinct cultural setting. The adaptation process involves not just copying a story but also interpreting it through a different lens, which the makers of the Upside have done successfully.
The Significance of Remakes in Cinema
Remakes are a common phenomenon in the film industry, and they serve several purposes. They can introduce a classic story to a new generation, offer a fresh perspective on a well-known tale, or even correct past mistakes in storytelling or representation. In the case of the Upside, the remake label, while accurate, does not diminish the film’s value. Instead, it highlights the universal appeal of the story and its themes, which transcend cultural boundaries.
Conclusion
The Upside movie, while being based on the French film Les Intouchables, brings a unique twist to the story, making it more than just a remake. It is an adaptation that honors the original while offering something new and engaging. The debate about whether it is a remake or not ignores the complexity of film adaptation and the value of retelling stories in different contexts. The Upside, like Les Intouchables, reminds us of the power of human connection and the potential for personal growth through unexpected relationships. As cinema continues to evolve, films like the Upside will remain significant, not just for their entertainment value but for the conversations they spark about identity, class, and friendship.
In conclusion, the Upside is a film that stands on its own merit, regardless of its status as a remake. Its exploration of themes, characters, and the human condition makes it a compelling watch. The true value of the Upside lies in its ability to connect with audiences, to make them laugh, cry, and reflect on their own lives and relationships. Whether seen as a remake or an original work, the Upside contributes to the richness of cinematic storytelling, offering a story that can resonate with viewers worldwide.
What is the Upside movie and is it based on a true story?
The Upside movie is a drama film that tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caregiver, who is a convicted felon. The movie is loosely based on a true story, inspired by the lives of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, whose friendship was portrayed in the 2011 French film “The Intouchables.” However, the Upside movie takes creative liberties with their story, adding new characters and plotlines to enhance the narrative. The film features an all-star cast, including Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, and Nicole Kidman, which adds to its appeal and authenticity.
The Upside movie explores themes of friendship, love, and redemption, as the two main characters learn from each other and grow as individuals. The film’s portrayal of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy white man and a black caregiver from a rough background has been praised for its sensitivity and nuance. While the movie is not a direct retelling of the true story, it captures the essence of the relationship between Philippe and Abdel, and their inspirational journey together. The Upside movie has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with many praising its uplifting message and outstanding performances from the cast.
Is the Upside movie a remake of the Intouchables?
The Upside movie is often referred to as a remake of the 2011 French film “The Intouchables,” which tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver, Abdel Sellou. While the Upside movie is inspired by the same true story, it is not a direct remake of the French film. The Upside movie has a unique tone and style, with a more dramatic and emotional approach to the story. The film’s director, Neil Burger, has said that he was inspired by the original film, but wanted to create a new and original story that explores the themes and characters in a different way.
The Upside movie features a new script, new characters, and a new narrative that deviates from the original film. The movie’s storyline is set in the United States, with a new cast of characters and a fresh perspective on the story. While the core theme of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caregiver remains the same, the Upside movie offers a new and distinct viewing experience. The film’s creators have taken care to honor the original story and its characters, while also adding their own unique touch and vision to the narrative. As a result, the Upside movie stands on its own as a unique and inspiring film that explores the human spirit and the power of friendship.
What are the main differences between the Upside movie and the Intouchables?
The main differences between the Upside movie and the Intouchables lie in their tone, style, and narrative approach. The Intouchables is a French comedy-drama that focuses on the humorous and lighthearted aspects of the friendship between Philippe and Abdel. In contrast, the Upside movie is a more dramatic and emotional film that explores the deeper themes and complexities of the relationship. The Upside movie also features a more diverse cast and a new setting, with the story taking place in the United States instead of France.
The Upside movie also deviates from the original film in its portrayal of the characters and their relationships. The movie adds new characters and subplots to the story, which enhances the narrative and adds depth to the characters. The film’s director, Neil Burger, has said that he wanted to create a more nuanced and complex story that explores the themes of friendship, love, and redemption in a more detailed and realistic way. As a result, the Upside movie offers a fresh and unique perspective on the story, while still capturing the essence and spirit of the original film.
How accurate is the Upside movie in its portrayal of the true story?
The Upside movie takes creative liberties with the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, while still capturing the essence and spirit of their unlikely friendship. The film’s portrayal of the relationship between the two men is accurate in its depiction of their bond and their growth as individuals. However, the movie also adds new characters and plotlines to the story, which are not based on real events. The film’s director, Neil Burger, has said that he consulted with Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his family to ensure that the movie is respectful and accurate in its portrayal of their story.
The Upside movie has been praised for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the friendship between Philippe and Abdel, which is at the heart of the true story. The film’s cast, including Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, deliver outstanding performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters. While the movie is not a completely accurate retelling of the true story, it captures the spirit and essence of the relationship between Philippe and Abdel, and their inspirational journey together. The Upside movie is a heartwarming and uplifting film that explores the human spirit and the power of friendship, and its portrayal of the true story is both respectful and accurate.
Why was the Upside movie made if the Intouchables already exists?
The Upside movie was made to offer a new and unique perspective on the story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, which has inspired audiences around the world. The film’s director, Neil Burger, was inspired by the original film, but wanted to create a new and original story that explores the themes and characters in a different way. The Upside movie features a new cast, a new setting, and a new narrative approach, which offers a fresh and distinct viewing experience. The film’s creators also wanted to bring the story to a wider audience, and to explore the themes and characters in a more detailed and realistic way.
The Upside movie is not just a remake of the Intouchables, but a new and original film that stands on its own. The movie’s creators have taken care to honor the original story and its characters, while also adding their own unique touch and vision to the narrative. The Upside movie has been praised for its outstanding performances, its nuanced and complex characters, and its inspiring and uplifting message. The film has also been successful at the box office, attracting a new and diverse audience to the story of Philippe and Abdel. As a result, the Upside movie is a valuable and worthwhile addition to the cinematic landscape, offering a new and unique perspective on a inspiring and unforgettable story.
What is the message of the Upside movie and how does it relate to the true story?
The message of the Upside movie is one of hope, redemption, and the power of friendship to transform our lives. The film tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caregiver, who is a convicted felon. Through their journey together, the two men learn from each other and grow as individuals, finding a new sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. The movie’s message is inspired by the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, whose friendship has inspired audiences around the world.
The Upside movie’s message is also reflected in the true story of Philippe and Abdel, who have spoken publicly about the transformative power of their friendship. Philippe has said that Abdel helped him to see the world in a new light, and to find a new sense of purpose and meaning in his life. Abdel has also spoken about the impact of their friendship on his own life, saying that it helped him to turn his life around and find a new sense of direction. The Upside movie captures the essence of their story, and conveys a powerful and inspiring message about the human spirit and the power of friendship to transform our lives.
Is the Upside movie worth watching if I have already seen the Intouchables?
The Upside movie is definitely worth watching, even if you have already seen the Intouchables. The film offers a new and unique perspective on the story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, with a fresh and distinct viewing experience. The movie’s cast, including Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, deliver outstanding performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters. The film’s director, Neil Burger, has also taken care to honor the original story and its characters, while adding his own unique touch and vision to the narrative.
The Upside movie is a heartwarming and uplifting film that explores the human spirit and the power of friendship. The movie’s message is inspiring and unforgettable, and its portrayal of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caregiver is both nuanced and complex. Even if you have already seen the Intouchables, the Upside movie is worth watching for its unique perspective, outstanding performances, and inspiring message. The film is a valuable and worthwhile addition to the cinematic landscape, and is sure to leave audiences feeling uplifted and inspired.