In 2011 a French movie was released based on the true life
story of a wealthy quadriplegic man and the ex-con he hired to be his
caregiver. The movie was amazing and I wrote about it at the time, one of my
favorite films that year. It isn’t surprising that the film has been remade for
American audiences and that film, THE UPSIDE, is just as amazing as the
original.
Kevin Hart plays Dell Scott, an ex-con in search of work and
trying just to get papers signed showing he applied or he goes before a judge.
Bryan Cranston plays Phillip Lacasse, a wealthy quadriplegic who waits around
hoping to die. After firing his last “life auxiliary” caregiver his assistant
Yvonne Pendleton (Nicole Kidman) is running through candidates for the job when
Dell shows up. Actually there for a janitor’s position in the same building he
accidentally showed to this interview.
While all he wants is to have his paperwork signed Phillip
sees an opportunity. He tells Yvonne to hire Dell thinking that he will be
incompetent enough that he might have the chance to die. At first not
interested in the job, Dell changes his mind when he sees what it pays.
As the two become acquainted with one another as well as the
job that Dell has been hired to do they being to bond with one another. With
each passing day Dell’s exuberance and love of life begins to pour over into
Phillip. While he can move nothing more than his head, Dell soon has him
tooling around the park when he rigs the wheelchair Phillip owns to go much
faster than intended.
A night on the town where Dell gets Phillip stoned results
in their stopping by a hot dog shop and ordering hot dogs for everyone. And it
allows Phillip to let his hair down so to speak, to get back in touch with
life. His life changed not just when he had his accident but also when his wife
died of cancer. Breaking through that wall becomes the challenge that Dell
faces.
But as Dell changes Phillip the same happens to him. Exposed
to opera for the first time he comes to appreciate it. Accompanying Phillip to
an art gallery he learns to appreciate that as well and even tries to take up
painting. And while Yvonne at first wanted to be rid of him she begins to see
the benefits of having him around as well.
Dell also has issues with his own life in the film. His ex
is upset that he doesn’t spend more time with his son. She holds his criminal
past over him more so than Phillip does. And his son isn’t too keen on him at
the moment either. It will take time and effort for Dell to turn that problem
around himself.
An incident involving a woman Phillip writes to takes him
back to his old self. Will the end result be his taking his own life somehow?
Or will those that have come to know him for the person he really is come to
his aid? Will Dell be able to bring Phillip out of his funk and show him the
upside of life once more?
Based on a true story the movie is touching, funny and
heartbreaking. The stories of both Dell and Phillip as they relate to one
another and in their own personal issues is one that should resonate with so
many people. We’ve all had those moments where we just felt like we could no
longer go on and yet we do somehow. But what if our positions were the same as
these two men? Could we do so? Would we?
Both actors here turn in amazing performances. Hart has been
making movies for some time now and almost all of them nothing but comedies.
Can he pull off a dramatic role like this one? The answer is absolutely. The
humor that comes from the character isn’t forced or like that of his stand up
performances but flows naturally. Cranston shows his abilities as well here
using nothing more than his face and head to portray Phillip. To be able to
display emotions using no body movement and to make it believable is a distinct
accomplishment.
The odds are that this movie doesn’t have enough social
commentary to it, no agenda to push, no axe to grind that will insure that it
isn’t nominated for anything. That’s too bad because for me this was one of the
best movies I’ve seen this year. It’s one that can be watched repeatedly and
enjoyed. I would suggest that it move to the top of your list and watch it as
soon as possible. You’ll be glad you did.
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