The Upside 2017: How a Feel-Good Comedy Redefined Resilience and Workplace Joy
The 2017 comedy-drama The Upside captivated audiences with its unapologetic warmth and unconventional friendship, proving that joy can emerge from the most unlikely circumstances. Featuring an all-star cast led by Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, the film offered more than laughs, presenting a narrative of resilience that resonated across cultures and borders. Based on the 2011 French original The Intouchables, The Upside became a global phenomenon that sparked conversations about disability, class, and the transformative power of human connection. This article explores the film’s journey from source material to international success, examining its cultural impact and the authentic chemistry that made it a defining cinematic experience of 2017.
The film’s central premise draws immediate empathy, presenting viewers with two characters from completely opposite worlds thrown together by circumstance. Philip, a wealthy quadriplegic played by Bryan Cranston, requires constant assistance due to a tragic diving accident, while Dell, an ex-con played by Kevin Hart, struggles to provide for his family through temporary work. Their initial interactions crackle with tension and humor, but as the story unfolds, genuine mutual respect begins to develop. The unlikely bond they form challenges societal assumptions about ability, purpose, and the nature of meaningful relationships.
The French Foundation and American Adaptation
The Upside originated from Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano’s 2011 French film The Intouchables, which became a cultural phenomenon in Europe and achieved remarkable international success. The original tells the story of Driss, a Senegalese-French immigrant from the projects who becomes the caregiver for Philippe, a wealthy aristocrat paralyzed by a stroke. Philippe Lacôte and Nicolas Manuel produced the original, which drew from the real-life experiences of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a French aristocrat who was paralyzed in a 1993 accident.
When producers Jonathan Levine, Andrew Lazar, and Will Smith entered the American adaptation process, they faced the delicate challenge of maintaining the heart of the French story while making it resonate with American audiences. The casting of Bryan Cranston as Philip was immediately seen as inspired, given his ability to convey both vulnerability and dry humor. Kevin Hart brought his signature rapid-fire comedic style to the role of Dell, but the filmmakers ensured that the character retained depth and authenticity beyond mere comic relief.
Cross-Cultural Appeal and Global Reception
The Upside achieved remarkable success beyond American borders, particularly in China where it became one of the highest-grossing imported films of 2018. The film’s universal themes of friendship, hope, and finding purpose transcended cultural boundaries, though some international releases required adjustments to better suit local sensibilities. In China, the film was retitled “The Surprise” (西虹市首富), emphasizing the fish-out-of-water comedy elements that proved particularly appealing to audiences.
International critics praised the film’s ability to balance humor with genuine emotional depth. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone noted that “the movie earns its tears without turning maudlin, and its laughs land with genuine warmth.” The film’s soundtrack, featuring an eclectic mix of artists from various genres, further enhanced its cross-cultural appeal, with songs ranging from classic soul to contemporary hits creating a universally accessible audio landscape.
Authenticity in Portraying Disability
One of the most significant aspects of The Upside was its approach to representing disability, though this element also generated discussion among disability advocates. The casting of Bryan Cranston, an able-bodied actor, in a role requiring quadriplegia sparked conversations about representation opportunities for disabled actors. Some disability advocates argued that the film missed an opportunity to showcase authentic disabled experiences, while others appreciated the broader message of possibility it presented.
Philippe Lacôte, one of the original French producers, acknowledged these concerns while defending the film’s approach. “Our goal was never to make a film about disability,” he explained in interviews. “It was about two men from different worlds who teach each other how to live.” The film’s focus on capability rather than limitation represented a shift in disability narratives in mainstream cinema, even if imperfect in its execution.
Kevin Hart’s performance brought particular attention to this discussion, as he worked to portray Dell’s caregiving responsibilities with both humor and respect. The actor underwent extensive training to understand the physical realities of caring for someone with significant mobility limitations, bringing unexpected depth to what could have been a stereotypical role.
The Transformative Power of Connection
At its core, The Upside explores how authentic human connection can transform lives in profound ways. Philip, initially withdrawn and depressed following his accident, rediscovers joy through his relationship with Dell. The film portrays this transformation not as miraculous or unrealistic, but as a gradual process built on small moments of genuine interaction. The mansion’s swimming scene, where Philip experiences weightlessness for the first time since his accident, stands as one of the film’s most powerful visual metaphors for reclaiming life.
Dell, equally transformed, moves from seeing his situation as purely negative to recognizing the unexpected opportunities his circumstances have presented. Their relationship challenges viewers to reconsider how they perceive limitation and possibility in their own lives. The film suggests that growth often occurs in unexpected relationships and circumstances, particularly when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable with others.
Behind the Scenes: Creating Magic on Set
The chemistry between Cranston and Hart developed organically during filming, with the actors spending significant time together away from the camera. They regularly improvised dialogue and played off each other’s energy, creating the authentic feel that became the film’s signature. Hart, known for his high-energy comedic performances, adjusted his approach to match Cranston’s more subdued style, resulting in a balanced dynamic that felt natural rather than forced.
Director Neil Burger carefully crafted visual language to emphasize the emotional journey of his characters. Wide shots of the expansive mansion contrasted with intimate close-ups during key conversations, creating a visual narrative that paralleled the characters’ internal journeys. The cinematography emphasized both the physical constraints Philip experiences and the limitless possibilities that emerge through his relationship with Dell.
Cultural Impact and Lasting Legacy
The Upside became a cultural touchstone in 2017 and beyond, with its quotes and scenes entering popular consciousness. The “strawberry song” scene, where Dell awkwardly attempts to sing during a date, generated particular memorable moments that audiences referenced for years. The film’s success demonstrated audiences’ appetite for stories that balanced humor with genuine emotional depth, proving that entertainment could provide both laughs and meaning.
The film’s marketing campaign emphasized its feel-good nature without revealing too much of the plot, allowing audiences to experience the emotional journey fresh. This approach, combined with strong word-of-mouth, helped The Upside maintain impressive box office performance well beyond its initial release window. Its Netflix release further extended the film’s reach, allowing new audiences to discover its message of possibility.
The Soundtrack and Musical Storytelling
The film’s soundtrack played a crucial role in establishing its emotional landscape, featuring an eclectic mix that mirrored the diverse backgrounds of its main characters. Songs by artists including Patrice, Youssou N'Dour, and The Faces created a sonic palette that felt both sophisticated and accessible. The music served not just as background but as narrative device, reflecting the characters’ emotional states and growth throughout the story.
Particularly memorable was the use of Cissy Houston’s “Midnight Train to Georgia” during a key scene, connecting Philip to memories of his former life while simultaneously pointing toward new possibilities. The soundtrack’s blend of classic soul, contemporary hits, and international music reflected the film’s broader themes of connection across differences and the universal language of emotional expression.
Lessons in Resilience and Perspective
Perhaps The Upside’s most enduring contribution to cinema was its demonstration of resilience that didn’t dwell on hardship but focused on possibility. Philip’s journey from depression to engagement with life offered a model of recovery that felt authentic without being prescriptive. The film suggested that resilience isn’t about returning to who we were before difficulty, but about discovering who we can become through the process.
Dell’s character similarly demonstrated resilience through his willingness to adapt and grow when presented with unexpected opportunity. His journey from financial desperation to stable employment challenged simplistic narratives about poverty and personal responsibility. The film suggested that support and opportunity, rather than judgment, often provide the foundation for genuine transformation.
The film’s international success, particularly in markets as diverse as the United States, China, and throughout Europe, demonstrated its ability to resonate across cultural boundaries. Its message—that human connection can transcend differences and transform lives—proved universally accessible, even if specific cultural details required adjustment for different audiences. The Upside ultimately offered not just entertainment, but a reminder of our shared humanity and the unexpected ways we can enrich each other’s lives.
