The Upside (2017)
Would you rather laugh or cry when you watch a movie? How about a bit of both? That's the intent behind The Upside (2017). The story is both funny and sad.
The movie is about a wealthy white businessman who is now a quadriplegic. He hires an African American who has a criminal record, little formal education, and a completely different way of behaving and looking at the world.
This is a story about bridging differences, taking risks, and challenging oneself to be a better person -- better than you were yesterday at least. The two men have had their share of pain, and they find ways to heal and embrace a healthier life.
Kevin Hart brings a lot of humor to the film, but Bryan Cranston adds some as well. I've always liked Nicole Kidman, and it's good to see her on screen again, even in a supporting role.
We can only imagine what it would be like to suddenly lose the ability to move one's arms and legs. How does one deal with the limitations and hold on to one's sense of self and purpose? How difficult is it to accept one's dependency on others in such a situation? Bryan Cranston portrays an older man who is learning to go on with life under difficult circumstances -- the loss of his wife and the loss of his physical mobility.
In a sense, Kevin Hart's character has also been disabled, but not physically. The former criminal was stuck in a cycle of poor choices and hurtful mistakes. After being hired as the caretaker, or "life auxiliary" as they call it in the movie, the younger man learns how to free himself from his own limitations, move away from a problematic past, and step into a more positive future.
KEY VOCABULARY
intent (noun) the purpose
quadriplegic (adjective) one who cannot move his/her arms and legs due to an illness or injury
criminal record (noun phrase) a police report that lists the crimes one has committed bridge differences (verb phrase) find a common ground for communication
a supporting role (noun phrase) a secondary role, not a main one
portray (verb) play a character in a movie
mobility (noun) the ability to move
disabled (adjective) unable to do something that is natural for others, often in a physical sense
caretaker (noun) one who cares for another, seeing to their needs and safety
life auxiliary (noun phrase) a more formal title for the job position of a caretaker, specifically one who helps another with all their daily needs
Laughter Rather Than Tears: The Upside
