Phillip and Dell: The InspirationS Behind “The Upside”

The Upside is a heartwarming comedy-drama film that tells the story of a paralyzed billionaire named Phillip Lacasse and his unlikely friendship with his ex-convict caregiver, Dell Scott. The movie is based on a true story that took place in France, where Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou (the real-life inspiration behind Phillip and Dell) forged an extraordinary bond that transcended their different backgrounds.

In the real-life story, Philippe Pozzo di Borgo was a wealthy French businessman who, in 1993, suffered a paragliding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He was left feeling hopeless and depressed until he met Abdel Sellou, a young man from the projects who had recently been released from prison. Despite their vastly different upbringings, the two men quickly found common ground and formed a close friendship that woud change both of their lives forever.

The bond between Philippe and Abdel was not without its challenges, as the two men came from vastly different worlds and had very different personalities. Philippe was reserved and intellectual, while Abdel was outgoing and street-smart. However, it was precisely these differences that made their friendship so special, as they both learned from each other and grew as individuals.

Over time, Abdel became Philippe’s full-time caregiver, a role that he initially took on out of necessity but eventually grew to love. He helped Philippe with everything from personal hygiene to business decisions, and the two men became inseparable. Philippe even invited Abdel to move into his mansion, where he could be closer to him and his family.

Despite the challenges they faced, Philippe and Abdel’s friendship continued to thrive, and they remained close until Philippe’s death in 2019. Abdel continues to speak fondly of his friend, and he credits Philippe with teaching him valuable life lessons that he still carries with him today.

The Upside is a heartwarming tribute to the real-life friendship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, and it serves as a reminder that true friendship can transcend all boundaries. Through their story, we are reminded of the power of friendship and the importance of looking beyond appearances and societal norms to find true connections with others.

The real-life story of Phillip and Dell (Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou) is a touching tale of friendship that inspired the hit movie, The Upside. Their unlikely bond serves as a reminder that true connections can be found in the unlikeliest of places, and that sometimes the people who seem the most different from us can teach us the most valuable lessons.

Is Phillip And Dell A True Story?

The story depicted in the movie “The Upside” is based on a true story. The characters of Phillip Lacasse and Dell Scott in the film are inspired by the real-life individuals Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, respectively. These individuals formed an unlikely friendship when Abdel became the caretaker for Philippe, who had become a quadriplegic after a paragliding accident. The story was adapted from the 2012 French film “Les Intouchables,” which was also based on the real-life experiences of Pozzo di Borgo and Sellou.

phillip and dell real life

Are Phil And Dell Still Friends?

It is implied at the end of the film The Upside that Philip and Dell remain friends to this day. However, it is important to note that the film does not explicitly state this fact. Nonetheless, the overall tone and events of the film suggest that the two characters have developed a strong bond and mutual respect for each other. It can be inferred that despite their differences, they have grown to appreciate each other’s unique perspectives and have formed a lasting friendship.

Is The Upside Based Off A True Story?

The Upside is based on a true story. 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 accident happened in the Swiss Alps, specifically in the Savoyard reliefs of Mont Bisanne. The movie follows Philippe’s relationship with his caregiver, Abdel Sellou, and how they learn to understand and respect each other’s differences. The Upside is a heartwarming story that showcases the power of friendship and the human spirit to overcome adversity.

Where Is Philippe Pozzo Di Borgo Today?

Philippe Pozzo di Borgo currently resides in Essaouira, which is a city located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. He is a descendant of both the Ducs Pozzo di Borgo and the Marquises de Vogue. Philippe is a former director of Pommery Champagnes (LVMH), a French luxury goods conglomerate. He is also a bestselling author, and his memoir titled Le Second Souffle (Second Wind) has been adapted into a popular French film called Intouchables (Untouchables).

Conclusion

The true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, on which the film The Upside is based, is a heartwarming tale of friendship and overcoming adversity. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and life experiences, Phillip and Dell formed a deep bond that has lasted for decades. Their story serves as a reminder that compassion, understanding and empathy are essential in building strong relationships, rgardless of our differences. The Upside may have taken some liberties with their story, but the spirit of their friendship and the lessons it teaches remain intact. Ultimately, their story is a testament to the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.