The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
In 1995, author and Elle magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby suffered a stroke that put him in a coma; he awakened mute and completely paralyzed. Mathieu Amalric stars in this adaptation of Bauby's autobiography, which he dictated by blinking. Julian Schnabel was nominated for the 2008 Best Director Oscar and won the Golden Globe in the same category for his poignant film about the strength of the human spirit.
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» Reviewed by 8 people
Admittedly, I had to get dragged to this foreign film by more broadly minded friends, and I had no expectations: I had never heard of it, never read the book... I'm not proud of this, i'm just giving some context. What a distinct PLEASURE! Gripping, tense, beautiful, funny and thoughtful. I have generally been guarded in my support for director Schnabel's films. But he's really done it now - his painterly background and creative intelligence have combined to produce a fantastic movie. It might be better in a theater, but if you miss it, rent it!- droidmaker
This is a cinematic poem. We view most of the movie from the perspective of the main character, who suffered a debilitating stroke that left him with the "locked in" syndrome. We hear his thoughts. We experience his reflections and we experience his frustrations. I expected this movie to be depressing, but it was ultimately inspiring and uplifting. I loved Schnabel's direction.
- JLo
What a distinctly French movie. Not just because it's set and spoken in French. The pacing, moral, and off-beat humour are all distinct (and the beautiful women of course). The joie de vivre is undeniable as a man at the height of Parisian enjoyment crashes down and finds himself trapped in his own paralyzed body by a stroke. He can only communicate by blinking. It is both a cage and a liberation because now his imagination and mind are given full reign. What makes this movie great isn't the acting, direction, or cinematography although all range from adequate to artful. It's the story. Would I have responded to paralysis this way? Highly doubtful. How many would? Who would spend the time to write a book and stay one step ahead of their demons? The story is singularly incredible. For that it deserves our admiration and respect.
- Dan the Karateka
A critics wet dream. Arty content, subtitles, heart-string pulling story... But there is a reason, as this is a surprising, innovative and ultimately affirming film that showcases everyone involved.
- simplygreg
On IW this movie is dubbed into English, but I was stunned by the incredible story anyway. I think I would have preferred to hear the French with subtitles, and may get the DVD in order to do that, but still this story and movie was quite an experience. The view of a patient unable to speak or move was simply eye-opening and intense, bought up lots of questions about the meanings and duties of love, despair, family, friends and the whole meaning of life. I had never heard of this book, but plan on getting it as soon as possible to delve more deeply into this man's incredible work. His understanding of "memories and imagination" touched me deeply, felt like true wisdom.
- VJ Purplequeen
This is a very interesting movie. The cinematography in the film is astounding and the actors all do a wonderful job. It is definitely different than anything I have ever seen. It is pretty dark and depressing, although there are some surprisingly funny moments. It is not a film that I will revisit, but it is definitely worth watching.
- Brody
When Julien Schnabel, director of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, made the decision to place the camera in the protagonists position and force the viewer to have his point of view, he also forced you, the viewer to make a decision. This is most certainly not a film for everybody. It is filled with pain and angst and it moves at a pace that feels like real time. On the other hand, poignant, positive and filled with hope, if you decide to allow Schnabel to take you into the tiny remains of Jean-Dominique Baubys world, the rewards are breathtaking. All one hundred twelve minutes of this biopic are directed with the virtuosity of a maestro conducting a symphony. For his incredible achievement, Schnabel was named best director at the Cannes film festival. He was awarded the 2008 Golden Globe and was nominated for the best director Academe Award. In 1995, author and Elle magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, masterfully played by Mathieu Amalric, suffered a stroke that put him in a coma; he awakened mute and, with the exception of his left eye, totally paralyzed. The film is appropriately told in a French voice but, once you enter the story, the subtitles cease to hinder the viewing experience. Cinematography is astonishing and the perfect editing of this extraordinarily difficult project is beyond my imagination. Although this may be a difficult film to watch, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, leaves an uplifting invigoration of faith in the human spirit. I hope my thoughts are helpful - 080508 ~~~Wingz
- Wingz
So far Julian Schnabel as a filmmaker has seemed like a totally different person from Julian Schnabel the painter. His movies, while great, don't seem to have the stylistic flourishes that made his paintings so one of a kind. His films have been rather traditional in terms of narrative and design with a handful of beautiful images and color thrown in. It's not a bad thing, but an odd thing considering the fact his other art is so provocative. In The Diving Bell Schnabel not only covers the film in his artistic voice and eye but also uses cinema to give us an experience that can't be replicated in any other art form. He gives us the power of perspective, and in this case a very specific perspective, literally from one man's eye. Former Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby after suffering a stroke and a subsequent coma is stricken with locked in syndrome. Basically the only thing he can do is blink one eye. He uses this power to communicate and in an amazing painstaking ritual writes a book. The majority of the film is seen through his eye and we get a definite sense of what his affliction feels like. But Schnabel also uses Bauby's imagination to open the film up and take us to crumbling glaciers, an amazing Brando performance piece, and a diving bell submerged in murky waters. It's a moving, powerful and beautiful movie. Colors pop, the framing is memorable, and with his editing he often layers images over other images recalling his paintings and in the process creates a film that looks truly original. It's a gorgeous film that's also a great example of the tenacity of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds. The fact Jean-Dominique Bauby actually writes a book is amazing, but after spending years in a sea of beautiful and glamorous people and then becoming a person most people would rather avoid, what's even more amazing is that he had any desires at all. The film is a real celebration of the human spirit.
- Paul Logan