219. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)

Director: Julian Schnabel

Starring: Mathieu Amalric

Emmanuelle Seigner

Anne Consigny

IMDb Rating: 8

My Rating: 9

" I decided to stop pitying myself. Other than my eye, two things aren't paralyzed, my imagination and my memory."

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, the former editor of Elle magazine, who suffered a massive stroke that left him completely paralyzed at the age of forty-two. The film is shot almost entirely through the first person perspective of Bauby. Although, as the film progresses we do get to see Bauby as his friends and therapists see him. He communicates through someone reading the alphabet letter by letter, while he blinks once for 'yes' and twice for 'no'. With the assistance of an interpreter, he begins to write the story of his life and his current situation. We hear his inner most thoughts, see his greatest fantasies, and flashback to some of the moments of his life. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a tragic, yet inspirational story of the abilities of life and the human spirit.

Director Julian Schnabel's vision for the book by Jean-Dominique Bauby is absolutely incredible. The concept of showing the film through the eyes of Bauby was undeniably the correct choice. It makes the scenes later in the film, when we see Bauby through the view of his loved ones, that much more effective and personal. What's more amazing than the concept, is how Schnabel put it into action. The often shakey and blinking camera shots feel truly authentic as the first-person view of a stroke victim. The shakes might take a few minutes to get used to, but they never get too overbearing or distracting. The filming of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is remarkably original and a genuine visual treat for it's audience.

The true heart of this film lies within Mathieu Amalric's incredible portrayal of Jean-Dominique Bauby. Some might argue that there isn't much of a performance here, since he is laying in a bed for a good portion of his time on screen. Yet he accomplishes more from his voice-work and moving one eye, than most actors do in a film. I was surprised to see how a performance with such limitations could move me as much as it did. Almalric gives us one of the most unique and incredible performances of the last few years.

I am actually a little disappointed with myself for not seen The Diving Bell and the Butterfly before today. This remarkable film definitely made me want to read the book by Jean-Dominique Bauby. His story leaves you looking at your life and inspiring to do more. The unique vision from director Julian Schnabel is really what sets this film apart from other inspirational stories though. It's very difficult to create an original film these days, but Schnabel achieves this with excellent results. If you liked films like My Left Foot, you would greatly enjoy this truly amazing story and gorgeous visual film.