Review of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) by Mau S — 08 Aug 2011
The former editor of Elle suffers from locked-in syndrome.
I think the best word to describe this film is maudlin. I can understand people who may be moved by this story, a French My Left Foot, but by the end of the film, I didn't feel as though I had learned anything. As much as the film uses POV shots and its lack of linearity reflects Jean Do's stroke-affected thoughts, I still didn't know him as a person or what allowed him to continue despite his impediments. What's the take-home? What's the theme? Is this merely another story about an afflicted man taking what life shells out like a champ?
Overall, there are moments during The Diving Bell and the Butterfly when I thought about how shitty it would be to be in Jean Do's state, and this opportunity self-reflection and the way locked-in syndrome was presented are the best things about the film; however, the filmmakers failed to do the one thing we ask of them when we pay our ten bucks: "Tell me a coherent fucking story.".
This review of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) was written by Mau S on 08 Aug 2011.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly has generally received very positive reviews.
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