Review of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) by Michael E — 22 May 2011

A wonderful story about Jean-Dominic Bauby and the unfortunate, rare circumstance he faced in his life.

Like "A Serious Man", this film is not for everyone. In fact, you would have to be in the mood or if anything, more willing to see this movie. Also, like what the Coen Brothers did for me in "A Serious Man", it made me question what I was doing with my life. What steps have I made to find those answers that I seek. This film does the same thing except it deals with hope. Keeping faith in one self through the thickest of thickest and thinnest of thinnest is what kept this man going. Being paralyzed from head to toe along with a speech impediment, Bauby's world is turned upside down and is learning to cope with it. Along his journey to recovery, friends and family members come to be with him. Through his POV, he learns to appreciate his life amongst his imagination, dreams, therapeutic exercises and visitation from his family and friends. In text, it sounds cliche, but the execution is well done.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It's not only a well executed narrative, but I was able to identify with this character. No, I have not encountered such extremities like Bauby, but to keep faith in one self and keep yourself looking forward, hoping to reach that goal. Whatever that goal maybe you are the catalyst, those around you can be there for moral support, but you have to make the effort.

I highly recommend this film, but I warn you it is intentionally slow and I mean that in a good way. In a sense, the film is trying your patience just like Bauby's when he was going through recovery. Any sign of giving up could mean that yes, the film may not strike your interest, perhaps the narrative didn't live up to your expectations, or that you just don't have the will power like Bauby to carry on in life.

Excellent film.

Grade: A+.