Review of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) by Carol F — 27 Jan 2011

By Claudia Gonella for remotegoat on 13/04/08.

A highly original opening, shot from the protagonist's perspective, instantly transports the viewer into a claustrophobic and unsettling world.

Jean Bauby, internationally renowned editor of Elle magazine, suffered a stroke at the age of 43. The result was complete paralysis, rendering him unable to move or speak. As the film opens and Bauby awakens from a coma, we share the horror of his realisation. Shot through Bauby's own eyes the stifling feelings of helplessness and panic are overwhelming. As his right eye is stitched up, one of the most moving scenes in the film, we hear Bauby's hysterical internal dialogue futilely resisting.

Yet despite the tragedy which weighs heavy over the film, it manages to frequently uplift and inspire. This is a tale of redemption, following the editor's journey from irresponsible philanderer to a man of great strength and humanity, capable of an intensity of feeling he had previously been numb to. Bauby learns to tell the story of his life to date through blinking with his remaining eye, painting a startlingly honest and lucid picture of his past misdemeanours. For the first time he connects with women on a level not purely based on sex and in doing so develops admiration for, and remorse towards, the mother of his children and last lover. We can't help but feel empathy for Bauby who will never be able to tell the women he is sorry. Despite the aridity of his position, Bauby's dry wit lightens the film and the relief he finds in his own imagination provide colourful contrast.

The intimate exploration of relationships - the connection Bauby and his speech therapist build and the love he develops for his dictation taker - reveal a man who has finally found meaning in his existence and forces us to question the way we lead our own lives and the things we value.

A beautiful and talented cast combine with highly innovative cinematography and score to produce a film which is not only entertaining but an achingly poignant work of art.