Review of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) by Andreas B — 29 Oct 2010
If the weight of the titanic sinking with the added weight from the water were a movie, this movie is heavier.
Le Scaphandre Et le Papillon, otherwise known as The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, is one of the few flawless movies from 2007, furthermore solidifying that year's status as the best year for movies from the 00 decade.
The story is based on the true events of Jean-Dominique Bauby and his stroke that crucially crippled his life, leaving him paralyzed everywhere except for his eyes. Mathieu Amalric doesn't deserve just recognition for this movie, it is one of the best roles I have seen in recent years unquestionably. You feel his every emotion with solely his eyes during his paralyzed scenes.
The entire beginning forty minutes or so are from Jean's perspective, which really makes the movie highly emotionally connecting and all the harder to watch. Never have you experienced this perspective as real as you will in this movie.
Julian Schnabel felt the need to include his artist life in this movie, and he did in many ways. From his abstract ideas, to his actual art pieces in the form of Marlon Brando photos. But all of it felt entirely necessary. With such a beautiful movie in his hands, you can forgive Schnabel for promoting a few of his art pieces.
Another problem that I easily forgive would be the slight over-exaggerating when it came to Jean's affair, as it wasn't as serious as brought out to be. But the reason why I forgive this, is because it helped bring forth one of the best scenes of the past decade: When Jean's wife is talking for him to his mistress. If directed differently, this scene could have been a movie-ruining mess. But instead you will find subliminal tension like no other, even with just the way Jean blinks to communicate with slight hesitation and sadness. Brilliant.
It may be impossible to stay dry eyed during this film, but The Diving bell and the Butterfly is a hidden masterpiece that I feel everybody should watch once. Once is an understatement though, because, while devastating, you won't be able to not watch this timeless soon-to-be classic again and again. Incredible doesn't begin to describe it.
Final Rating: 9.8/10.
This review of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) was written by Andreas B on 29 Oct 2010.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly has generally received very positive reviews.
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