Review of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) by Michele S — 13 Feb 2010

Wow! What a movie! This movie completely drew me into the world of Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric). Based on a true story, Jean-Dominique was on top of the world as the editor for Elle magazine until his world came crashing down 1995. Jean-Do (as referred to in the movie), suffered a stroke which left him completely paralyzed. They called this the "locked-in syndrome." He can only communicate by blinking via one eye.

The movie starts out from his point of view. He wakes up in a hospital bed after being in a coma for 3 weeks. He quickly realizes that no one can hear him. He is talking back but it is only in his mind. Imagine the loneliness and despair he felt. He thinks of all the regrets in his life and how he will be unable to make peace with them. He initially takes pity on himself but as time progresses he realizes that he still has control of his imagination and a way to communicate. He has a wonderful team of therapists who help bring him "to life" by taking him out of his room, doing exercises, seeing different places, etc. His estranged wife and three children also try to bring joy into his life with frequent visits.

He decides he wants to write a book about his new world that he is forced to live. A woman is assigned to translate his thoughts onto paper and in time, he completes his book.

Through this movie, we get to live in his mind. I went through an array of emotions...I felt his ups and downs. Most of the movie is shown through his eyes but there are occasional flashbacks of his memories, which allowed me to see the vibrant man he once was. There is a scene where he receives a phone call from his father (Max von Sydow). As soon as Jean-Do hears his voice through the speakerphone...I could clearly see he was overwhelmed. This is acting at its best. The man is paralyzed but through the use of his one eye...I could feel his anguish. He is a man who deeply loves his father and hearing his father crying through the phone brings him to tears. It's such a heart-wrenching scene. Shhhh, don't tell anyone but my eyes got a little watery on that part.

Kudos to Mathieu Amalric for an outstanding performance and kudos to the director, Julian Schnabel, for making it feel so real. A French film with an outstanding cast of people, a life you won't forget, and directing at its best...I believe this is a movie you won't regret watching.

P.S. Check out the bonus features too ("the making of").