|
The Diving Bell and the
Butterfly
Directed by: Julian Schnabel
Starring: Mathieu Amalric
Genre:
Foreign
Run Time: 112
min.
Release Date:
November 2007
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
A truly phenomenal piece of
film-making and storytelling, THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY
is poignant, frightening, and not-just-a-tad funny.
Based on the real-life story of Elle Magazine editor
Jean-Dominique Bauby (i.e., Jean-Do) who suffered a massive stroke
leaving him only able to communicate via eye blinks, the story is so
human, so entertaining, and so well presented through the use of
first-person experience -- from Jean-Do’s perspective -- that it won over
audiences worldwide. Winning the Best Foreign Language film
category in multiple film festivals, and being nominated for four
Oscars (2007), this little French film strives and succeeds.
Mathieu Amalric stars as Jean-Do, the poor guy who will eventually have
what is termed as “locked-in syndrome,” a stroke that allows him only
the power to move his left eye and eyelid. Waking up from the stroke
after nearly a month in a coma, Jean-Do’s realization of his condition
is frightening, funny, and even a bit exhilarating. The fright comes
from the fact that he can do nothing for himself, including shriek in
horror as they stitch close his right eye (all of this is viewed via
Jean’s perspective; cloudy, muddled, and freakish). The funny portions
come from his sexual awareness of those around him. The pretty nurses.
The beautiful Henriette who specializes in speech therapy. And the women
who used to worship him but now are left with a shell of what he once
was. The exhilaration comes from what’s left of Jean’s imagination as he
battles his locked-in syndrome (The Diving Bell) by allowing his
imagination to wander (The Butterfly).
As Jean-Do learns to use his left eye to communicate, he also learns he
probably doesn’t have a lot of quality time left to him, so he starts
“dictating” his memoirs. His death soon after it was published proves
that he knew the exact right time to get this done.
But back to the film itself...
The filming technique of using the camera to show what Jean-Do hears,
sees, and feels is so well played that it might make some viewers
claustrophobic. I know I felt a little uncomfortable. And it is this
technique that helps carry the movie to greater heights than it would
have if filmed from someone else’s perspective.
The special features on the DVD are interesting and I have to
comment on the appearance of director Julian Schnabel in this section.
Although not relevant to the film itself, I nearly cracked-up laughing
when I saw Mr. Schnabel; the guy looks like a troll! Sorry. I just had
to mention that, as it really confounded me. Here’s a guy with a great
vision and probably not-a-little money in his pocket running around in
tattered sweats and a grotesque looking hat. Bizarre!
Getting back on-topic...
This is something you’ll need to see if you’re into great filming and
new techniques. It’s not the greatest film, but you’ll enjoy how it’s
woven together. And watch for veteran actor Max von Sydow (THE
SEVENTH SEAL) as Jean-Do’s forgetful father in an
unforgettable series of scenes.
(back to top) |
Image from The Diving Bell
and the Butterfly
DVD cost: $17.99
Purchase:
Tower.com
Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
The script, written by Ron
Harwood, was originally in English. Director Julian Schnabel convinced
the studio, Pathé, to change the language to French to stay true to
Bauby's life and story.
Movie Quote: "I
decided to stop pitying myself. Other than my eye, two things aren't
paralyzed, my imagination and my memory."
Other Actors/Actresses
from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
   |
