The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: The Diving Bell and The Butterfly
Director: Julian Schnabel
Year: 2007
Country: France
Language: French

Back in 2007 I was given an English assignment, I was to read  Jean-Dominique Bauby's book The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. The whole book was written by Jean Bauby through blinking each letter while his supervisor wrote it down on a piece of paper. Why did he need to blink? Because everything in his body was completely paralyzed except for one of his eyes. Having a disability myself, a heart condition, I remember being greatly inspired by his book. When the film arrived in theatres in Canada I rushed to see it, amazingly the film was also very inspiring. 

The film begins with forty-three year old Elle magazine editor Jean-Dominque Bauby awakening in a hospital with no idea where he is or why he is there. He is in a Berck-sur-Mer hospital where he has woken up from a long coma induced by a massive stroke. Although he still has the ability to think and react in an intelligent manner,  he is suffering "locked in" syndrome. He is rendered physically unable to move, he can't even speak, what he can do is move his right eye. At first he wishes to die, who wouldn't in that situation? but throughout the film he slowly begins to change his mind.

This film could easily be grim and melodramatic or cheesy Hollywood happy, but thankfully it is neither. It is extremely faithful to Jean Bauby's book and makes the central character less of an inspiration and more of a hero. Anybody could have easily stuck with their suicide plan and refuse to get on with their life, but Jean Bauby decides not only to live but to write a book about his experiences. Having a heart condition I can tell you that it's very easy to give up when times are hard, especially since certain activities require twice the amount of effort from a healthy human. It's easy to feel depressed and bad about oneself, it's easy to give up on life. Jean Bauby replies  to this depression with a tremendous "NO!" He chooses not to be a victim but a conqueror of his illness. He does all he can and more. Forget David Lynch's The Elephant Man, Diving Bell and the Butterfly is the film everybody who is stuck in a tough situation should see.

Diving Bell and the Butterfly also has a lot to say about the power of the imagination. You don't have to use drugs or drink yourself into a stupor to "escape", you can just use your mind. You also don't need to pity yourself because you're not exactly what you want to be. You can either dream it or do it. If Jean Bauby can write an entire book with his eye while completely paralyzed what's to stop you from reaching your goals? The cinematography of this film helps it from having the audience feel "locked-in" as well. Graceful POV shots, delightful montages during Jean Bauby's revelation. The screen is filled with beauty and passion, life is not as bad as many make it seem.

In conclusion, at the end of this film you may find yourself with a box of tissues crying yourself away. It's an intensly wonderful film that will get you to appreciate life again. There is nothing to fear, want to write a book? Go ahead. Do what your dreams desire because even if you fail there will still be more opportunities lying ahead. As long as you're watching the film, buy the book too. You will be pleasantly surprised with both. Praise it! 5/5