The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

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When magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric) suffers a massive stroke, the result is a case of `locked-in syndrome,' which leaves the body paralyzed but the mind unaffected. Through a laborious system of blinking, he defies his condition to communicate not only with those around him, but with the world as well via the writing of his memoir. Director Julian Schnabel and cinematographer Janusz Kaminski use a full palette of film techniques to bring us into Bauby's world, often presenting scenes from his point of view. In collaboration with Ronald Harwood's sensitive script and the excellent cast, they have made a fascinating, bittersweet film about courage and love.

After passing through bouts of claustrophobia, Bauby dreams, imagines and reflects. There are beautiful moving scenes with his aging Father, his wife, his lover and children. French film with English subtitles. Bauby suddenly acquires "locked-in" syndrome - a rare illness which paralyzes him from his head to his toes. This is a memoir of Jean-Dominique Bauby - a man on top of the world - editor of Elle - a popular fashion design magazine. He reflects back on love, love lost, regrets and his relationships with his wife, children, parents and lovers. - cannot wipe the drool from his face.

French villages. There is spectacular cinematography in this film. You live Bauby's claustrophobia in this film - being trapped in his body - he cannot swap a fly off his noise - cannot change the channel on the T.V. Ocean views. He only has the use of his left eye - and with patient care givers he learns to "sign" and communicate with his eye by blinking. This film was the winner of many awards and is deserving of all.

After shaking off his depressive state, Bauby writes the memoir "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" by signing one letter at a time to his stenographer. Red and white lighthouse. Bauby cannot speak but remains trapped in a sound mind. One of the best films I have had the pleasure to watch. You feel Bauby's will to live and his desire to return to the life that was. Sweeping vistas.

The purpose of the attention to detail is clear; the film invites us to become fully immersed in the experience of Jean-Dominique. As with any film, a combination of cinematography, directing, and editing make a film work or fail but "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly's" cinematography creates a unique and intriguing feel to the film that draws you in and never lets go, even when it kicks you out. As people begin to take notice of Mr. The majority of the film is shot from the perspective of Jean-Dominique Bauby's eye. Bauby is driving in his convertible soon before his stroke, the camera moves often and abnormally.

It immediately draws you deep into the film. The most striking element of the film The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is most certainly the cinematography. Later in the film we are kicked out of Jean-Dominique Bauby's perspective rather abruptly. This creates some very interesting and dynamic shots.

People's faces are blurry until they move as close as possible to the camera. As Mr. The cinematographer makes some really unique stylistic choices throughout the film. The Camera is extremely out of focus and blurry. Sometimes the camera focuses upward at the sky and the tops of buildings from inside the car. As the film progresses, the depth of field progressively become deeper.

Bauby's eye slowly opens and looks around the room. While many different symbols and other things can be inferred from this stylistic choice, it at the very least sets the film apart from the norm.

Bauby's awakening the shallow focus becomes more obvious. I found the first couple scenes particularly interesting. When the film begins, Mr.

The attention to realism and detail in the film is the most important part of it. Bauby's vision becomes clearer, so do ours. For example, the scene in which Mr.

My whole body is encased in a kind of diving suit. These are only two ways I can escape from my diving bell.

I am a vegetable, lying in my bed unable to move. Other than my eye, two things aren't paralyzed.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Some lines from the script that will give you a flavor of Jean-Dominique Baubly (Jean-Do) and the circumstance of his life.

And my memory. I have decided to stop pitying myself.

My imagination.

One would think a story of such caliber would be incredibly moving and inspiring, but somehow the movie failed to either move or inspire me. It just wasn't my cup of tea. While the story this film is based on is amazing, the movie itself was rather lukewarm. It struggled hopelessly to make us feel what the character feels, but for me it simply did not work. I could not relate to anyone in this film. I would still recommend it for people who love drama and French films, because it's by no means a bad movie.