The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) Reviews
- Starring:
- Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, (more)
- Director(s):
- Julian Schnabel
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG13
- Category:
- Drama
Member Rating
My RatingAverage Ratings
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful I was totally blown away by this film; in my estimation it is one of the best I've ever seen. The use of camera to present POV of the victim of sudden paralysis was nothing short of amazing. Great ... Read More I was totally blown away by this film; in my estimation it is one of the best I've ever seen. The use of camera to present POV of the victim of sudden paralysis was nothing short of amazing. Great detail was used to limit the movement of the camera lens to that of the single good eye of the protagonist. The use of flashback helped flesh out the complexity of a character who was trapped within his own mind. While not an action-packed narrative, I found it nonetheless particularly engaging, and I could not help but be enthralled by the unravelling story. I really felt for the protagonist, and especially liked the use of inner monologue as a foil to teh events and the dialogue going on around him. I felt this lent a poignant sense of anguish and despair for me to feel along with the main character. I teach a high school Studies in Film class, and I definitely intend to include this movie in the curriculum next semester. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful (For those dopes below who have never seen a Foreign Film, before starting the movie, either change it to "English" or put in English subtitles.) Magnificently filmed as if you were Bauby, only ... Read More (For those dopes below who have never seen a Foreign Film, before starting the movie, either change it to "English" or put in English subtitles.) Magnificently filmed as if you were Bauby, only seeing (with one eye) what is right in front of his face, as he is unable to move his head. The thoughts in his head, ironic, amusing and angry help you see the world from his point of view. The frustration he must have felt is beyond belief and as he flashes back to his 'perfect' life, we can feel his angst and despair and that of his family. A story of courage, fortitude and the love of family, His contribution to us, his story of his attempt to communicate with us and share his feelings is truly inspiring. This is not an action movie - its more cerebral. Mathieu Amalric is superb as Bauby (especially after seeing him as the bad guy in Bond). Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful This movie was more than I thought it would be. Jean Do was a strong man to live through his stroke and write the story. I learned a lot about the will and desire of the human spirit. I am a ... Read More This movie was more than I thought it would be. Jean Do was a strong man to live through his stroke and write the story. I learned a lot about the will and desire of the human spirit. I am a caregiver of a person in a similar situation and the story gave me ideas on how I can help my friend. Great job to the director and cast on a job well done. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful I wasn't sure about this movie when I first rented it but was pleasantly surprised by the story and acting. The movie really pulled me in emotionally to Bauby's journy. If a single movie can have ... Read More I wasn't sure about this movie when I first rented it but was pleasantly surprised by the story and acting. The movie really pulled me in emotionally to Bauby's journy. If a single movie can have the power to change a person's life, this one has made me re-evaluate my compassion for people, any one of us could find ourself in his situation. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful If you're considering renting this DVD, know that it takes some patience. The first couple of scenes are claustrophobic, but it's on purpose, so you identify with the main character's plight. But ... Read More If you're considering renting this DVD, know that it takes some patience. The first couple of scenes are claustrophobic, but it's on purpose, so you identify with the main character's plight. But then it opens up along with his inner life. It's a bit slow, and can be very tedious at times while we're taken through the eye-blinking dictation over and over again (a cinematic shortcut would really have been appreciated here). However, the strength of character of Jean-Do comes through, and gives us all hope.
The special features are a bit of a joke: nothing more than an ego rub for director Julian Schnabel, who seems to be perpetually dressed as a homeless man, or maybe "The Dude" from The Big Lebowski. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 5 people found this review helpful This one confirms my general hypothesis that whatever is admired at Cannes or by the screenwriters guild etc. and wins all the minor awards is usually not worth watching. Film "intelligencia" seem ... Read More This one confirms my general hypothesis that whatever is admired at Cannes or by the screenwriters guild etc. and wins all the minor awards is usually not worth watching. Film "intelligencia" seem to put on a pedestal any film which is weird or totally different. My wife and I couldt sit through the entire movie, although we surely tried. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
0 out of 5 people found this review helpful The disc I recevied looked like someone rubbed it on the road.WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
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