Film Review: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Wednesday, 28th January 2009
There are many great films to have emerged from French cinema, but one of the best by far has to be the 2007 film, ‘The Diving Bell and the Butterfly’.
Based on a novel of the same name (Le Scaphandre et le Papillion in French), it is the true story of a man who suffers from ‘locked-in syndrome’ - the term used to signify ‘normal’ mental capacity, but total physical paralysis (aside from the ability to blink in one eye, in his case).
Amazingly, the author of the book, and central character in the film, is the man who was victim of this cruel fate. Despite being unable to speak or move, Jean- Dominique Bauby (former editor-in-chief of Elle magazine), succeeded in painstakingly committing his story to paper using only blinking movements, a specially devised alphabet, and the aid of a companion to transcribe.
You could be forgiven for thinking that this would not be an uplifting film to watch - certainly not one for when you’re feeling down in the dumps and looking for a little escapism - but in actual fact, nothing could be further from the truth.
The film is actually very funny in parts, and although a very sad and moving story, serves as a great reminder for how easy it is to take life for granted, and how it is possible to triumph in even the greatest of adversity.
Jean-Dominique, or ‘Jean- Do’ as he is referred to throughout the film, is played by Mathieu Amalric, widely considered to be one of the greatest French actors today. The film itself was nominated for four Oscars, and deservedly so, the general consensus seems to suggest.
Tags: french, film, autobiography, oscars
