CS Weekly Archive > Weekend Read > 11/30/07

Eye Opening

By elizabeth rivera

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Ronald Harwood
Based on the novel by Jean-Dominique Bauby

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is an experiential film. This French film doesn't just tell the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, the former Elle editor who suffered a stroke leaving him completely immobile except for the use of his left eye at the age of 43, it brings you into his world and allows you to experience Bauby's terrifying new life. We experience the doctors giving him the grim news that recovery is unlikely, the awkward visits of his friends, and suffer the frustration of what life was like for Bauby. Flashbacks offer glimpses of the man Bauby was before the accident, and we journey with him as he adapts to his new situation, overcomes self-pity, and decides to write a memoir by blinking his left eye to indicate what letter he wants to communicate. While the movie clearly and vividly allows you to experience what life was like for Bauby, it fails to engage you enough to keep you interested for two hours. Some of the most interesting aspects of Bauby's life are never explained, such as the problems he had with the mother of his children or his latest lover. His relationships with the people around him are neither fully explained nor explored. Harwood has done a great job of taking us inside the mind of Bauby, but unfortunately, you'll want to get out long before the movie is over. There simply isn't enough going on; the film does not move forward. The dialogue and the characters all ring true, but essentially nothing happens. We do see Bauby triumph over the self-pity that initially overcomes him, but this simply isn't enough to keep the film moving forward. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is grounded on an inspiring story of strength in the face of tragedy, but the film never forms enough of a plot to truly do honor to the strength and perseverance of Bauby and the challenges he faced.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Miramax Films
Rated PG-13; 112 min.

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Elizabeth Rivera is a freelance writer (e.g. poor person) who lives in Los Angeles. She can usually be found roaming the streets of the greater L.A. area looking for story material and general mischief.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly courtesy Miramax Films

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