Review of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Waiting For the Winner

Rightly nominated as one of the top 10 films of 2007, this French film is both beautiful and traumatic in the eye of the beholder. Throughout several moments in the film, the director shifts the perspective to where the viewer "becomes" Bauby and can see (and almost feel) as he does. It takes you through all the motions of dealing with a terminal illness: disbelief, anger, wishing death, depression and finally acceptance. One positive thing that this film portrays is the human tenacity to make the most out of tragedy. It gracefully portrays the lives of therapists and hospital staff who are there everyday with him, helping and hoping. The dynamic love between father and son is stressed enough to bring tears and Bauby's undeniable connection with his children is one of his joys. This film isn't about bringing you down or asking you for pity. There are plenty of instances where laughing is absolutely appropriate. The dialogue and script is smart and the director's artistic eye comes through in inspiring and dream-like scenes. This is truly a film everyone must see.

Posted on 12/19/07 by: Penny Kim 10:44 AM