The Diving Bell & The Butterfly
Director: Julian Schnabel
Rated: M
Now screening


In 1995 Elle magazine's French editor Jean-Dominique Bauby had a massive stroke causing a near total paralysis called 'Locked-in syndrome'. With only his left eye showing any movement this became his means of communication. The following months transcended Bauby's mind from extreme ends of the emotional spectrum. By refusing to slowly whittle away he was able to write a book about his experiences upon which this film is based.

This engrossing movie says a lot about the human condition. Given the choice to accept defeat or carry on, Bauby thrived. Well played by Mathieu Amalric, Bauby used his rich imagination to keep hold of his sanity. The weight of his trauma was no barrier to his freedom of thought. His speech therapist saw the life still in him and devised a unique alphabet system based on his eye movements. That he was able to write books using this makes viewing all the more extraordinary.

Calling a film 'inspiring' can be clichˇd but '... Butterfly' certainly fits that description. French films have a way of making unusual situations seem ordinary. Whilst Hollywood would have gone all out with histrionics, director Julian Schnabel focuses on the mundane routine of his subjects' life. Not only was Bauby's courage admirable but also of his friends, who stuck by him determined to buttress his still powerful intellect. His interaction with his close circle becomes quite moving, especially with his invalid father played by Max Von Sydow. The actors deliver very realistic performances grounding the film in genuine truth.

Despite the depressing subject matter there is much humour to be found. Bauby's gregarious nature prevented him from facing eternal despair, grabbing any hint of fun with relish. His vivid imagination allowed him to explore every corner of the world as his mental faculties refused to slow down. With half of the film showing things from a first persons view this allows the viewer to see the different perspectives of his life. Adding a broad palate to his various relationships we see how he perceived people before and after his stroke.

The sensitive handling of difficult material reveals the care given doing the story justice. This is a well-crafted movie which shows not even the worst circumstances can defeat the power of the mind.

Patrick Moore