You've probably noticed from my sidebar, my Netflix queue was The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le Papillon), 2007. I don't know when a film has touched me on so many levels. I am
getting butterflies in my stomach just writing this post.
This marvelously artistic film, masterfully directed by Julian Schnabel and elegant screenplay by Ronald Harwood (The Pianist), is the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor-in-chief of the renowned
fashion magazine, Elle, who suffers a massive stroke at the age of 43. When awaking from a coma, he is totally paralyzed except for the use of his left eye. Developing a painstaking system of communicating
with his therapist by blinking his eye, he writes bit by bit, a lyrical, heartbreaking memoir of his struggle.
Wonderful surreal dream sequences and the realities of interpersonal relationships are woven through the film. Mathieu Amalric does an amazing job as Bauby and Max von Sydow is absolutely beautiful in the cameo role of Bauby's father. This film depicts both the fragility and strength of humanity. I came away realizing what a precious gift life is and to appreciate each small, seemingly insignificant moment.
I have been wanting to see this movie for a long time. Just a few days ago I happened to catch part of it on the tele but didn't have time to watch much of it. I can't wait to see it in its entirety.
ReplyDeleteSounds really good...
ReplyDeleteI just added it at Netflix.Looking forward to seeing this. Thanks for the recomend!
Carol
it's unforgettable and at the top of my favorites list!
ReplyDeleteWow..just a left eye..and to think I complain about not being able to express my emotions! Geez...
ReplyDeleteWillow, I agree with you. The Diving Bell was a really great story. Speaking of stories, I caught My Left Foot on TCM's 31 Days of Oscar last night. WOW! Daniel Day Lewis blew me away!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to rent this one. My Mum, who normally can't take subtitles recommends it.
ReplyDeleteWhat is Netflix?
Such an incredible movie ... .really a feather in Mr. Schnables' (sp?) cap. Don't think I could live without Netflix .. . really love to sink into those BBC series and get lost in another world for several evenings -
ReplyDeleteJjjj
I read Jean-Dominique's book a few years ago and have not seen the movie as the book was so exquisite I couldn't imagine that a movie could possibly do justice to such poetic and moving writing. But your comments and the trailer have changed my mind - it's now on my list of movies to see!
ReplyDeleteI missed it at the theatre and saw it at Barnes and Noble for $39.oo; needless to say I still haven't seen it. Julian Schnabel is a mess; was at the University of Houston when I was and now he has come so far. Nevertheless, I'm tickled to read your review and can't wait to see it. (I love subtitled movies).
ReplyDeleteDelwyn here, I loved the movie too, especially enjoyed his voice-over and humour and the way so much was said and related without being said at all. That carer had the patience of Job.
ReplyDeleteI saw this movie a little while ago. I really enjoyed the intensity of it and I may have shed a few tears as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the movies I have in my must-see list and in fact my wife and I will be renting it from ILoveFilm as soon as we return the two DVDs we have at the moment. I love Schnabel because of the wonderful work he did on 'Before the Night Falls'. I can't wait to see this movie and with your review and that clip I know I will enjoy it as much as you did.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks.
Greetings from London.
Like many others here....this movie is now on my list. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteI agree totally - both the book and the film were spellbinding.
ReplyDeleteStevie, Daniel Day-Lewis is phenomenal in My Left Foot!! Absolutely incredible. I've got to see that one again, it's been a while.
ReplyDeleteClever Pup, Netflix is an online DVD rent by mail system in the US. It's wonderful! So convenient.
ReplyDeleteDonna, you should see if your library has a copy!
ReplyDeleteI must see that film!! will try to find it in dvd. Thanks for such a great post about it.
ReplyDeleteThe true story is amazing and one wonders how Amalric acted this role! Doesn't Max von Sydow get more accomplished the older he gets? This film is *****(stars)!
ReplyDeleteThis was a movie I wasn't even aware of (he said,leaving a participle dangling dangerously on the end of his sentence).
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look out for it.
I left this movie with no words.
ReplyDeleteI want to read the book.
You must have ESP as I was going to share this on my blog today. I will enter it and link your blog as weel.
HAPPY FRIDAY!
I have this on DVD and am yet to watch it. Sounds like I have my Sunday night planned out now, xv.
ReplyDeleteIt is a moving movie and an incredible story. You must now read the book to read his own words.There was some hoopla about the movie amongst his friends, some who boycotted it. His girlfriend was there with him till the end- but his wife was in charge of the estate and had some control over the direction of the movie so the story has much creative license. Both genres are a inspirational- I certainly wish I could have his love of life and fortitude.
ReplyDeleteYes, I know! I did it again; watching the movie before reading the book! I've ordered it from my library. I wondered exactly how much creative license was taken with the making of the film.
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of good things about this film, but not had the chance to see it.
ReplyDeleteI just cried through the trailer - how would I make it through either the movie or the book?
ReplyDeleteAnother one I've been meaning to see. I know the actor who plays the lead was the villain in the most recent Bond movie with Daniel Craig.
ReplyDeleteKat
I think Julian Schnabel is one of the most creative artists...I have held off seeing this movie as I was concerned about it being too sad...but the reviews are so overwhelming that maybe I will give it a try.
ReplyDeleteWillow thank you for letting us know. I will MOST DEFINITELY see it.
ReplyDeleteI love the book I've read in 1997 and I've seen the movie too in 200... Both are wonderful, words miss to me in English.... but I just want to tell how the movie is artistic and it's really a painter movie...
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post Willow and have a nice week-end!
Amazing film - I was shocked and glued to it. I felt the gravity - as if it was happening to me! Life is so precious - everyone should see this film.
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to see that movie, so much--and the other one on your sidebar. Now you've made me crave it even more. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou have a treat coming with The Triplets of Belleville. I don't normally care for animation but this . . . this is something else. Strange and lovely and the music is still tinkling away somewhere in the back of my mind.
ReplyDeleteI read the book many years ago - so powerful in its simplicity. Oh how do human beings cope with so much suffering, so many difficulties, and still want to live, live, live!
ReplyDeleteWillow I read a similar book in the 1990's when I was getting a Special Education certificate.It is an autobiography entitled "I raise my eyes to say yes." The woman is in an institution and figures out a method of communicating with her eyes. It is very touching, because she was a child in the early days of caring for the disabled, and no one had as much hope for or interest in people with severe challenges. This title can be Googled for more info.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so behind on seeing my favorite blogs. I have been wanting to see this film and I don't think Joe wants to--I'll have to just plop down and see it myself. Sounds very touching. Thanks for the heads up on it. I heard it was very moving.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not this movie has been on my shelf for two weeks - from Netflix - and I haven't had a chance to watch it yet....I can't wait to see it since your review - I have a feeling that anything you love I will love!
ReplyDeleteDarling Willow: I want to see that film!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Triplets of Belleville is my favorite animation picture ever and is next on your Netflix queue. Please, please, review it. You'll love it. Tres charmant, Ma belle saule!
Your new Netflix choices are good ones. I took Noah to see Triplets of Belleville on his 10th birthday. I bought G Paris Je'Taime for Christmas. Have fun
ReplyDeleteThe amount of energy and dedication it must have taken to create a new language for communication is astounding.
ReplyDeleteThis post is stunning. Thank you for your comments and the trailer.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder this got to your stomach. I seemed to feel something there myself. I am also a crier or watery eye person on almost everything, so this movie would be a real tear-jerker. I don't know how you find these movies that are so good but you do.
ReplyDeleteAlways love reading what's in your Netflix queue.
ReplyDeleteThis is on top of my must see movies list.
ReplyDeleteoh my, the trailer is divine so i can imagine that the film is wonderful as well. i can't even imagine living like that and agree we need to appreciate what we have. thaks, willow!
ReplyDeleteI have to see this movie soon-- i'll check the library dvd lists.
ReplyDeleteI've blown hot and cold about buying this movie but I think after your review it is a definite Must Buy
ReplyDeleteThe book took my breath away...so good.
ReplyDeleteDid you know that the film strayed from the truth? It was still a beautiful film, but, sadly, not entirely true to Jean-Dominique Bauby's memoir.
Thank you, My Darling Willow, for reminding me of a story told by Joni Eareckson Tada, of her encounter with a young man who had only the use of his eyes. He and she had corresponded for so long, and had become such Friends, that she knew that he would enjoy a surprise visit from her. So, she secretly planned to drop in on him when she was in his home town on a speaking engagement. taken aback by his Mom's reaction to her being at the door ... his Mom explained what had hitherto been unknown to her. It seems that the young fellow had never explained his condition in his letters. He only communicated (and finished high school, then college) through the same eye/letter acknowledgment method that is portrayed in the movie trailer that you attached here. His Mom was his only human contact.
ReplyDeleteWhen Joni and he visited, she said to him "When we are in Heaven ... we will have PERFECT bodies." And she saw a single tear of happiness run down his cheek.
I know that you will appreciate this story as I do.
Loving You ...
This movie is in my Netflix queque as well, I'm going to bump it up a bit! Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteAmazing movie. When it ended, going back to the real life was hard. It's original, shocking and moving at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen the movie yet. But thanks to you, I spent the weekend reading the book and I have to say-if the movie is anything like the book, I can't wait! Thank you for the tip.
ReplyDeleteWow, amazing story by john michael above too. This film looks exquisite. i wonder if i can get it at showtime?!
ReplyDeleteI def. want to see it from your review. TY.