The Diving Bell and the Butterfly DVD Review

Posted by on April 30th, 2008   Filed under: Drama, DVD Review, Movie Review

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Directed by: Julian Schnabel
Written by: Ronald Harwood, Jean-Dominique Bauby
Starring: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze

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Although many of us didn’t get a chance to see The Diving Bell and the Butterfly during its limited theatrical run last year, the critically-acclaimed French film has finally arrived on DVD for all to enjoy. While it certainly makes sense that a movie like this would struggle to fill seats in multiplexes, I can now say that it is a definite must-see for all fans of film as an art form and admirers of inspirational storytelling in general.

For those unfamiliar with the movie’s subject, Jean-Dominique Bauby was a world famous journalist and the editor of Elle Magazine, who lived a life of luxury until one day in 1995 when he suffered a stroke that left him completely paralyzed. He still had all of his mental faculties about him, and was able to see, hear and think, but was left completely unable to communicate with those around him. Eventually one of his doctors worked out a system that allowed him to dictate speech by blinking his left eyelid, a painstaking process that would actually enable Bauby to write an autobiographical book (entitled The Diving Bell and the Butterfly).

Aside from the fact that this movie has a powerful story to tell, it was directed by Julian Schnabel, a filmmaker and painter who collaborated with frequent Steven Spielberg cinematographer Janusz Kaminski in order to present much of the movie from Bauby’s point of view. They don’t maintain the first-person perspective for the entire duration, but the technique is extremely effective at getting across Bauby’s inner turmoil and confusion. There are also some breathtaking dream sequences that bring to life the active imagination that Bauby employed in order to keep his spirits up. From a visual standpoint, this movie is a full-blown masterpiece.

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The dramatic elements of the movie also pack an emotional wallop, and the film ultimately isn’t as depressing as I had suspected it might be. There are some moments that are excruciating to watch, but also those that are a joy to behold.

There have been some complaints about the fact that screenwriter Ronald Harwood made some changes to Bauby’s true story, specifically with regards to his real-life girlfriend who was actually by his side from day one. I suppose Harwood’s version just adds some necessary tension, and to be honest, it makes for a more interesting film. After all, there aren’t many plot twists to be had since the majority of the flick simply recounts the days and months after the accident as Bauby’s family and friends visit him, and as he slowly learns to adapt to his condition. Still, I did find it fascinating to watch how this played out.

My own minor complaints are limited to a few of the flashbacks, some of which shifted the tone in odd ways and seemed a bit corny, but on the other hand they also reflected the contrast between Bauby’s life before and after the stroke.

The DVD includes an audio commentary track from Julian Schnabel, along with a Making Of featurette, a Cinematic Vision featurette, and a Charlie Rose interview with Schnabel. And yes, it also includes a decent English language audio track for those who don’t like to “read” their movies. Many have called The Diving Bell and the Butterfly one of the best movies of 2007, and I have to agree. The European sensibility and expressionistic focus may not be for everyone, but for those who give it a chance, it does not disappoint. — Sean

SCORE: 4 stars





  • Goon

    Aside from the visuals, I didn’t really like the film at all, and don’t really get what all the fuss is about. I mean, say all you want about the film techniques and camera work – but this is based on what was already a very popular book… its this source material, and Bauby himself, that I find very uninteresting. I didn’t have any expectations of the film other than to capture what it was like to be locked in, and at most maybe his condition would lead him to say something profound about life. I got neither, and quite frankly didn’t find much about Bauby to like. 2/4 for visuals alone, and even there I feel generous, because I wouldn’t normally cut a good looking blockbuster film the same slack.

  • I certainly wasn’t as emotionally attached to Bauby as I thought I might be, partially because the movie just starts immediately after the accident. But I did find it to be profound, in the sense that it made me realize how important it is to have a purpose and inspiration in life to keep you going.

  • Carol R

    I loved “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”, but the movie I’d rather see is “My Stroke of Insight”, which is the amazing bestselling book by Dr Jill Bolte Taylor. It is an incredible story and there’s a happy ending. She was a 37 year old Harvard brain scientist who had a stroke in the left half of her brain. The story is about how she fully recovered, what she learned and experienced, and it teaches a lot about how to live a better life. Her TEDTalk at TED dot com is fantastic too. It’s been spread online millions of times and you’ll see why!