The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a translation of the French memoir Le scaphandre et le papillon by journalist Jean-Dominique Bauby. It describes what his life is like after suffering a massive stroke that left him with a condition called Locked-In syndrome.
The entire book was written by Bauby blinking his left eyelid. An amanuensis repeatedly recited a french frequency-ordered alphabet (E, L, A, O, I, N, S, D ...), until Bauby blinked to choose the next letter. The book took about 200,000 blinks to write and each word took approximately two minutes. The book chronicles everyday events and what they are like for a person with locked-in syndrome. These events include playing at the beach with his family, getting a bath, and meeting visitors. The book was published in March, 1997. It received excellent reviews and sold 150,000 copies in the first week. Ten days after the book was published, Bauby died.
A great film, one that really makes you wonder what your reaction to anything this horrific might be? To overcome the anger and frustration he must have felt, and reversing it all, thusly enabling himself to do something worthwhile is remarkable. The film jumps between flashbacks, fantasies, and the most moving - his thoughts accompanied by the vision of what he comprehends going on around him, but is unable to react to. Enjoyed it mucho - not a 'feel good' kinda vibe walking out, but the strength of the character settles into you, and I feel better having seen it. On a lighter note: Are all French Nurses, therapists, publicists, wives and mistresses really that smoking hot? Cuz, like wow - those were some lovely ladies. My company wasn't all that bad either! You know it missy! This was the first film in the KFF, I'll update the others I see within the coming week in an attempt to bore you all to tears...
2 comments:
I think the only Oscar nominated film I saw was The Bourne Ultimatum. But, this was the only other one that really had me wanting to see it. Can't wait to see it.
I do now want to see No Country..., Juno and There Will Be Blood for sure. And pretty much all the others too.
It's funny that this year's Oscars was the lowest rated and I thought it's the best ever. Not only because of the movies, but the show was pretty bare bones which is good compared to the all the crap they always have on.
re: the oscars - ya it's funny how the writers strike actually contributed to a better show this year (so I've heard, darn lack of cable).
And I have a feeling only in France will you find that particular hottness factor abounding. hah. Or in movies. Really enjoyed this film, it's still whirling around in my mind this morning, definitly a movie that sticks with you for a while and brings up more questions than answers.
All in all, fantastic night, film and company. *smile*
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