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| Movie Review: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Alternate Title: Butterflies are Free
Story: I don't usually fawn
- but here I go. Director Julian Schnabel is a brilliant
filmmaker. His previous films ( Before Night Falls and
Basquiat) are pieces of art to be watched over and over again.
His latest film is more challenging to a mass audience but if you are
bold enough to see it - you will be ennobled by the experience. It is
expertly written for the big screen by Ronald Harwood
(The Pianist) and is based on the book by Jean-Dominique
Bauby. Suddenly at age 43, Jean-Dominique Bauby,
editor of French Elle Magazine suffers a stroke. after the stroke he
developed a syndrome called 'locked-in' where he became totally paralyzed
but for his left eye's ability to blink. How he coped with this tragedy
is the heft of the story. We witness a first person scenario as we see
what is happening from Bauby's perspective. It is unnerving, horrifying
and real. How Bauby uses his imagination and memory to elevate his psyche
from this devastating blow is the beauty of the film. Schnabel never
becomes mawkish or sentimental over the nightmare Bauby endures. The
scenes with his loved ones are rich, true and uplifting. This film could have been depressing in lesser
hands but Schnabel's painterly artist's approach demands that we, the
viewer, rise to the occasion. The film is in French and was shot at the very
same hospital where Bauby lived while this happened. If you are looking
for a unique cinematic experience, run and see this stunning film. You can watch Julian Schnabel speak about his
film here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u4vWkgxGnk Acting: The entire cast is stellar with fabulous
performances all around. Mathiew Amalric as Bauby is
wonderful. You will not forget his eye opening performance. Emmanuelle
Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny, as the angels
at his side are all beautiful and great to watch. Max von Sydow,
in two cameo scenes will break your heart.
Predilection: Before Night Falls is one
of my favorite films and I will always go to see a Schnabel film.
Critters: A dog
Food: He is tube fed but there is a birthday cake
in one scene.
Sex Spectrum: There is no sex - he is paralyzed. However,
he does have lovely memories and there is a bath scene where Bauby is
naked.
Soundtrack: As always, Schnabel chooses great songs
for his soundtrack and music by Paul Cantelon is terrific.
Opening Titles: The opening title sequence will visually
grab you and was a wonderful entry into this superb film.
Visual Art: Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski
(Saving Private Ryan, Munich, Amistad, etc) is brilliant and brings
Schnabel's artistic vision to the screen. Bravo.
Theater Audience: Not very many people on a Thursday
afternoon.
Weather: We get to live the entire year of French
weather at the hospital at the seashore
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: There is a scene at the beginning of
the film shot from Bauby's perspective concerning his right eye that
is very squirmy indeed. Just close your eyes and it is over before you
know it.
Drift Factor: Not for a nano second.
Predictability Level: High is you know the true story.
Tissue Usage: I did not cry but my movie buddy was
a weepy weepster.
Oscar Worthy: Absolutely.
Big Screen or Rental: Big big screen
Length: Under two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 9.25
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