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The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
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The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

2007
Drama
Biography
1h 52m
Elle France editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, who, in 1995 at the age of 43, suffered a stroke that paralyzed his entire body, except his left eye. Using that eye to blink out his memoir, Bauby eloquently described the aspects of his interior world, from the psychological torment of being trapped inside his body to his imagined stories from lands he'd only visited in his mind. (imdb)
Directed by:
Julian Schnabel Julian Schnabel
Written by:
Ronald Harwood Ronald Harwood Jean-Dominique Bauby
+1 more
Starring:
Mathieu Amalric Mathieu Amalric Marie-Josée Croze Marie-Josée Croze Emmanuelle Seigner Emmanuelle Seigner Patrick Chesnais Jean-Pierre Cassel Jean-Pierre Cassel Max von Sydow Max von Sydow Isaach De Bankolé Isaach De Bankolé Niels Arestrup Niels Arestrup Anne Consigny Anne Consigny Marina Hands Marina Hands
More
Genres:
Drama, Biography
AKA:
Scaphandre et le papillon, Le
Countries:
France, USA
Language:
French
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

2007
Drama
Biography
1h 52m
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Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 71.38% from 3540 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

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leonardisLeonardis
Rated 24 Jun 2020
96
90th
I thought this was so damn good. The soundtrack fits really well, the cinematography is pretty, and the story is very investing. It's every bit as hopeful as it is depressing and I even found myself tearing up once or twice. Amalric is likable as our lead and Croze is drop dead gorgeous. The writer and director definitely handled this with care and it pays off in the end. The overall feel is just kind of amazing. Emotional and really well paced. Definitely give it a shot if you missed it.
Rated 24 Jun 2020
lucluc
Rated 16 Apr 2009
75
85th
Amazing, sad, true story. From the beginning you feel the same way of despair by looking through his eye, helpless and wishing to die. The first half hour was the best for me and sometimes I had to laugh with his feelings of despair.
Rated 16 Apr 2009
djrossdjross
Rated 20 Feb 2010
70
77th
It has been reported that the portrayal of his relationships is inaccurate, in a way that affects one's view of the film, even if it wasn't the fault of the filmmakers themselves. Nevertheless, a fairly successful attempt to film a condition that is fairly uncinematic, given the degree to which movement was reduced, but perhaps not quite so uncinematic in its essence: an eye (and an ear), memory, desire and imagination, that is, almost a definition of cinema, and of cinematic temporality.
Rated 20 Feb 2010
magbMagb
Rated 24 Jul 2008
95
94th
You can kind of tell where this one is going from early on, but that couldn't possibly matter less. This is a beautiful, beautiful and sad, sad movie. At first the film is shot almost entirely from the point of view of the main character, but as the film progresses we start to see him from the outside more often -- much like how he himself starts to see himself from a different point of view. This is one of those "can't believe it's a true story" stories, and must be seen to be believed.
Rated 24 Jul 2008
paxtonPaxton
Rated 17 May 2018
80
88th
Some jokes: I was really moved by the performance, I mean, I actually bought Max Von Sydow as French! // Every time there was a tracking shot it felt like they were cheating. It reminded me of Mitch Hedberg: "It's very dangerous to wave to people you don't know because what if they don't have hands? They'll think you're cocky." // Was it good? *blinks once* // It makes My Left Foot look like Easter Parade. // Not Joke: It was so audacious I had to follow it up with schlock to balance myself.
Rated 17 May 2018
mohanmohan
Rated 14 Jul 2008
98
88th
Photography is good. Direction is excellent, artistically dense, creative - so creative that even the creatively above avg Hollywood productions seem crass. (Considered together with Amelie, it is like the French are a separate class of artistically/creatively superior people. Can imagine neither of the films produced elsewhere). The writing has poetic epiphanies that seeds a deep desire inside you to read the original work. Overall one of the best films I have seen.
Rated 14 Jul 2008
billythekydbillythekyd
Rated 17 May 2008
91
96th
The challenge for the lead actor (Mathieu Amalric) is that the personality of the character he plays is locked inside an immobile body, with only his left eye remaining fully functional. It's surprising what you can do with your left eye. You can't lurch or groan, but you can cry. And you can communicate to those willing to observe and listen. Like My Left Foot and Away from Her, Diving Bell deals with severe disability with compassion, understanding, and even understated wit.
Rated 17 May 2008
quickyQuicky
Rated 13 Aug 2008
90
95th
As I didn't really familiarize myself with the story beforehand, I thought this was going to be a Mar Adentro look-alike, but actually it was in a way completely the opposite. Jean-Dominique Bauby was left trapped in his body with only an eye to shout with, and became determined to show the world that this was no restriction to teach the world something about life. Great cinematography in the beginning as we see the world through Jean-Do's eyes just after his stroke. Beautiful and moving film.
Rated 13 Aug 2008
davidkahaneDavidKahane
Rated 31 Jan 2008
90
83rd
From the overt technique of the opening to the odd flights of imagination to shots clearly framed with an artist's eye, Schnabel is engaged in an open dialogue with the audience. There's no attempt to render directing choices invisible to the viewer. Instead they are there, big and bold, pushing you to consider them as they are happening. It challenges the very way we watch movies or consider their impact. That becomes limiting, but it's also the aspect that makes it so intellectually thrilling.
Rated 31 Jan 2008
teddedonTedDedon
Rated 14 Mar 2008
93
90th
Much to my surprise, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is better than its already positive reputation. Schnabel's unique directorial choices of having a large portion of the film in first-person gives a very unique and interesting perspective that will keep you captivated all the way through. This touching memoir of Jean-Do Beauby is not just one of the best recent French films, but will remembered as one of the countries best in decades to come. It's brilliant and I can't recommend it enough.
Rated 14 Mar 2008
derekstarDerekstar
Rated 27 Feb 2010
100
96th
This movie is riveting. I couldn't help myself but be in emotional lock-step with the main character for the entire film, which means it's successful. I can't overstate how effective this movie was on a technical level. The first person narrative is so strong and effective that we don't even see the main character's face until 20 minutes or so into the film, and it doesn't even matter.
Rated 27 Feb 2010
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 26 Sep 2017
81
90th
It does a really good job of being realistic about Jean-Do's disability, while also being uplifting. As a film, what I appreciated most was simply the way the camera told so much of the story and character--from his frustration to his focus to his sexual desires. It's really masterful filmmaking.
Rated 26 Sep 2017
skenkereSkenkere
Rated 01 Mar 2008
74
68th
Some pretty daring directorial choices, considering most of the movie is POV from an invalid, intermixed with kind of fleeting, etherial dream sequences. It's really the most appropriate way to tell this story though, to try to translate his experience to the screen. It's an amazing story too, that's both tragic, and in a way, uplifting. Still, for a lot of this, I felt like I was making myself watch it, and I wasn't as interested or immersed as I had hoped.
Rated 01 Mar 2008
barthalenBarthalen
Rated 04 Sep 2009
90
97th
Beautiful, sad, yet never melodramatic. Showing the viewer so much from Jean-Do's p.o.v. makes the experience so much more intense and tragic.
Rated 04 Sep 2009
begoniabolbegoniabol
Rated 27 Jan 2012
95
98th
So.. wow.. what a movie. This is the first movie that has made me cry. And not once, but 3 times. I have never ever cried during movies (docs not included). Me, the person with the heart of stone.
Rated 27 Jan 2012
amerigoamerigo
Rated 25 Sep 2007
82
78th
The first third of the film was absolutely sublime. The unrelenting POV shots forced us into a life of visually groping paralyzed sensory bombardment. But instead of sticking to the static helplessness and the occasional dissassociative dream and memory, the director decided it was necessary to take us into an omnescient third person. There's a thin line between demonstrating self-awareness and giving Amalric close-up-time as the paralyzed Jean-Do. Despite this major flaw, the film is excellent.
Rated 25 Sep 2007
dean_franzDean Franz
Rated 24 Apr 2010
85
84th
Though the difference is subtle, this is a film more about transcendence than triumph. The difficult subject (which could have lent itself easily to maudlin melodrama) is handled with spellbinding visual flair, sensitivity and sensuality by Schnabel (love that name, by the way) and the acting is out-fucking-standing. A major achievement, any way you look at it.
Rated 24 Apr 2010
icarusIcarus
Rated 04 Aug 2008
83
72nd
A truly beautiful film. Enjoyed the formal conceits, even if some of them were a bit obvious in relation to their narrative intentions. The heart of this film though is getting into the mind of Bauby, bringing empathy for a man still clinging to life.
Rated 04 Aug 2008
tonytheponyTonythePony
Rated 25 Jul 2009
87
88th
The liberties they've taken with the true story grate, the truth being interesting enough, but that is overcome by the beauty of this film. Speaking of beauty, the ladies in this... wow, just wow. Being trapped with Bauby is effective; cloistered in a hospital room with a fixed view, initially sharing his confusion. Later, there is stunning scenery and flights of imagination to drink in. The uniqueness of the story, portioned out appropriately, and strong visuals provide a lasting impact.
Rated 25 Jul 2009
indicamIndicam
Rated 27 Oct 2008
90
97th
The spectrum of emotions evoked by this film are some of the highest and lowest I've felt. This film tells an incredible story of tragedy and the overcoming of such tragedy.
Rated 27 Oct 2008
joojooJooJoo
Rated 17 Nov 2008
5
80th
One of those few films that attack you in a place normally guarded. The directorial choice of perspective traps you with the main character and builds a direct line for every emotion present to slap you in the face with its intensity. As much as I adore Sydow, his part in this movie just seemed to add drama to a film already filled to the brim with it - about the only real complaint I can lodge against this.
Rated 17 Nov 2008
gloryhornetgloryhornet
Rated 12 Dec 2008
100
98th
Not a film I would like to sit through again but equally it is one I would not want to miss. From the opening shot of blurry eyed vision that gives the viewer a taste of how it must have felt for the man behind the book. I sat and watched without moving just taking this film in. It is one I will not forget but due to the harrowing subject one I will not be repeating soon. 5 out of 5
Rated 12 Dec 2008
anomalyAnomaly
Rated 11 Jan 2016
86
88th
Quite immersive, initially giving us the same viewpoint as its locked-in protagonist, of doctors punctuated by flights of fancy. As he overcomes his self-pity, the viewpoint begins to expand, recreating the freedom of the human spirit. A great treatment of a compelling story, though maybe a bit long. Balances the style and content in the best way one can.
Rated 11 Jan 2016
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 21 May 2008
8
78th
Schnabel's direction and Almaric's performance are quite memorable (hard to believe he's gonna play a bad guy in next Bond film). I wish I didn't retain my composure while watching this film, for it wasn't the emotional rollercoaster ride I had hoped for, one that would have left me overwhelmed in the end. Still, 'TDBatB' is a daring and unique project, and one of the year's best films.
Rated 21 May 2008
mohkoMohko
Rated 04 Jan 2009
80
83rd
Beginning of the movie is touching and well made but towards the end it gets a bit boring when the same themes start to repeat themselves.
Rated 04 Jan 2009
cmonsterCMonster
Rated 04 Mar 2015
81
72nd
I was initially on the fence about this because I wasn't feeling much emotion coming from the narrator. I'm guessing that was more of a language barrier thing that hindered me from picking up on the nuances, but I could be wrong about that. But then the phone guy made a joke at his expense and it was played off as funny and not an affront to joke about a cripple and then they played a Tom Waits song and I was completely won over. Highly recommended. Just a beautiful film.
Rated 04 Mar 2015
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 17 Jul 2008
85
81st
Even though I didn't connect with the character all that much on a personal level, the creative directorial and editing choices allowed me to still have some sort of connection with him, making for a pretty moving and engaging film. While it at times falls back on familiar techniques for inspirational movies, mostly it's pretty unique in its execution and free of forced or contrived moments. The memory and fantasy scenes were especially well integrated and, I'd say, key to the film's success.
Rated 17 Jul 2008
magdabagmagdabag
Rated 01 Oct 2020
96
97th
An absolutely beautiful film that made me feel so many things. I found myself enjoying every depressing, comedic, and endearing moment of this movie. Amalric is more than serviceable, and a likable lead. I wish Marie-Josee Croze was my nurse too.
Rated 01 Oct 2020
jmboschJMBosch
Rated 02 Dec 2008
88
86th
Tragic and uplifting with really inventive cinematography and narrative style.
Rated 02 Dec 2008
bownBown
Rated 26 Nov 2009
82
62nd
Very sad, but very beautiful.
Rated 26 Nov 2009
nobletNoblet
Rated 11 Sep 2016
84
81st
Hell yeah Max von Sydow speakin' french.
Rated 11 Sep 2016
icromaholicxicromaholicx
Rated 22 Jun 2008
85
95th
Beautiful, inspirational film.
Rated 22 Jun 2008
stainStain
Rated 03 Dec 2007
80
68th
Not a masterpiece or anything, but a good job of doing a book that you'd think impossible to film
Rated 03 Dec 2007
prowlerprowler
Rated 07 Jul 2009
26
20th
this one is a bit overrated i think. i'd like it more if the guy wasn't a frenchy with a mostly boring "imagination", all the women weren't pretty much the same, and it wasn't so so predictable. on the other hand, it looks good. and there's Max von Sydow.
Rated 07 Jul 2009
mikeparasolmikeparasol
Rated 26 Mar 2008
90
87th
It's hard to see how any other filmmakers could have made this film anything better than mediocre. The visuals are stunning, performances are superb across the board, and magnificent direction. Artistic flourishes are not at all jarring and add to the dreamlike quality of the film.
Rated 26 Mar 2008
patmanpatman
Rated 25 May 2014
59
35th
An exceptional true story and a difficult one to transform in to the cinematic world. Schnabel does his best when trying to portray the essence of conscience and the power of the minds eye. Tender, discomforting, sad (especially the scenes with his father played by Sydow), but also kind of inspiring. Unfortunately it never managed to lock me in completely.
Rated 25 May 2014
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 29 May 2011
85
84th
Something like a cross between My Left Foot and Johnny Got His Gun. I wasn't completely swept away by it, but there are some transcendent moments. Kaminski's cinematography has snatches of absolute brilliance, both from Bauby's view of the exterior world and that of his imagination. At times it seems to draw inspiration from Brakhage. The voice-over is handled pretty well and Schnabel seems to know when to let the visuals do the talking. An often moving and always interesting film.
Rated 29 May 2011
plusdrolePlus_Drole
Rated 26 Feb 2017
88
79th
As this movie ages, it is starting to seem a bit slow, but then again, that adds to the tension played on to address the fact that the main character is completely paralysed and mute. Big, universal themes explored in one mans story, it's akin to curling up on the couch with a blanket on a rainy day. Make sure you keep tissues handy cause you should cry.
Rated 26 Feb 2017
psychedelicrpsychedelicr
Rated 10 Aug 2008
90
85th
This was an incredible film. I am very glad I did not see it before completing my final summer film because it indeed does have a lot of similarities. The cinematography is astounding, and to know that There Will Be Blood got the Oscar for it, pisses me off. I wish there was a bit more to the film towards the end; I certainly felt it ended too quickly. Also, there were so many females that looked alike, I got confused and it distracted me from fully enjoying the film. Even so: Schnabel kudos!
Rated 10 Aug 2008
theaguamooseTheAguamoose
Rated 08 Apr 2008
95
96th
The story is heartbreaking but inspiring, and the creative and clever ways in which Bauby's viewpoint, thoughts and memories are shown work perfectly.
Rated 08 Apr 2008
slrsoapboxSlrSoapbox
Rated 29 May 2009
85
86th
This is one of the saddest films I've ever seen, especially since it's a true story. It's now become my worst nightmare to suffer locked-in syndrome, so I suppose this movie has created a lasting impact on me in that respect.
Rated 29 May 2009
shmendrekShmendrek
Rated 26 May 2008
5
96th
One of the best of '07. The film techniques alone make this one worth watching. The fact that it's based on a true story makes it even more amazing.
Rated 26 May 2008
whatismynamewhatismyname
Rated 27 May 2008
80
94th
A beautiful film depicting the life of Jean-Dominique Bauby (played by Mathieu Amalric) after his stroke. Great camera work through the eyes of Bauby, it really added to the story of what one can do with only his eyelids.
Rated 27 May 2008
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 15 Mar 2008
73
79th
At first I was suspicious that the The Diving Bell's pronounced formal cinematic devices would amount to empty gimmickry, but the film quickly captivated and convinced me of its integrity. It's a thoroughly depressing affair, but if you're in the right mood for that, by all means watch this.
Rated 15 Mar 2008
markjpMArkjp
Rated 06 Jan 2011
85
80th
In the hands of the wrong director this could have been an awfully sappy tearjerker hammering it's family value point down your throat. Julian Schnabel however takes it in another direction. A visually beautiful and emotionally touching direction that gives the viewer great insight in the mind of Jean-Do.
Rated 06 Jan 2011
clayj41clayj41
Rated 27 Jan 2009
88
95th
Heart wrenching, yet surprisingly uplifting. Few things are more frightening than the idea of being a prisoner inside your own body, but Jean-Do handled it with tremendous grace and reserved optimism. While his condition took away his movement, it could never steal his imagination. Beautiful cinematography and very well acted.
Rated 27 Jan 2009
timmotimmo
Rated 06 May 2008
100
99th
An absolutely incredible achievement with an unbeatable style and truly awe-inspiring direction. Amazing.
Rated 06 May 2008
abunchofcatsABUNCHOFCATS
Rated 11 May 2009
92
91st
I really, really liked this movie. I've yet to see another like it where it's told purely from the point of view of the disabled man, but it gives such an impact seeing the world through his eyes, and especially his thoughts, trapped in his own mind and his struggle to overcome it. Something about it just clicked with me.
Rated 11 May 2009
aneyaney
Rated 17 Jul 2011
90
96th
A touching and interesting story. Beautiful cinematography. Also surprisingly engaging given that it's from a POV of a man lying in a hospital bed.
Rated 17 Jul 2011
denizgunal13denizgunal13
Rated 27 Apr 2019
77
89th
77
Rated 27 Apr 2019
rufamRufam
Rated 28 May 2011
85
93rd
"Le scaphandre et le papillon" is a heart-piercing but deeply rewarding cinematic experience. Schnabel uses stunning images to transform what could have easily been a contrived, manipulative biopic into a visually breath-taking and emotionally potent work of subtle lyricism and forceful feeling. The seamless, effortless, poetic blend of reality, dream and memory comes together as a lively and vivid portrait of the last months in the life of a great man.
Rated 28 May 2011
ozonepaulozonepaul
Rated 20 Jan 2012
100
99th
Absolutely briliant. Added a lot to my opinion on the topic of euthenasia. Unfilmable filmed flawlessly.
Rated 20 Jan 2012
faultfinderFaultFinder
Rated 01 Jul 2009
78
75th
Fanciful and endearing.
Rated 01 Jul 2009
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 16 Jan 2010
83
62nd
The narrative device used in this film is in a category of its own. Simply gorgeous.
Rated 16 Jan 2010
ronthedogronthedog
Rated 26 Apr 2010
91
96th
Innovative telling of a moving story. Excellent acting, and the creativity of the direction and camerawork is stunning.
Rated 26 Apr 2010
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 19 May 2020
84
73rd
Largely powerful and affecting portrait of Bauby is at its best when Schnabel's camera does the "talking" - the film manages to capture what I would imagine the feeling of being "locked in" would be using intimate, locked POV shots, to contrast with the ragged, jagged movement of Bauby's "previous" life. Some unnecessarily Hollywoodised liberties with the facts are unfortunate, but Amalric's fine performance compensates, along with a brief (but heartbreaking) one from von Sydow (RIP).
Rated 19 May 2020
cowfrappecowfrappe
Rated 24 Dec 2007
98
99th
Perhaps the most beautiful film I've ever seen, this amazing story packs an emotional punch as well. Unbelievable.
Rated 24 Dec 2007
filmfreak88filmfreak88
Rated 30 Apr 2013
85
89th
A wonderful fusion of visual artistry and emotional storytelling.
Rated 30 Apr 2013
janicexJanicex
Rated 29 Aug 2010
90
66th
An epic event. This movie represents the freedom of our minds and it is a celebration of life.
Rated 29 Aug 2010
muutanetmuutanet
Rated 17 Aug 2008
86
91st
Beautiful, experimental, bold and stand alone flick about a guy who's trapped inside of his body. Strong directing, shooting and acting. But the story is also very sad.
Rated 17 Aug 2008
kavuKavu
Rated 04 Jan 2009
87
89th
Beautiful in many ways and very touching. Gets a bit boring towards the end but not enough to really harm it.
Rated 04 Jan 2009
barraocBarraoc
Rated 12 Aug 2015
90
95th
By turns sad and humorous, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a beautiful and life affirming film.
Rated 12 Aug 2015
leshiileshii
Rated 07 Jun 2008
92
94th
It starts a little slow but pretty much everything about this movie is perfect.
Rated 07 Jun 2008
ranaldRanald
Rated 09 Apr 2010
85
83rd
Hard to watch at times, but an extremely satisfying look at a life that most of us might never want to consider.
Rated 09 Apr 2010
andertonanderton
Rated 21 Dec 2007
90
88th
yet another fucking 2007 masterpiece
Rated 21 Dec 2007
mwgerbmwgerb
Rated 07 Sep 2010
91
99th
Intensely beautiful, and emotionally moving. This film attempts to give the audience access to Bauby's sights, thoughts, regrets, and dreams, and succeeds through its great direction, style, visuals, and acting. Like Bauby, the movie needs a while to tell the story, but it is unquestionably worth the time.
Rated 07 Sep 2010
ahmed413ahmed413
Rated 30 Jul 2009
82
79th
Why it had to go more Hollywood as it progressed I do not know.
Rated 30 Jul 2009
quickyapiQuickyAPI
Rated 18 Dec 2009
92
96th
As I didn't really familiarize myself with the story beforehand, I thought this was going to be a Mar Adentro look-alike, but actually it was in a way completely the opposite. Jean-Dominique Bauby was left trapped in his body with only an eye to shout with, and became determined to show the world that this was no restriction to teach the world something about life. Great cinematography in the beginning as we see the world through Jean-Do's eyes just after his stroke. Beautiful and moving film.
Rated 18 Dec 2009
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 12 Sep 2009
73
28th
The fact of daring to make an entire film about a paralysee is almost as impressive as him writing his book with one eye. Still, it only does what it says on the tin. Once the initial effectiveness of the static POV camera and the sympathy it engenders has worn off, the film is about as entertaining as being locked-in. Max von Sydow had the best scene as the man's father.
Rated 12 Sep 2009
ttoshittoshi
Rated 19 Feb 2012
61
81st
Any movie that makes you appreciate life and living like this movie must be seen.
Rated 19 Feb 2012
w00dyW00DY
Rated 13 Jun 2014
85
88th
Poingnant and bittersweet. The cinematography is a joy, really engaging with the audiences empathy. Quality performances throughout.
Rated 13 Jun 2014
zealot185Zealot185
Rated 15 Dec 2008
85
81st
Very emotional and unique film. I felt it could have been shorter (some of the alphabet sequences could have been cut), but that's really my only complaint.
Rated 15 Dec 2008
nyar87Nyar87
Rated 17 Apr 2009
82
98th
What a refreshing perspective and inspirational story.
Rated 17 Apr 2009
fromenbergFromenberg
Rated 06 Jan 2014
98
85th
very powerful movie. Even though I didn't cry it was very impactful
Rated 06 Jan 2014
gareforceoneGareforceone
Rated 27 Sep 2009
86
31st
I'm a sucker for beautiful visuals and Tom Waits songs, and those aspects nearly made this film great. The director is a deft storyteller making bold choices, especially opening. Acting is great, soundtrack wonderful. The most interesting part of the film is it's unreliable narrator, who is revealed as something of a selfish jerk. The film could perhaps have stayed closer to the book and gone more inside his head for more empathy. The distance makes it more of a mood piece than character study.
Rated 27 Sep 2009
gokcanzgokcanz
Rated 25 Oct 2012
86
94th
* Casting, Acting : 9 * Script : 8 * Directing, Aura : 10 * Ease of Viewing : 7 * Naked Eye : 9
Rated 25 Oct 2012
paulwoodfordPaulWoodford
Rated 13 Nov 2008
95
92nd
I'm about to give up on American movies. This French film is one reason why. There's more suspense in the scene where Jean-Dominique shaves his father's face then there is in twenty exploding cars.
Rated 13 Nov 2008
smootysveensmootysveen
Rated 31 Oct 2008
80
74th
One of the truly great of 2008.
Rated 31 Oct 2008
brrrpbrrrp
Rated 19 Feb 2024
70
63rd
The trouble is to evade something too 'cinematic' or purely a formal/symbolic representation of isolated subjectivity, and while something of that remains its generally pretty good at showing the right kind of conflict between fluid and fractured experience. Beyond the primary character things do take on a more spectacular quality, and I think the prettiness and the nostalgic feelings cheapen the effect. I didn't find it very poignant or moving in the end.
Rated 19 Feb 2024
rthornhillrthornhill
Rated 01 Dec 2008
95
93rd
Poignant and beautifully presented. Very highly rated. thumbs up!
Rated 01 Dec 2008
davidjohnsonDavidJohnson
Rated 13 Jan 2012
58
32nd
Boring and annoying filmmaking.
Rated 13 Jan 2012
friendo55friendo55
Rated 22 Feb 2012
94
96th
Along with No Country for Old Men that same year, this film really made me begin to appreciate the movies for more than its characters and plot. Watching the first 15 minutes of this film had my jaw on the floor. Just perfect filmmaking in putting you right into the mind of Jean-Dominique Bauby after suffering a paralyzing stroke. From there its a first person perspective on learning how to communicate. It's a tough watch but well worth it.
Rated 22 Feb 2012
turinturin
Rated 06 Mar 2008
60
40th
If it wasn't for Kaminski's cinematography, no one would notice it.
Rated 06 Mar 2008
louismazziniLouisMazzini
Rated 28 Feb 2009
88
97th
The opening scences made me fear the film would use gimmicky camera work and go nowhere, but the film unfolds slowly layer by layer and is just a joy to watch. Beautfiul shots, great characters, excellent narration. You experience the main character's life moment by moment and are drawn into an excellent narrative. A gripping tragedy that shows the frailty of human life.
Rated 28 Feb 2009
nessonicnessonic
Rated 06 Jan 2009
92
91st
I saw this after reading the back. I have to say, I enjoyed this better. The film style for this was excellent and they certainly got the feeling down perfectly. To me, the book and the movie go hand in hand. This affected me a lot more than the reading did, but each supported itself and knowing before hand what he wrote while seeing this helped me to further understand it. Putting to vision a lot of what he wrote made it stand out a bit more. A great film experience.
Rated 06 Jan 2009
davidblastDavidBlast
Rated 03 Dec 2009
85
88th
Beautiful but depressing little film. Who would thought you can make a film about a guy writing a book with his eye?
Rated 03 Dec 2009
lonewolf2003Lonewolf2003
Rated 03 Dec 2014
95
98th
mrcarmadyMrCarmady
Rated 28 May 2011
88
70th
Excellently restrained, and it manages to touch without pandering. Brilliant film-making.
Rated 28 May 2011
francogonzoFrancoGonzo
Rated 20 Feb 2016
15
81st
Star Rating: ★★★★
Rated 20 Feb 2016
torontodogtorontodog
Rated 21 Jan 2009
90
94th
This film proves that you can make a great movie out of absolutely any source material - if you have the talent and imagination. I'd imagine that this would have been one of those books labeled "unfilmable" until Schnable got around to making it.
Rated 21 Jan 2009
mint00mint00
Rated 19 Apr 2024
60
46th
glm01glm01
Rated 15 Mar 2014
88
95th
87.500
Rated 15 Mar 2014
klausglenskiKlausGlenski
Rated 03 Jul 2008
85
89th
great movie that displays great pictures. it's quite obvious that schnabel benefits from his experience as a photographer.
Rated 03 Jul 2008
andreasthauAndreasThau
Rated 08 Nov 2010
80
77th
Beautiful french women. And a star cast. Sexy old Sydow. Film is. Beautiful. Wonderful. And very daring with the camera subjectivity. So I can use the star-sprangled word: innovative! Score.
Rated 08 Nov 2010
westknifewestknife
Rated 22 Jan 2009
66
39th
Can't say this wasn't interesting, but it was too artsy to really be as effective as it should have been. A for effort though.
Rated 22 Jan 2009
robosharkRoboShark
Rated 08 May 2011
70
40th
Interesting, but stylistically kind of suffocating.
Rated 08 May 2011
cinemaveriteCinemaVerite
Rated 07 Mar 2008
92
93rd
Great film that isn't as sensitive as it is enrapturing.
Rated 07 Mar 2008
troothTrooth
Rated 04 Apr 2012
79
80th
It seemed like it would be a really difficult watch for the first 1/3 or so, but it really picked up. Still, it didn't quite go as "deep" as I expected, I guess, but if nothing else, it really made me want to write a book.
Rated 04 Apr 2012
gillsoloGillSolo
Rated 08 Apr 2011
84
81st
Incredibly depressing yet captivating throughout.
Rated 08 Apr 2011
iyisinekiyisinek
Rated 15 Oct 2011
68
33rd
kilitlenme sendromu, felc, hastalik (elle dergisinde editörlük yapan bir adam birden felc olur ve hareket ve konusma kabiliyetini kaybeder. konu güzel ama biraz gir ilerliyor. ilk yarida tamamen hastanin gözünden bakmis kamera. sonra disardan bakiyor. sürükleyici degil)
Rated 15 Oct 2011

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