The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
by 
|The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a reminder of why the medium of film is so special. It features first rate visuals, performances, direction and acting, all of which fits together into one of the most insightful, powerful and touching pieces of cinema ever. It begins from the point of view of a character that has become paralysed, apart from one eye and a fully functioning brain. Flashbacks are used sparingly and make such an impact due to their brevity. Mathieu Amalric gives a phenomenal performance as both the fully functioning editor of Elle Magazine and a drooling invalid with one over-active eye. A visceral emotional strength is packed into nearly every scene as his disability disarms friends and family and their respect and love for him shine through. Based on a true story, this is a rare piece of cinema that is as uplifting as it is extraordinarily depressing. A new entry into my top five films of all time.
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YOU'RE SAYING (4)
John Lampard said | 21 March, 2008
Truly amazing movie and story, I was riveted the whole way through it.
natasha said | 23 March, 2008
a truly unique portrayal of his life after a tragic circumstance. a moving and beautifully crafted movie. worth every minute.
David MacGregor said | 31 December, 2008
Yes, this is a remarkable film. It avoids bathetic ‘movie of the week’ sentimentality and the weird Mr Fixitism of ‘House’. The final title sequence is worth waiting for too, melting glaciers set to the poignant Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros tune Ramshackle Day Parade. Genius.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Iraqi-American artist Wafaa Bilal spent an entire month living in a Chicago art gallery where he had rigged a webcam and remote controlled paintball gun which visitors online or at the actual gallery could use to shoot at him. The piece highlighted the danger everyday Iraqi citizens face both in terms of actual violence and the vitriol generated by the controversial and geopolitically convoluted war. The experience re-triggered the post-traumatic stress disorder that Bilal had acquired in his home country. The installation as well as his life as an activist, artist, and refugee are documented in his book, Shoot An Iraqi: Art, Life and Resistance Under the Gun.
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francis said | 21 March, 2008
the book also needs to be read – he ‘wrote’ the whole thing using the blink of his eye, with someone interpreting. you have to keep reminding youself of this because the text is so smooth. i love the way that now he is paralysed he is ‘able’ to do more than he ever was: with only his imagination active he can pitch himself anywhere in the world, eat the greatest food, etc etc