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

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

Screenwriter:

Ronald Harwood, Jean-Dominique Bauby

Starring:

Mathieu Amalric, Marie-Josée Croze, Emmanuelle Seigner, Patrick Chesnais, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Max von Sydow, Isaach De Bankolé, Niels Arestrup, Anne Consigny, Marina Hands

Genres:

Drama, Biography

AKA:

Le Scaphandre et le papillon

Countries:

France, USA

Language:

French
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The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

2007
Drama, Biography
1h 52m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 71.35% from 3533 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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leonardisLeonardis
Rated 24 Jun 2020
96
89th
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
djrossdjross
Rated 20 Feb 2010
70
78th
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
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
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
87
85th
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
nobletNoblet
Rated 11 Sep 2016
84
81st
Hell yeah Max von Sydow speakin' french.
Rated 11 Sep 2016
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
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
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
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
bownBown
Rated 26 Nov 2009
82
61st
Very sad, but very beautiful.
Rated 26 Nov 2009
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
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
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
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
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
jmboschJMBosch
Rated 02 Dec 2008
88
86th
Tragic and uplifting with really inventive cinematography and narrative style.
Rated 02 Dec 2008
joojooJooJoo
Rated 17 Nov 2008
5
81st
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
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
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
icromaholicxicromaholicx
Rated 22 Jun 2008
85
95th
Beautiful, inspirational film.
Rated 22 Jun 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
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
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
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
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
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 15 Mar 2008
73
80th
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
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
mrcimrci
Rated 17 Jun 2022
83
91st
Storytelling and photography at the highest level.
Rated 17 Jun 2022
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
denizgunal13denizgunal13
Rated 27 Apr 2019
77
89th
77
Rated 27 Apr 2019
feublofeublo
Rated 02 Feb 2018
80
57th
A moving story that can put life into perspective. The cinematic effects are unique and add to the audience's empathy. To endure such an experience is inspiring and uplifting.
Rated 02 Feb 2018
geohawkgeohawk
Rated 21 May 2016
80
40th
Leave it to Spielberg affiliates to film a French story, in French, in France, and still gum it up with Hollywood values and family sentimentality. Amalric is great as Bauby, and the scenes with Max von Sydow are terrific, but could have done with a lot less Seigner.
Rated 21 May 2016
francogonzoFrancoGonzo
Rated 20 Feb 2016
15
82nd
Star Rating: ★★★★
Rated 20 Feb 2016
thereeldealthereeldeal
Rated 19 Aug 2015
85
91st
A tearjerker - but for once it's an honorable trait. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly captures the humanity of both a physically and mentally flawed man and evokes more sympathy and affection than pity. The scenes where Bauby escapes to his imagination bring to life the sensations more than most films with their standard camera perspectives do. A masterpiece at conveying the story and empathy it wishes to tell. A pure success brimming with talent and class.
Rated 19 Aug 2015
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
le_mamile mami
Rated 28 Dec 2014
70
66th
Rewatch
Rated 28 Dec 2014
lonewolf2003Lonewolf2003
Rated 03 Dec 2014
95
98th
2nd viewing
Rated 03 Dec 2014
schwabeschwabe
Rated 02 Nov 2014
100
99th
a wonderfully acted, directed and written movie. this movie reached deep inside me, made me happy and sad all at the same time. it is defiantly not a run of the mill kind of movie, but certainly worth watching! one of my very favorite ones.
Rated 02 Nov 2014
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
ecitizeneCitizen
Rated 02 Apr 2014
20
7th
It's was almost impossible to stay awake through this movie. A man who suffered a stroke spends his time blinking in order to communicate. Why not use morse code? Much of the movie is about the regrets of his life, and the excruciatingly slow pace he is able to communicate. The flashbacks are the only respite from the utter boredom of this movie. A few beautiful women but it is basically long and boring. One of the most horrific ways that a person can be injured. His father was excellent.
Rated 02 Apr 2014
glm01glm01
Rated 15 Mar 2014
88
95th
87.500
Rated 15 Mar 2014
fromenbergFromenberg
Rated 06 Jan 2014
98
85th
very powerful movie. Even though I didn't cry it was very impactful
Rated 06 Jan 2014
aaasolankiaaasolanki
Rated 20 Oct 2013
79
65th
Exceptional true stores always make for great movies and this was one of them. The movie's start is not great and it is really slow in some parts but overall it makes up for it. If you are feeling low and need a boost in morale, watch this movie :D
Rated 20 Oct 2013
snallygastersnallygaster
Rated 15 Jul 2013
56
57th
A gripping portrayal of an almost unimaginable condition. Having said that, I wish it were a bit less literal, and without the occasionally obtrusive soundtrack.
Rated 15 Jul 2013
filmfreak88filmfreak88
Rated 30 Apr 2013
85
89th
A wonderful fusion of visual artistry and emotional storytelling.
Rated 30 Apr 2013
misterlizardmisterlizard
Rated 17 Dec 2012
85
92nd
An incredibly moving piece. This could easily have been overly heart-tugging Oscar bait. Instead stunning cinematography and liberal use of Bauby's wry humour turns it into a gripping and very human story. On a pedantic note, was that alphabet board they best communication tool they could invent? I spent half the movie inventing more efficient techniques using just blinks.
Rated 17 Dec 2012
amadeusAmadeus
Rated 09 Dec 2012
1
0th
Rich people's drama. fuck them. like Intouchables. at least it makes you smile. Put a real poor guy in the story then I'll be impressed. PS: 1 for cinematography.
Rated 09 Dec 2012
danastevensdanastevens
Rated 30 Nov 2012
90
92nd
With the help of brilliant French actor Mathieu Amalric, Spielberg's longtime cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, and screenwriter Ronald Harwood (The Pianist), Schnabel has made a marvelous film that uses images with as much grace and flair as Bauby used words.
Rated 30 Nov 2012
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
stevekimesstevekimes
Rated 14 Aug 2012
89
84th
The bravery to live a normal life is powerfully demonstrated.
Rated 14 Aug 2012
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
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
susmattsusmatt
Rated 20 Feb 2012
65
47th
Interesting.
Rated 20 Feb 2012
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
tiffygabitiffygabi
Rated 11 Feb 2012
80
23rd
I like it because of the way it puts you in the skin of the main character and how particular (to sya the least) finding yourself in that situation must be. I also liked (scratch that, adored) the charming real french accents in this film, which are absolute gold in contrast with the french I have to listen to and speak here in Quebec on a daily basis.
Rated 11 Feb 2012
syntheseizurSyntheseizur
Rated 30 Jan 2012
80
59th
The first-person perspective allows for some unique, elegant images, and the inner monologues are often reminiscent of Bergman's more romantic work. It fails to reach full transcendence, but settles for being emotionally engaging, visually arresting, tender, and unique.
Rated 30 Jan 2012
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
davidjohnsonDavidJohnson
Rated 13 Jan 2012
58
32nd
Boring and annoying filmmaking.
Rated 13 Jan 2012
bakcheiabakcheia
Rated 08 Jan 2012
100
98th
This movie is one of the most gorgeous movies I have ever seen.
Rated 08 Jan 2012
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
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
mrcarmadyMrCarmady
Rated 28 May 2011
88
70th
Excellently restrained, and it manages to touch without pandering. Brilliant film-making.
Rated 28 May 2011
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
robosharkRoboShark
Rated 08 May 2011
70
40th
Interesting, but stylistically kind of suffocating.
Rated 08 May 2011
gillsoloGillSolo
Rated 08 Apr 2011
84
81st
Incredibly depressing yet captivating throughout.
Rated 08 Apr 2011
ebelcEbelC
Rated 04 Apr 2011
70
72nd
Good and interesting movie, specially at first. It gets more conventional later, something I wouldn't regret so much if most of the first half of the movie wasn't so amazing using just the first person point of view of a parayzed man. If that was hard, difficult or didn't work a good as the director thought, maybe I would have understand the sudden change to normality. But anyway, the movie works, I just think they should have take it to the end in the risky way.
Rated 04 Apr 2011
armondwhiteArmondWhite
Rated 10 Jan 2011
5
0th
Tells a real person's life story so inventively you might forget how rotten recent biopics have been.
Rated 10 Jan 2011
glmglm
Rated 26 Dec 2010
90
92nd
90.000
Rated 26 Dec 2010
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
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 21 Oct 2010
20
41st
"A textbook example of a director prizing himself over his material." - Nick Schager
Rated 21 Oct 2010
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
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
filmdotfilmdot
Rated 30 Jun 2010
93
89th
The cinemtography is the character. It gives us so much in depth feeling and beauty into Jean-Do.
Rated 30 Jun 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
bharathbharath
Rated 19 Apr 2010
80
88th
This movie is as incredible as the life of Jean-Dominique Bauby. The direction, cinematography of this movie is amazing. The idea of describing the movie from Jean-Dominique Bauby's perspective makes it more like seeing the movie as he sees it. A must watch for all.
Rated 19 Apr 2010
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
nandorizzinandorizzi
Rated 15 Mar 2010
90
94th
A beautiful film. Naturally... sad, not in a melodramatic way, but lyrical and poetic. Incredibly well-acted and directed.
Rated 15 Mar 2010
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
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
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

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