A truly superb film, The Diving Bell & The Butterfly is based on the true-life story of French Elle magazine editor-in-chief, Jean-Dominique Bauby who, after suffering a massive stroke resulting in Locked-In Syndrome, dictates his memoir Le scaphandre et le papillon with the use of blinking his one eyelid.
The 2007 film, directed by painter and filmmaker Julian Schnabel, written by Ronald Harwood and starring Mathieu Amalric was nominated for 4 Academy Awards.
I watched The Diving Bell & The Butterfly with my sister Ruth and completely fell in love. The beautiful imagery complete with an equally thoughtful soundtrack perfectly illustrates a man finding meaning in the most unlikely of circumstances, with memory and imagination.
Director Julian Schnabel said, "Painting is like breathing to me. It's what I do all the time. Everyday I make art, whether it is painting, writing or making a movie." Schnabel holds true to his word, The Diving Bell & The Butterfly lends itself perfectly to Jean-Dominique Bauby's memoir of escaping what seems to be inevitable restrictions with a beautiful freedom.
I couldn't resist, along with the trailer I had to include one of my favorite scenes from the film. The gorgeous music accompanying this scene is Bach's Concerto for Piano in F Minor, BMV 1056 - Largo. Enjoy a perfect marriage of writing, directing, cinematography, Life.
Jean-Dominique Bauby died March 16, 1997, 10 days after his autobiography Le scaphandre et le papillon was published.
1 comment:
I can't believe this. You're absolutely amazing. These movies are like perfectly fitting puzzle pieces to my ongoing infatuation with independent films. Wow, Cheers K!! How do you do it.
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