NICOLE ALBERTSON
Life Editor
Few movies have the ability to stun, shock and silence an audience with amazement and perfection. However, “The Bell Diver and the Butterfly” has accomplished just that.
Based on the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor in chief of French “Elle” in 1995, “Butterfly” is a heartbreaking story about exploring the imagination and its limitless possibilities.
Introduced to the United States in November 2007 to limited release, this French film is sweeping the awards circuit with more than 21 wins, including two from the Cannes Film Festival for Best Direction by Julian Schnabel and Technical Grand Prize, and two Golden Globe awards for Best Director and Best Foreign Film. More awards are destined to come from its 19 other nominations, including four Academy Awards nominations for Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Screenplay Adaptation.
Set in southern France, “Butterfly” tells the tragic story of Bauby (Mathieu Amalric) after he suffers from a cerebrovascular accident and is left almost completely paralyzed and speechless. He wakes from his three-week coma with a rare “locked-in” syndrome in which he is only able to grunt, slightly move his lips and blink his left eye. After months of frustration and depression, Bauby accomplishes one of his life’s goals by dictating a book letter by letter. Throughout the two-year dictation process, in which he indicates each letter by a blinking system, he discovers the limitless possibilities of his memories and vast imagination.
The award-winning direction by Schnabel brings a revolutionary insight to this rare condition. Beginning from the first moments on the silver screen, the camera views the world through Bauby’s eyes, rarely expanding beyond his own abilities except for adventures into his memories and imagination. Along with the visual tour, Bauby’s inner monologue and muted voice expresses all of his questions, frustrations, desires and dreams while he lies still in his hospital bed. From abrupt movements and blurry images to sarcasm and raunchy one-liners, the audience follows along with Bauby as he learns of his condition, how to control and how to cope with being “locked in.”
Only venturing away from Bauby’s external vision to explore his imagination, this unique style of directing leaves very little screen time for star Amalric to prove his undeniable talent. Although seldom seen, Amalric’s empathetic voice gives life and passion to the man flourishing within.
Due to Schnabel’s direction, the camera becomes a character of its own and plays a large part in creating the emotional attachment with the audience. Since Bauby is rarely shown without his own eyes, the emotional roller coaster relies on slight angles, subtle movement and supporting character reactions from Bauby’s ex-girlfriend, Celine (Emmanuelle Seigner), and speech therapist, Henriette (Marie-Josée Croze), while they offer support and encouragement throughout the film.
This extraordinary journey from deep depression to profound inspiration is a message of determination, perseverance and expanding imagination. But as Bauby relives his memories of a successful life and his unfortunate tragedy, his personal regrets give way to an existential philosophy and a decision to create the meaning and existence of his own life.
“The Bell Diver and the Butterfly” is a rare example of a deeply philosophical yet emotionally moving film that captures the reality of a tragic situation. Whether through Bauby’s imagination, memories or his own eyes, “Butterfly” is an inspiring story of overcoming obstacles and creating a new future.
01-31-2008
