The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Jean-Dominque Bauby was the editor of the prominent fashion magazine ELLE. He carried on a seemingly ordinarily happy life, filled with family, fun, and love. His entire life would be changed forever when he suffered a stroke while taking a ride in his brand new car with his beloved son. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is an outstanding depiction of, what is said to have been, the true accounts of Bauby's post-stroke life as a man paralyzed from head to toe, unable to speak, and limited to the use of one eye. The film is narrated by his thoughts, the things he would in fact be speaking if he were able. It travels through his experiences with various emotions, rememberances of his past, and appreciation for his vivid imagination. Despite the fact that he can not speak, he uses his means of communication fervently, and with help, writes a book. Jean-Dominique Bauby brought about an entire new meaning of life to me in the way he was depicted in this film. It encompasses lessons of determination, recognition of blessings, and love, just to name a few. The fact that the film is narrated by Bauby who can not be heard by the characters in the film is fascinating in that its almost as if we are his only friend, the only ones who understand his specific desires. It enlightened me to the fact that individuals who are paralyzed and may not have speaking capabilities may still have passion for life and deserve to be given the chance to live out their passions. This film was captivating! There were moments that were devastating to say the least, but this only enhanced my experience of empathizing for this man who seemingly lost everything, but still found inspiration enough to write a book, unable to move or speak. I loved every moment of this film!