Cinema Society

THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY

Average
Rating

3.6

Tuesday, December 18, 2007, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18

7:00PM: Cinema Chat with Andy, Auditorium 4

7:15PM: Introduction, Auditorium 4

7:20PM: Introduction, Auditorium 5

7:30PM: THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY,

Auditoriums 4 & 5

Discussion will follow screening in Auditorium 4

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Winner, Audience Award, 2007 American Film Institute Film Festival

Winner, Technical Grand Prize and Best Director, 2007 Cannes Film Festival

Nominee, Best Feature Film, 2008 Film Independent Spirit Awards

THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY

Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric) is a successful and charismatic editor-in-chief of French Elle, who believes he is living his life to its absolute fullest, when a sudden stroke leaves him in a life-altered state. While the physical challenges of Bauby's fate leave him with little hope for the future, he begins to discover how his life's passions, his rich memories and his newfound imagination can help him achieve a life without boundaries.

THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY is directed by Julian Schnabel, written by Ronald Harwood (THE PIANIST), photographed by cinematographer Janusz Kaminski (SHINDLER’S LIST, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN), and based on the memoir by Jean-Dominique Bauby.

THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY, a Miramax Release, opens commercially in San Diego on December 25th.

Rated PG-13 for nudity, sexual content and some language.

Running Time: 112 Minutes

PLEASE NOTE: THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY is in French with English Subtitles.

Send a Comment

19-Dec-07: Steve Alexander - Rating: 4

Here's a note I sent to my circle of movie lovers:

For my movie-loving friends, a must see is "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly." I will not tell you much as the story is adapted from the life of the editor of Elle magazine, and thus, the story line has already been written and revealed. The direction and unique use of the camera to communicate the central theme of this story... how someone deals with a debilitating medical condition that leaves him completely paralyzed from head to toe, yet allows him only to communicate through blinking one eye... is what makes this movie a top-rated one by all the critics this year. It would have been France's Oscar submission, but they chose an animated film instead. By so doing, they lost the Academy Award for best foreign film of 2007, as I'm sure you'll agree when you see it.

It's sad, challenging for the weak of heart, and does not give you that classic "Hollywood feel good" upon exiting the theater. It will make you think... about your own life, your privilege and good fortune, regardless of your circumstance.

You will recast your experiences with the concept of personal struggle as a result of the movie... and after all, that's the goal of movies... to "move" us to a new awareness, emotional state, etc.

The director draws us into the inner person of "Jean Do," as he's affectionately called, and you gain an incredible connection to a man who lived such a commercial life until this tragedy. What happens in his world of relationships with his estranged wife, children, lover, friends, and the people who dedicate themselves to caring for him, is remarkable.

The fact that he wrote a book about this entire process and experience through blinking only one eye is nothing short of a miracle. My last movie of the year gift to you all. Bring a box of tissues.

19-Dec-07: BBS - Rating: 3

The diving bell and the butterfly is a film worth seeing. It took a bit long on some scenes, however, it was a serious subject and handled well enough to keep one interested.

18-Dec-07: Adam Koltz - Rating: 4

It took a while to decide if I hated or loved this film - very difficult to watch, but profound and extremely creative and well done. It has been said that a life threatening experience can make one appreciate, each day, a healthy life to a much greater degree; this film made me feel very vulnerable and gave me a profound appreciation for each healthy day I enjoy.