The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (DVD)

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, directed by Julian Schnabel, is based on the book of the same name written by Jean Dominque Bauby. “Jean Dom,” as he was known, was 43, the editor of Elle Magazine, a father of three, and a man who loved life and lived freely, when he had a massive stroke that left him completely paralyzed except for one eye.  He could see, hear, and understand everything, but he could only communicate by blinking his one eye.  The film brings you inside his experience at the same time it explores the relationships in his life, and how he touches the people who love him and the people who meet him after the stroke.  It explores what it means to be “locked in” and what it means to be human for Jean Dom and for others as well.  The film is unsentimental and at the same time deeply moving.  I highly recommend it. (in French with English subtitles)