The highly rated Diving Bell and the Butterfly deserved more in Cannes film festival and Oscar Academy.

I am quite convinced that this is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. It does things that only movies can, and constitutes, above and beyond its other very many great virtues, an argument for the irreplaceability of this particular art form. It is in the best sense an interpretation of Bauby's book, rather than simply an illustration. I left this movie with my mind in a swim and my emotions unleashed, rather than, as one might have expected given the theme of this movie, manipulated. Everything about this movie, every risk and every novel move, works. I doubt that I will see anything this good this decade.… Expand

Moving account of a man who only working body parts his is brain and left eye .told from his point of view. Remarkable acting from the entire cast.

this was a well-crafted movie with a lot of heart -- but does anyone else find the main character a bit of a chauvinist? He's one of those supposedly "suave" Frenchmen who are given licence to treat beautiful women like trash because...he's French?!? And some women just seem to swoon for this type of guy. It's beyond me. But, in the end, I do like this guy's imagination, his relationship with his father is very touching, and he obviously loves his son. It's a great movie, I just wouldn't wish this creep on any woman I know.… Expand

The cinematography is striking, especially at first. the story unfolds slowly, but by the end, i was captivated and surprised that this was based on a true story.

Visually stunning movie that will leave you breathless. It's like watching a dream come to life.

While the story is moving and genuinely tragic, I found the movie plodding. Watching it did make me think of what I would want should the same fate find me. I'm not sure why he was so admired and loved by the hospital staff; the film did not make that clear.

The good in this film is outstanding and then there is the average direction and writing: when I say writing I mean the script. It just lacks development when it comes to the characters including the main one. Who is this guy? Okay he edits a major magazine but show us more than that.. or at least show some depth to it.. and his lovers remain pretty oblique and 2 dimensional... When I first saw it I was blown away but in retrospect it was the story itself that got to me and Schnabel has done a mostly great job of depicting it.. Compared to most contemporary films it is pure gold.. No Country For Old Men? Give me a break! I don't know I just think it could have been so much better.… Expand

The perfect film. visually stunning and perfectly acted.

I wasn't wild about either Basquiat or Before Night Falls, so I was worried this film would disappoint, as well. Instead, it is an absolute masterpiece. If anyone out there is skeptical based on Schnabel's past work, don't be. It's a beautiful film, and one that should be seen on the big screen. Go see it as soon as you can.

What surprised me about the film was that my response to it was primarily intellectual rather than emotional. It kept me thinking throughout, but strangely, except in a few places, it did not have me feeling as much as I would have expected. I think I was so amazed at the artistry that could get so creatively into the locked presence of the protagonist that admiration kept me from initiation. My reaction has puzzled me. There was just a distance that I can't describe or understand.… Expand

perfect, one of the best films about the human condition that I ever seen. The best preformance of the year belongs to Amalric.

The Diving Bell and The Butterfly is seriously one of the best films I have ever seen, and I am just going to disregard anything anyone is going to say about it. I have never felt so emotional when watching a movie, it is truly beautifully miserable; Not to mention that the acting crew is brilliant.

Definitely one of the best films of the year. This film is very beautiful and moving. An idea is fresh and stunning. "Let your imagination set you free".

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly paints a pretty picture that can be brought into a full length film. This inspirational feature is based on a true story about a man who becomes a vegetable for the rest of his life and somehow later can communicate by only blinking one eye, which leads him to pursue his imagination in writing a story. The motifs and symbolism in the film keeps you thinking at first, but once you analyze those motifs, you will understand perfectly as to why those themes are there, including to add the things from the title of the film to the actual plot itself. The use of the camera movement and spaces are natural and unique compared to a typical Hollywood flick, though beware of many extreme-close ups and canted angles in this film if you have a fear of claustrophobic spaces. However those chosen spaces and shots are used for a reasonable purpose. For artistic filmmakers alike, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a must recommend feature to view.… Expand