I remembered hearing this title, so when it showed up on a cable station, I decided to watch it. I was transfixed. I think a massive stroke and total dependence on others is one of those events that we all fear in the darkest reaches of the soul. What we have here is a very successful man, a cad, a pretty poor father, suddenly finding himself paralyzed except for one eye which he can move around and the ability to blink. This leads to a story told from the perspective of the victim. What is really wonderful about this film is that they didn't make this a maudlin survivor film. I don't even know if I could call it inspirational. He continues to deal with failings and to act in rather offensive ways, even without speech. This is about total introspection and thought. He was a character devoid of gratitude and still has trouble with it, though totally at the mercy of his condition. I couldn't help but think of Dalton Trumbo's "Johnny Got His Gun," to find such a protagonist. Another really strong point of this film is that the things we predict will happen don't always. He is left to his loneliness and despair at times. He had an empty life in many ways before, and much the same in the end. Great cinematography and story telling. Remarkable performances.
Review of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
