Filed under: Published film reviews | Tags: Claude Mendibil, film review, French film, Jean-Dominique Bauby, Julian Schnabel
In December 1995 Jean-Dominique Bauby, Editor-in-Chief of French magazine Elle, suffered a massive stroke and became the victim of “Locked-in Syndrome.” Unable to move anything other than his left eyelid, he collaborated with book editor Claude Mendibil on his memoir, dictating by blinking his left eye. He died two days after the book was published.
This film is unique proof that personal tragedies really can inspire. It’s nearly impossible to imagine the will power it took for Bauby to dictate his memoir literally blink-by-blink. The result is a gloriously wry description of his inner world. Equally wonderful is how Director Julian Schnabel (Before Night Falls) realises this film. Much of it’s shot through the perspective of the left eye of bedridden Bauby, though we sometimes see external shots of Bauby with his family and friends, as well as memory sequences of Bauby pre-stroke. Through voice-over we hear the words that are in Bauby’s mind but which never pass through his lips.
This film, like its subject, is brave. We leave it full of admiration for Bauby’s mental vivacity (the ‘butterfly’) and his physical limitations (the ‘diving bell’), as well as some understanding of what it means to be alive.
Filed under: Published film reviews | Tags: Elsa Zylberstein, film review, French film, I've Loved You So Long, Kristin Scott Thomas, Philippe Claudel
Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas) is released from prison after 15 years and goes to live with her sister. There, Juliette attempts to cope with the burden of her incarceration and the gravity of her crime.
Pale, chain-smoking Scott Thomas delivers a stellar performance (and shows off her fluent French). She inhabits the character of Juliette with warmth and vitality as she throws off the judgement of others and the horrible shackles of her past. Elsa Zylberstein, who plays Juliette’s earnest and caring sister who takes her in, also gives an excellent performance.
This isn’t a ‘comfortable’ film to watch, with its themes of regret, grief and alienation, but in the hands of debut Director Philippe Claudel, this is a truly affecting film. It’s also a very French film in its subtlety, philosophy, and pacing. 115 minutes running time.
Victoria Jelinek 