Friday, September 28, 2007

Reel People: Mathieu Amalric is Jean-Dominique Bauby

The film is The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Scaphandre et le papillon, Le), and is directed by Julian Schnabel.

Born in France in 1952, Bauby became involved in journalism, and became the editor-in-chief of the French ELLE magazine. In 1995 Bauby suffered a unique stroke. After 20 days in a coma he came out of the coma, but was completely paralyzed, only able to move his left eyelid.

It was shortly after that he began, with great assistance began writing his memoir. The memoir was written by someone reading through the French alphabet (more common letters first) and Bauby blinking with the speaker said the correct letter. The book is apparently hopeful in nature, explaining everyday events as well as hope as he continues to live in his mind, even though he can no longer live in his body. The title of this memoir was Le Scaphandre et Le Papillon (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly)

In 1997, Bauby died due to heart failure, just 3 days after the French version of the book was published.

The film also stars Academy nominee Max von Sydow as Bauby's father. The film was well received earlier this year at Cannes Film Festival as Schanabel won best director, and an award for the highly regarded cinematographer Janusz Kaminski.

Will this biographical film earn Mathieu Amalric some critical awards attention this year for his portrayal of this Real (Reel) Person?

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1 comment:

Michael Parsons said...

Apparently Max Von Sydow is briliant in his supporting role. He couuld make it in.