Movie Review

We were required to watch and review a movie that portrays a person with a health impairment and I chose to watch "The Diving Bell And The Butterfly" (2007). This was the film adaptation of Jean-Dominique Bauby's autobiographical memoir.
I chose this film as I had heard of it, but never really had time or the inclination to sit through a foreign language film depicting the life of a paralysed man despite the critical acclaim that it had received.
Following a massive stroke at the age of 42, "Jean-Do", an educated fashion journalist, found himself unable to move. He was diagnosed as having a condition known as 'locked-in syndrome'. In addition to his paralysis he had his right eye sewn shut as it wasn't irrigating properly. As a result, Jean-Do was left with only his left eye that could be controlled to react to the world around him. His brain was functioning perfectly and yet he could only express himself through a series of blinks. WIth the help of his physical therapist who devised an alternative alphabet that she would read and Jean-Do would select individual letter to spell words, he was able to communicate with the outside world. This resulted in him creating his memoirs that were positively received upon release. Unfortunately Jean-Do died of a massive heart attack just two days later.
The portrayal of 'locked-in syndrome' was very effective. Putting the viewer in the place of Jean-Do we were able to see the frustrations that he was going through. We could hear his, very eloquent, thoughts and yet those around him could only see a motionless patient. We were able to hear of his thoughts of suicide, the fact that he hadn't reconciled with the mother of his children following a recent love affair. We also saw how the paralysis effectively brought him closer to his frail father who himself wasn't physically mobile.
Those around him were patient and kind with Jean-Do. His children, despite the appearance of their father, were still able to spend time with him, sharing stories and singing. I found this to be very moving. As Jean-Do was able to communicate, his visitors were made aware of the fact that he was still very mentally alert. Thus we didn't see any mocking or patronizing behavior with the exception of two visiting telephone installers who found it funny that he would want a phone installed in his hospital room. The physical therapist was appalled at their behavior but Jean-Do found it funny.
The challenges that lay ahead for Jean-Do were immense. He was unable to do ANYTHING for himself. We saw him being fed through a tube as he couldn't swallow. We also saw him being bathed regularly, something that he was embarrassed about. This reminded me of the need to be empathetic around those with impairments and I always do my utmost to communicate with these individuals on an equal footing if possible. Shortly after watching this movie I met a young man who had the left side of his brain removed to control some mental health issues. I remembered my feelings from watching the movie and was pleased with the way in which I held a conversation with this young man.
Interacting with the world through a series of blinks seemed the most painful of ways in which to communicate, especially when it was obvious that Jean-Do's thought processes were the same as before his stroke. And yet, the fact that he was able to write his memoirs serves as an inspiration to others. It shows that some obstacles can be overcome with patience and a support network of people around you. Jean-Do's 'team' included Doctors, a speech therapist, a physical therapist, orderlies that washed and cared for him, plus his friends and family that came to visit him regularly. Of course they were unable to provide a cure for Jean-Do and his early death was certainly a result of his stroke, however, his life after the stroke will be remembered more so than his life before the stroke.
The movie affected me in a positive way. As I have mentioned, I was reminded of the need to talk to those with impairments as if they were as physically or mentally able as myself. It reminded me of the need for empathy when dealing with those who are overcoming great personal struggles and it also motivated me to continue with me desire to work with those with physical and mental disabilities.