The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) Review: A French Classic

Is The Diving Bell and the Butterfly worth watching?

Yes — The Diving Bell and the Butterfly remains one of the most celebrated films from France, with a 94/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating and enduring audience appeal. On Celluloid it holds a 94/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating, 85% Audience Snapshot, 92 Metascore, 4.2 on Letterboxd, and 8 on IMDb — numbers that explain why it still surfaces on every “best of France” list.

What is The Diving Bell and the Butterfly about?

Editor Jean-Dominique Bauby dictates his memoir by blinking one eye after a stroke leaves him with locked-in syndrome. Directed by Julian Schnabel, the film stars Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, and remains a reference point for Drama and Biography filmmaking from France.

Should you watch The Diving Bell and the Butterfly?

Yes, without hesitation — The Diving Bell and the Butterfly rewards viewers who want more than algorithm-friendly new releases. At 112 minutes, it more than earns its running time — and the critics’ consensus still resonates today: Schnabel transforms paralysis into poetry through subjective camera and luminous empathy.

Where can I watch The Diving Bell and the Butterfly?

Streaming availability varies by region — check major platforms in your country or local cinemas for revival screenings. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) is widely indexed on IMDb (tt0401383) and remains one of the most searched classic titles from France on CelluloidScore.com.