The Diving Bell And The Butterfly / Le scaphandre et le papillon

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 23, 2007 (Belgium & France) / November 30, 2007 (USA)

DVD Release Date: April 29, 2008

Plot 411: A man is struck with a horrible disease that leaves him paralyzed and trapped in his own body.

Review: Despite being an emotionally difficult and exhausting film to watch, this movie is incredible. Based on the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor of French Elle, the movie gives the audience an all-to-real feel of locked-in syndrome. This medical phenomenon describes a person's completely normal mental abilities and non-existent physical abilities. Mathieu Amalric plays Bauby and is absolutely amazing in his performance of a man who is utterly paralyzed and only able to use one eye to communicate with the outside world. The way in which the film demonstrates this point of view is really creative and creates a claustrophobic feeling for the viewer. The film begins with Bauby waking up from a coma and his confusion surrounding his condition. This first person point of view is really jarring at first, but it succeeds in creating the right viewing atmosphere and putting the audience in Bauby's shoes. The film later opens up through Bauby's memories and we're able to see him through other people's vision. I really enjoyed how the film captured the highs and lows that life has to offer and makes you realize that your life is all too short.

Watch It: For a life-changing, yet somewhat depressing movie about the human spirit.

Skip It: Because I heard that some of the facts about this film are not accurate. It might just be more satisfying to read the book.

Johnny Got His Gun

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: August 4, 1971

DVD Release Date: April 28, 2009

Plot 411: An American soldier awakens to find that he is dismembered and has no face.

Review: Where The Diving Bell And The Butterfly leaves you feeling saddened but inspired, Johnny Got His Gun leaves you emotionally bereft. It severely drives home its anti-war message because you are confronted with the effects of war for the duration of the film. Not only do you face the physical loss that Joe (Timothy Bottoms) feels, but you also endure his loss of innocence, zest for life and any hope for a future. Joe is a young soldier who volunteered to fight for his country and democracy in World War I. However, he is unable to escape the damage from a mortar shell and awakens in a hospital with no arms, legs or face. He cannot hear, speak, see or smell. The doctors believe that his mind is only capable of running his body and that he does not comprehend anything or feel pain. Unfortunately, this isn't the case and Joe is alternately angry, woeful and frustrated. He relives his past in an eternal dream-like state and never knows if it's reality or fantasy, whether he is awake or asleep. Despite the grim nature of this film, there were a couple moments when I laughed out loud. Is that just wrong or what? I guess that's just the gallows humor escaping. The film leaves you feeling unsettled and despite being over 15 years old with a setting that is even older still, it is still relevent today. There are many points in the film when the dialogue directly addresses the topics of war, freedom, democracy and nationalism, which serve to promote the anti-war theme. But it is the end of the film that captures it perfectly, because the camera creates a feeling of endless helplessness as it pulls away from Joe's bed.

Watch It: For a severe look at war's effects on man and the bureaucracy of the military.

Skip It: If you're looking for an uplifting account of human nature. For this, turn to The Diving Bell And The Butterfly.