- http://www.thedivingbellandthebutterfly-themovie.com/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Diving_Bell_and_the_Butterfly
- http://www.salon.com/2008/02/23/diving_bell_2/
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Diving Bell and the Butterfly
More info on the film
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I learned a lot from watching this film. As a future health care worker, I learned the importance of being patient with patients. Every patient deserves to be treated with respect and dignity like the speech therapist. She was an admirable character, I don't know if I could do what she did every day with Jean. I learned from the speech therapist how to treat patients like the humans they are. I enjoyed watching the film because the film was based on the patient's perspective. Often times we try to treat the illness and forget about the patient's feelings and their side of the story. I also liked how Jean had a sense a humor in some parts of the film. I think the film gave a very honest perspective of patients in the hospital scene.
ReplyDeleteLauren,
DeleteI agree this film gives great perspective to you and all the other health care students in our class. The speech therapist as well as the woman who took the dictation for Jean's book treated Jean with the respect he deserved. Though it was a difficult situation, they never gave up on him.
I have to say it is very admirable of you to enter into the health care field and get an experience of how to treat patients. The film was nice in the way that it was seen in his perspective instead of someone looking at him because the film becomes more personable.
DeleteLauren, I agree with you regarding the care of patients beyond their physical diagnosis. Meaning, we as professionals should transcend the normal role as doctors and nurses in order to provide true therapeutic care
DeleteI thought this was a good film overall, even though at parts it was difficult to watch. My favorite scene was when he told the speech therapist he wanted to die. In that moment, he had given up and was ready to die. The reaction by the speech therapist was indicative of someone who had developed a bond with the patient. I don't think this alone was the factor, but shortly after he decided he would define how he would live out the rest of his life. The way he took back the little control he had over his life was a good lesson to learn from the film. The saddest part of the film for me was when he was on the phone with his dad. For a parent to outlive a child is one of the saddest things in life. For the dad to comes to term with that was terribly sad.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree that when he told the therapist he wanted to die it shocked me and the way she reacted was the classic way anyone would have. Therapists do tend to create a special bond with their patients because they want them both to succeed and the amount of time spent together is great. The scene with his father was touching because, like you said, no parent wants to outlive their child and he was having trouble remembering what he wanted to say.
DeleteMeghan,
DeleteI have to agree that this film had parts in it that were difficult to watch. For instance, I know that some people had a hard time watching the part where Jean's eye was getting sewn shut. Also, your favorite scene's was also one of my favorite scenes as well. The reason why it was one of my favorites was because I can't believe he was willing to tell his speech therapist that he wanted to die. I found that part so shocking because the speech therapist was so determined/nice to help Jean and make him better that I was really mind blown when he straight out told her that. However, although Jean told her that I thought the speech therapist over-reacted at first but, when she came back and apologized for doing so I thought that was much more acceptable. Overall, I really enjoyed this movie and loved the story line behind it.
The film, I thought, was very well put together. But like the other movie it was depressing and had its moments of small amount of happiness. Both movies have flashbacks to times when they were younger and I like this part of both because it makes the person watching the movie feel more connected. The only question I would have would be why the mom of his kids went to visit him more by herself than bringing the children? My favorite scene was the one where his friend visited and brought the toy motorcycle because he did not know what else to bring. This is because I could see myself doing the same thing. The lesson I take away from the film is to never give up because there is always someone there who cares about you. The idea of waking up and being able to hold a conversation in my head and not be able to express it is what made me the most sad. Another thing that surprised me would be that his son was with him when he had the stroke and was able to go and get help because he knew something was wrong.
ReplyDeleteDiane, you bring up a good point about the mom coming to visit more alone than with the kids. I believe Dr. Sherron said the wife helped produce the movie so some creative license may be been used in that aspect. I too was surprised when he was having the stroke with his son in the car. Automatically my mind jumped to worst case scenario but luckily his son turned out fine.
DeleteThe biggest thing that I learned from this movie is that you should always keep an open mind about changing your thoughts and believes. Human beings can be often quite reactionary and assert their beliefs without the even slightest acknowledgement that that particular belief may change. Over time, our values, ideas, and perspectives constantly change and we must be able to change our beliefs as well. To say that you believe in something 100% is very admirable; however, you must be open to the idea that one day you may not have that same belief to such an extent.
ReplyDeleteBrent that is a great point. As humans we like to come up with a plan and stick to what is comfortable. We don't change unless we have to absolutely have to. It is so important that we understand that change is natural and neccessary to live a healthy, happy life.
DeleteBrent, you bring up a great point about keeping an open mind. This ties directly to what Dr. Cate cautions us with everyday. Don't give yourself unreasonable expectations now because your situation may change. This allows for you to be vulnerable in stressful situations and really come up with what is the best for you at that time in your life.
DeleteIn the film the patient lost his body and became a prisoner in his own body, that is perhaps one of the worst things that I could imagine. I felt for the man and his ability to keep communicate despite his state is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI agree alex that was the worse realization i could image also. Being able to understand everyone around you however only be able to communicate through blinking your eye was difficult to watch. He became a prisoner in his own body and he made it into something more positive my writing the book about his experience. Now that was inspiring.
DeleteAlex, I cannot fathom being a prisoner in my own body. Not being able to speak or use body language to communicate would be an awful thing to lose if you had been able to use it all your life. Jean, while he struggled to accept this for a while, was able to overcome his limitations and publish a book. The patience demonstrated from Jean and the healthcare was impressive and very inspiring.
Delete*healthcare team
DeleteThe film was interesting for it explored life from a different angle. As a society we rely on communication heavily and for healthcare in particular it is very significant. The ability for caregivers to transcend verbal communication and focus on body language and the dignity of the patient is paramount to anything that could be verbalized. The film also explored alternative care methods aimed at providing comfort rather than resolving the actual diagnosis.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I agree the type of care given in the movie was interesting. The doctors were very unemotional toward the patients. Where as the speech and the other therapist were both so caring and they wanted to help that man. The therapist who discovered his form of communication by using his one eye to blink was able to discover that through the therapeutic relationship she developed with the patient which is so important in meeting his need of being able to communicate with others.
DeleteAlex, I agree that communication is so important not just for doctors, but in everyday life. Some of the things the doctor said to him was just so stupid, like telling him to "take it easy". That's what was so great about the movie, it showed how important it is to talk to people, and to listen to what each other says.
DeleteAlex, I agree with your comment on how important communication was. Instead of giving up, the medical staff explored different methods of communication such as the "blinking method" for yes or no questions and they helped him write a book.
DeleteMy favorite scene was the one when he was able to spend time with all his children and he says something about how on fathers day his son is now wiping spit off his face. It made me realize that his condition effects everyone around him. He should still be taking care of his son not his son taking care of him. I am sure it is hard for the boy to understand that is father is now ill and cannot do anything for himself now. However, he made a joke about how his son was wiping spit from his lip because there was nothing he could do about it. He was quit inspiring to see that someone who can only communicate with his eye blinking could write a book. the lesson i take away from the film was that anything can happen any time to ones health so the days we have healthy need to be cherished.
ReplyDeleteEmily,
DeleteMy favorite scene in the movie was also when Jean was able to spend time with his children and wife at the beach. The reason why this was one of my favorite scenes in the movie was because I feel like this is when Jean finally begins to see that he treated his wife and kids very badly when he was healthy, Therefore, I feel like he is realizing that he can never change what happened in the past but, can somewhat make it better by allowing them to visit him. Another reason why I liked this scene was because I liked how he said that it causes him great grief to see his kids and not being able to hold them, but it makes him happy to see that they are still able to be happy even due to the condition he is in. A scene that I found very shocking was the one where Jean's girlfriend calls him and the wife (Celine) is in the room translating the whole conversation. I can't believe that his girlfriend wouldn't come visit Jean just because she doesn't want to see him in that sort of condition. But, what makes me even more mad is that Jean still has the dignity to say that his love for Ines will continue and that he waits for each day for her. The reason it makes me so mad is because his wife has been nothing but nice/caring to him. Overall, this video has taught me that anyone, anywhere, at anytime can have anything happen to them. So, you should live each day to the fullest and cherish every moment.
Emily,
DeleteI agree with you, having any sort of medical illness can impact everyone around you. I think that it is excellent that Jean's family was there to support him and visit him when they could. I think that we all need family by our side to help support us through our troubles. I know that family is very important to me and I would want them by my side to help me through the tough times.
Emily, I also enjoyed the scene where he was able to spend time with his children. Not only was it hard on Jean but when one has an illness if effects everyone around him. Not only the medical staff but the family. I thought the children were surprisingly mature because I feel like most children would not understand. I loved how they sang him a song and acted like Jean was the same person he was before his illness.
DeleteEmily,
DeleteThis movie really does a good job, as you pointed out, of showing the fragility of life. Each day should be cherished. No one can truly have confidence in tomorrow, because for so many, tomorrow never comes. Death in our society is so pushed in the corner, but more and more, we hear of people of all ages dying of different things. Consider the two young ladies with incurable cancer that have been so upfront in the media lately and all the mixed types of people affected by the ebola crisis. We simply cannot place enough value on living a genuine life every day.
I think the most interesting scene was when his doctor first visited him. What struck me was the fact that when he talked, the whole speech sounded prepared. I got the feeling he would have said what he did even if Jean could talk. Which is why I liked hearing Jean's thoughts. For example the doctor told him to "take it easy" and Jean thought to himself "what do you think I'm doing now?" It really didn't seem like the doctor really cared about him at all.
ReplyDeleteRobbie, you bring up a good point that we saw in the other movie as well. Often times its easier for physicians to remain detached. Obviously, its unrealistic to think doctors can get attached to every patient because life and death situations are dealt with every day. But, it was interesting to see it from Jean's side as he really couldn't communicate anything back to the doctor at all.
DeleteRobbie,
DeleteI agree with you that the doctor spoke appropriately to Jean, even though Jean couldn't respond verbally. I know that I have been taught to talk to non- responsive patients like they are awake. If I enter the room of a non- responsive patient, I still introduce myself and tell the patient what is going on. For example, I am Lauren and I will be you nursing aid today. I am here to give you a bath. I am going to start by washing your face. This is a brief example but it is important to talk to all patients and give them the dignity and respect they deserve.
I remember watching this film in Bio-medical Ethics. It was definitely an interesting experience. The biggest thing I took away from this film at the time was how a person could lose so much and still continue living. To me it is almost unimaginable to go from a normal life of a healthy individual to not being able to do anything apart from looking out of one eye. However in the film he comes to accept what has happened to him. That was amazing to me that a person could come to accept life after losing so much.
ReplyDeleteTyler, I agree that losing all your abilities and having your life completely changed would be very difficult and hard to accept. I think he must have felt that way too since one of the first things he said when they figured out how he could talk was that he wants to die. But I agree that him coming to terms with his life and making the best out of his situation by writing a book is truly remarkable and a good example to anyone who feels their life is not worth living anymore.
DeleteTyler, I think you said it best with the word "unimaginable." That's just it, Jean's situation is so tough that it is almost unimaginable. I feel that the movie did a good job of portraying what it might be like in this sort of situation though. But yes, the way he persevered is inspiring in a sense as he is able to find joy in such a tough life.
DeleteI absolutely loved the film! It was really cool seeing through the eyes of Jean. For many, we do not know what it's like to be the patient and what obstacles one goes through when sick. A scene that bothered me the most was when Jean was getting a telephone put in his room and the two men who walked in were rude saying he can't talk anyways. I did not like the rude comments because Jean was aware and could understand what everyone around him was saying. Another part I did not enjoy was how the nurse responded to Jean when putting together sentences on how he wanted to die. Instead of staying with him she ran out which is not how a medical staff should respond. I did enjoy how much effort the medical staff went through to attempt to communicate with Jean instead of giving up on him. I know it must have taken a lot of patience. The film was very eye opening to be able to see life through someone else's perspective especially Jean.
ReplyDeleteEmily, the two scenes you mentioned caused the same response for me. I was frustrated with the way the two telephone men were talking about Jean, and I was bothered by the way that the nurse talked to Jean after he spelled out that he wanted to die. I can imagine that the nurse was very frustrated, but she reacted in an inappropriate way for a healthcare provider. However, she did come back in and apologize, so she realized her wrong-doing.
DeleteThis movie was an awesome representation of the patient view on healthcare situations. Healthcare providers can get an idea of how their patients are feeling from speech, body language, etc. But with Jean, the only way they were able to know his feelings was after they developed the spelling system. This undoubtedly made giving care difficult, but they never gave up on him and did everything in their power to help him get to the best state possible.
I have always been a big fan of films and I can honestly say that this was one of the most interesting I have seen in a while. This is not very relevant to the discussion but the way the film was shot was extremely different from anything I have ever seen and because of that, it added a very interesting spin on things. I would have to say that my favorite scene has to be the first one where the character is slowly realizing his condition and everything that has happened. The one real question I had with this film is how long did it really take to write the book. The process seemed like it would take forever, especially if they wrote it using only the process shown!
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine the type of hell it must be to be trapped inside your own head...All I can say is that I hope I am never put into a situation like that. I honestly believe that I would rather be dead then trapped inside my own body...
This film helped again to reinforce the idea that life is fleeting and we should fill what we have left with love, adventure, and as much happiness as possible. It also shows that even in the toughest of times there will always be someone there to help us out and care for us, all we have to do is ask.
The thing that made me sad about this film was the man's father and his condition. Especially the scene where he is sobbing as he cannot get out of the house. In a sense, both the man and his father were constrained by their own bodies and forced to live in a way that they did not want. The fact that this was the case is what made the situation sad, someone was suffering but they could not be helped.
Craig, I think it is very interesting that you would rather be dead than be in the situation that Jean was in, because it seemed to me that although he was in despair at first, he came to terms with his situation and the final months of his life were fulfilling and spent writing his book. I would also be interested in finding out just how long it took him to write it, because it does seem like that would take forever!
DeleteI thought that this film was very interesting and different. I thought it was cool to be able to see everything through Jean's eyes, even though sometimes it kinda hurt my head because the camera was at weird angles or you couldn't see the whole room or person and it was frustrating. However, this was excellent for this particular movie because it allowed you to literally see the world through someone else's eyes and made me really appreciate my life and health. I think it would be interesting to hear more about the true story since often movies are played up for effect. My favorite scene was when the people came to install the telephone and they made fun of him and the speech therapist came in and defended him. It just really showed how much she cared about him and was not about to let anyone hurt him. It did really make me sad when his kids came to visit because even though it seemed like they all had a nice time, he kept flashing back to before the stroke and the realization that he could never do those things with his kids again was really depressing and sad. Also, the scene when his dad called him crying was really moving and sad, because he seemed so vulnerable and weak and unhappy. What surprised me most was just that he was able to write an entire book! That is incredible, and must have taken so much patience. Overall, it was a very interesting movie and really made me think about life and death and how quickly our lives can be turned upside down.
ReplyDeleteThis film was unlike any I have ever seen before. I struggled to hold back my emotions in several different scenes throughout the movie. The story made me laugh, cry, and feel very frustrated at some points. For the large portion of the movie, I just wanted to see Jean make notable progress and regain his ability to talk and move. However, towards the end of the film, my thoughts changed. I reminded myself that everything happens for a reason in life, and Jean's situation was very inspiring to everyone involved. While the emotional pain that Jean and his family went through was hard to watch, I was also touched at how strong these people were. Joy and contentment are sometimes hard to find in life through difficult situations. Jean and the healthcare team found a way for him to be happy for the last few years of his life. That, to me, is priceless.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite scene was when the speech therapist told Mr. Bauby that "you are alive, you should not wish to die" in response to him telling her that he wanted death. It really emphasized the struggle that the main charcter experienced and gave the reader a perspective of what he meant by being in a diving bell. He felt that he was a prisoner to his own paralyzed body that would no longer allow him to do what he used to. Throughout the movie, I enjoyed watching as he transitioned from this view into the butterfly mentality. He was not trapped in a prison, but rather was in a waiting period for something greater. I feel, as others do I'm sure, that this film really shows how everything happens for a reason and that there can be value in suffering, no matter how bleak things seem. I was surprised by the ending of the movie. I foresaw that he would die in the end, but with the publication of his book only something like 9 days before his death, the movie just ended all of a sudden. We see the nurse holding the book to him and then text on screen telling of his death and that's the end. It took me off guard. I thought there would be a little more emphasis on the "butterfly coming out of the cocoon" by maybe focusing on Mr. Bauby's happiness or feeling of accomplishment. But then again, maybe I am just being to sappy for what the filmmaker was trying to do.
ReplyDelete