8.0
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Spectacle5
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Absurdist Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Everyday modern life, a real life story, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and score
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Music Composition8
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, a real life story, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, a real life story, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and score
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
Find more like it
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About
Let your imagination set you free.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Diving Bell and the Butterfly worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 88/100 (IMDb 8, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 92). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Diving Bell and the Butterfly rated?
It's rated PG-13 in the United States.
How long is The Diving Bell and the Butterfly?
1 h 52 min
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly runs 1 h 52 min.
Is The Diving Bell and the Butterfly based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Diving Bell and the Butterfly?
Not quite. Critics rate The Diving Bell and the Butterfly higher (93) than audiences (85). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Diving Bell and the Butterfly a box office hit?
Roughly broke even. It cost about $14 million to make and earned $20 million worldwide, 1.4 times its budget.
What language is The Diving Bell and the Butterfly in?
It was made in French. Produced in France, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Diving Bell and the Butterfly?
+21GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly in 35 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Diving Bell and the Butterfly use?
TV Tropes lists 4 storytelling tropes for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, including First-Person Dying Perspective, P.O.V. Cam, And I Must Scream.