The Diving Bell and the Butterfly provides an ecstatic lift for movielovers, despite the tragic subject.

The diving bell stands for the physical state of Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby: A devastating stroke, at age 43, sends this smart, chic Parisian into "locked-in syndrome," which leaves thoughts and feelings intact within an inert body. Bauby can see and hear (though with increasing difficulty), but his sole means of expressing himself comes from blinking his left eyelid.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Miramax) Starring Mathieu Amalric. Directed by Julian Schnabel. French with English subtitles. Rated PG-13. Time 112 minutes.

Online

Watch a preview of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly at baltimoresun.com/bell