This is the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby (Amalric), editor of French Elle. At 43, Bauby lives for the pleasures and indulgences of his sophisticated lifestyle. Without warning he suffers a stroke and wakes 20 days later, unable to move. He has Locked-in Syndrome and, like most sufferers, the only muscles he can control are his eyelids.

In one of the most creative and honest films of the last year, director Schnabel explores Bauby's torment and frustration at his situation and his escape into memories and imagination. The film lights on the people that surround him and how they alternatively confront Bauby with the actions of his former life and help him to create a future. It also chronicles everyday experiences for sufferers of Locked-in Syndrome ((ndash)) in a visually daring piece of cinema we view the first minutes of Bauby's awakening from his point of view.

The Diving Bell has been brought to the screen from the autobiographical book "Le Scaphandre et le papillon", which Bauby dictated by blinking his left eyelid, painstakingly selecting one letter at a time. As with any good story, there is humour in tragedy. It intelligently examines the richness of human experience ((ndash)) limitations and freedom, grief and love, physical sensation and emotional exploration. Ultimately this is a compelling and rewarding film, winner of two Golden Globes for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Director and nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

A story of love and loss, set in 1920s America around the time of the big stock market crash, Splendor in the Grass focuses on the relationship between Bud (Beatty), a kid from a rich family, and Deanie (Wood), a sensitive, "proper" girl. This relationship is not destined to be smooth, particularly when it comes to physical intimacy.

This film has a place in cinematic history for many reasons. It was the debut for a very young Beatty. It is widely believed to contain the first French kiss in a Hollywood film. It tackles the themes of repression and other social contradictions like few other films of its time. Many people consider it to be Wood's best role ((ndash)) she was Oscar nominated for it. Speaking of Oscars, it won for Best Screenplay. It was directed by Elia Kazan (On the Waterfront).

Most importantly though, it is a good little melodrama for those who like their dramas with a little bit of edge and social commentary, whilst still being able to laugh and cry with its authentic characters. If this is your cup of tea, then come along.