When you say the words “graphic novel,” most people around you will probably suggest Frank Miller’s internationally renowned works “Sin City” and “300” (especially after their film counterparts were released in the past few years to huge box office success). However, Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical “Persepolis” may be the first step in the next generation of this burgeoning film genre.
The film’s cinematography is literally made up of moving representations of the novel’s drawings, and they fully relate Satrapi’s story starting in her home in Iran when she was a child to when she finally left her home for good to settle in France. The film opens with Marjane as a small yet rambunctious child who can’t really find direction for her energy and precocious personality. However, she is convinced that she is to be the next great religious prophet. This manifests itself in a rather cute and appealing way as young Marjane has frequent talks with God in her bedroom (represented by a giant man in the clouds with white robes and a white beard — pretty straight forward). However, her life is soon turned upside down when her beloved uncle is caught up in the struggle to overthrow the Shah and is tragically put to death. Marjane’s troubles only increase as life goes on and the bitter realities of living in Iran take a hold of her friends and family.
Now I recognize that I just supplied you with a very brief and probably unsatisfying plot summary, but I really want to talk about the true star of this film: the animation. “Persepolis” is definitely a feast for the eyes (regrettably cliché, but it’s all I’ve got) with its aforementioned “moving graphic novel” cinematography and style. However, it does not compare to other animated dramas like “A Scanner Darkly” or even the Japanese powerhouse “Paprika.” This is not a surreal journey that simple demonstrates the graphic power of modern technology, but rather a very down-to-earth animation style that looks as if a self-taught amateur artist had simply picked up Ms. Satrapi’s novel one day and began filling in the gaps in her animation. This seemingly simplistic animation does take flights of fancy, however, and these lend the film a genuine dreamlike side that reflects the emotions and thoughts of the characters far better than any words ever could. For instance when Marjane falls in love for the first time, her boyfriend is driving her home, and their car is floating 10 feet off the ground, gliding over the road and pedestrians. The scene really reflects how euphoric Marjane feels and also has some fun with the feeling of being in love (all with passersby simply noticing a car floating through the air). I can’t say enough good things about the animation of this film. It really will carry you away to the crazy and dangerous saga of Marjane Satrapi as you munch popcorn safely in your chair in the theater.
“Persepolis” is definitely one of the best films of the year; even the Academy gave it a nod with a nomination for Best Animated Feature Film. Although the troubles of Iran may seem far from the American arena of foreign policy (especially as we are still trying to work things out in Iraq), the film is an excellent window into the trouble of a nation that may be showing up on CNN more and more in the next few years. Either way, the tale of Marjane Satrapi makes an excellent film and one that you definitely should not miss.
3.5 out of 4 stars
