Persepolis: The Movie

In class, I didn't respond to the question "what did you think of the film." So here it is...

I think, first of all, one can rarely compare a film and a book. Mostly because films can never capture every detail of the novel. Due to time restrictions, directors can never include every piece of the novel, but they try their best to please the audience and the author. There is no comparison between the two; the book is better than the film but I don't think the film really got any justice in class. I would definitely tell an individual to read the book before seeing the film. However, I think the film would inspire one to learn more.

I think Marjane was faced with a tough call, as Jeff told us. She really had to make a lot of cuts from the novel and really re-write her story. I think the question we should be asking is, why do we think she chose to emphasize the points that she did? As compared to the novel, what differences do you see in the points stressed? For example, I took note of the jasmine in her grandmothers bra in the novel but she really stressed this in the film. It was stated several times. I, personally, became interested as to why this factor was so crucial to her. I mean, we know there were several points she didn't make in the film, but why the ones she chose? I would really like to sit down and have a chat with her about it. In the film, she stresses Iran and the culture and crises there, exactly what she wants everyone to see. I think that's why her life in Europe wasn't detailed extensively.

As for the development of the relationships, I really don't think Marjane ever felt ridiculously close with Markus or Reza. She was very compassionate about Markus when they dated, but after they broke up, she realized it was sort of a lie...all of it. As for Reza, she loved him before they got married and for a few months after, but it died out and she knew it. While they are a part of her past, I think she left the development of the relationships themselves out of the movie because, really, it's always been about her. She's always struggled with self identity and what she believes in. While these two may have helped her realize things, she's always been doing life on her own. I really admire her for this because I believe that you are the only constant in your life. You have to be happy with you in order to keep going and you certainly have to be able to get by by yourself. I just think Marjane has been working on this concept all of her life. That's why I think, in her mind, it was important to mention the relationships, but detail was not crucial. She suffered alone and she healed alone, and that's her story. That's just my opinion.