‘The only real divide in this world is between the idiots and non-idiots.’
- Marjane Satrapi
I went to see Persepolis the other night at the Vancouver film festival. Sold out. Long lines. But we managed to get in with our guest passes.
It was exactly what I hoped it would be – a faithful translation of the graphic novels, with beautiful textures; funny, sweet, moving. The scenes with Satrapi as a child (above) are outrageously cute.
As an experience, I think the the graphic novels are probably richer and more nuanced, but this film will bring Satrapi’s story to many more people than the comics would have – which I think is important – considering the dearth of women’s (not to mention Persian women’s) voices in film these days.
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I’ll have to remember to keep an eye out for the movie when it gets a wider release. I( don’t expect a full-fledged nation-wide release, but I live in NYC, so it’s bound to get some play here.)
One nitpick: Iranians aren’t Arabs. For the most part. There is an Arab minority living there, but most Iranians are Persians.
Argh, I’m so jealous! I really want to see this movie, and I’m just hoping that a subtitled version will be released somewhere around me.
And yes, Ms. Satrapi is Persian.
Avram and Neil – Eep! Thanks for the correction – I changed the post.
I really hope the film is widely distributed. There seems to be such a thirst for her stories.
is it online yet??? i’d love to watch it.
The book is always better, isn’t it?