After reading the graphic novel, I was a little skeptical as to how it would be changed into an interesting movie, however to my surprise Paronnaud successfully brought Marjane’s story to life. He did not stick to the graphic novel completely however he did derive a good majority.
One thing that stood out to me was the way the movie started out in color, with Marjane as a grown woman. He approached the plot as he looking back on her life and telling her story. I found this technique to be very effective in conveying the gravity of her tale. She seems to be alive and doing well, but you can tell she has been through hard times. This flashback approach effectively grabs the viewer’s attention and sparks curiosity.
Despite the gloom and intensity of Marjane’s story, Paronnaud managed to incorporate humor and a slight sense of lightheartedness. Marjane’s life experiences such as going to the concert, dating a man who turns out to be gay, and shopping for music tapes show a completely different side of life during this time. Despite all the war and death surrounding the main characters they still manage to find glee. In the graphic novel you can tell Marjane is a spunky little girl, but he plays it up and uses it as comic relief.
The use of black and white in the movie in Marjane’s flashbacks is effective in showing how it was a time of darkness with some happiness, however she had not found herself quite yet. She was on her journey to find who she was. I think Paronnaud’s use of color when she is a grown woman in the airport is symbolic of her overcoming her hardships and growing into the woman she is.
Overall I thought Persepolis was a fantastic film. It stayed true to the graphic novel, while only omitting a few things, and only added aspects that enhanced the film but did not alter the plot in any way. Marjane’s story was brought to life in a spectacular blend of sorrow and humor.
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