Persepolis and the Iranian Revolution
Dean K. Myers
THL 357
Research Project
2,421 words Persepolis and the Iranian Revolution Persepolis was made in 2007. The film is based on the graphic novel of the same name. Persepolis is directed by Marjane Satrapi. The story is derived from her own personal experiences growing up during the Iranian Revolution (also called the Islamic Revolution) in Tehran, Iran. Included will be an in-depth analysis of the factors that caused the Revolution as well as an accounting of conditions in Iran during that era. A brief comparison of the current situation within Iran and how it is connected to the Iranian Revolution is also necessary. Persepolis is loosely based on the life of Satrapi. Lauded over by celebrated critics known for their analytical reviews, like Peter Travers of Rolling Stone, Stephen Holden of the New York Times, and David Ansen of Newsweek, who stated Persepolis “Isn’t like any animated film you’ve ever seen.” I concur with his sentiment. Also, Persepolis won four awards, including the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, the Freedom of Expression Award given by the National Board of Review, and the Best Animated Feature Award presented by both the New York Film Critics Circle and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. Interestingly it was also a nominee for the Best Foreign Language Film by the Golden Globes, and an Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature. This broad range of categories is what initially enticed me to consider this as a possible research project. What kind of film can garner this much attention, not to mention win and be nominated for such a variety of awards? Persepolis truly fits this bill. The animation, all done by hand, gives it a timeless quality which will make this a treasure for generations to come, or at least those concerned with history. Even though animated, this movie is the polar opposite of a Disney film. There is no happy ending. Most surprising about this film is the exacting
THL 357
Research Project
2,421 words Persepolis and the Iranian Revolution Persepolis was made in 2007. The film is based on the graphic novel of the same name. Persepolis is directed by Marjane Satrapi. The story is derived from her own personal experiences growing up during the Iranian Revolution (also called the Islamic Revolution) in Tehran, Iran. Included will be an in-depth analysis of the factors that caused the Revolution as well as an accounting of conditions in Iran during that era. A brief comparison of the current situation within Iran and how it is connected to the Iranian Revolution is also necessary. Persepolis is loosely based on the life of Satrapi. Lauded over by celebrated critics known for their analytical reviews, like Peter Travers of Rolling Stone, Stephen Holden of the New York Times, and David Ansen of Newsweek, who stated Persepolis “Isn’t like any animated film you’ve ever seen.” I concur with his sentiment. Also, Persepolis won four awards, including the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, the Freedom of Expression Award given by the National Board of Review, and the Best Animated Feature Award presented by both the New York Film Critics Circle and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. Interestingly it was also a nominee for the Best Foreign Language Film by the Golden Globes, and an Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature. This broad range of categories is what initially enticed me to consider this as a possible research project. What kind of film can garner this much attention, not to mention win and be nominated for such a variety of awards? Persepolis truly fits this bill. The animation, all done by hand, gives it a timeless quality which will make this a treasure for generations to come, or at least those concerned with history. Even though animated, this movie is the polar opposite of a Disney film. There is no happy ending. Most surprising about this film is the exacting
Cited: 3. Esposito, John L. Islam: The Straight Path-Revised 3rd Edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005