1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
In class we discussed the film's backdrop in the country of Iran. We talked about the Iranian Revolution and how that shaped the film. There is a world of difference between what we Americans think of Iran and what life is actually like for Iranians. This film showed a side to Iran that is not often seen on the world stage. We also discussed that the film was originally a graphic novel and that influenced the style of the animation.
2) Find a related article and summarize the content.
The New York Times review of the film summarizes the plot, but also points out the themes of the film. It talks of Marjane's sense of social justice and freedom, something she feels she is born with. But, the article points out, that when in Vienna Marjane comes to the realization that she can be free and give up her home, or she can give up her personal freedoms for her home. "In this age of Pixar and “Shrek,” it is good to be reminded that animation is rooted not in any particular technique, but in the impulse to bring static images to life." (A.O. Scott) the article states. It describes the animation style, the way the blacks, whites, and grays create a magical yet somber effect.
3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.
The article made me consider the themes of the film- this wasn't just a history lesson, it's a coming of age story. Marjane's story is universal while still being unique to Iran and its history. Her coming of age in Vienna is like that of any other teenage girl's- she falls in with a new crowd, gets into an alternative scene, goes to school, etc. But Marjane faces issues that others don't usually face- particularly her frustration with her friends' nihilism. She shouts at them for not caring about life when back home, life is not guaranteed.
4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article
This film was powerful - probably the most powerful of the films screened so far in class. It tells a history that I think very few Americans are aware of. We all think of Iran as a radical Islamic country that supports terrorism, but this film shows that, like here, there are regular people who live there. The film humanizes a country that the West has demonized. And more than that, it's a coming of age story about a young girl, which is not often seen in mainstream cinema. The idea of "coming of age" tends to be about boys in the mainstream cinema, but here it is about a young girl and her dearly-held social justice beliefs. Marjane's story is universal and at the same time unique to her and her alone.
Scott, A.O. "Rebel With A Cause" New York Times. 25 December 2007. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/25/movies/25pers.html
CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM
1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.
2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.
3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.
4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.
5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.
6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.
7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.
8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.
Name: Melissa Faitoute Date: 21 April 2017
1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.
2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.
3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.
4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.
5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.
6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.
7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.
8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.
Name: Melissa Faitoute Date: 21 April 2017
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