Reaction: PERSEPOLIS

When I found out I’d be able to leave work early, I damned broke into a full out sprint out the door. Went home, fixed up a fajita dinner for me and the missus, changed clothes and was back out the door in no time flat. My fiancee is hellbent on documenting much of this year’s festival with her digital camera, hence this bit of foolishness…

…Pictured ticket in hand I made my way down to The Visa Screening Room. Let me tell you, I was quite tempted to shave off that shaggy mop you see on top of this Hatter’s head – standing on one of the city’s busiest corners for over an hour will do that to you! Not too surprisingly, we were late getting in, but I got myself a good spot in the balcony, and settled in for PERSEPOLIS (* * * 1/2).

While I can’t wait to get to the rest of my films, this lead-off screening has set the bar incredibly high. The film is a black & white animated account of the director’s life growing up in Iran through the seventies and eighties. The movie is based on a graphic novel written by the director – which I got the urge to go buy, since a woman a few spots ahead of me in line was reading it as we waited to go in. The story follows young Marjane, and her fascination with Bruce Lee, communism, Iron Maiden, God, and her grandmother. Her world is one of constant upheaval, with Iran’s overthrowing of the Shaw, and the Iran-Iraq war all happening before she is twenty years old.

It is beautiful, touching, funny, and truly original. The animation is gorgeous, and does an amazing job of evoking love, horror, humour and sympathy.If it doesn’t get nominated for Best Animated Feature, something has gone horribly wrong. As the credits rolled, the audience gave the director a standing ovation, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find PERSEPOLIS in the running for The Audience Choice Award. The second screening is Saturday morning – I strongly recommend adding it if you have the chance.

That oughta do it for now. No star sightings or tasty treats tonight, so check back tomorrow. I’m off to bed, with visions of Joy Division dancing in my head.