Persepolis is a graphic novel written by Marjane Satrapi, which was later adapted into an animated film. The story follows the protagonist’s (Marjane) childhood and adolescence in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War.

In this video essay, I explore the ways in which Persepolis utilizes the graphic novel and animation mediums to portray the political and social upheavals of Iran in the late 20th century. The video essay examines how Satrapi’s unique visual style, which combines elements of traditional Persian art with modern comic book aesthetics, creates a compelling and emotionally resonant depiction of the Iranian experience. It analyzes the ways in which the film adaptation enhances the themes and messages of the graphic novel through its use of music, voice acting, and animation techniques. 

Ultimately, this video essay demonstrates how Persepolis is a powerful example of the ways in which art and storytelling can be used to explore and illuminate the complexities of political and social issues.