In class, we discussed various aspects of the graphic novel, Snowpiercer #1: The Escape (written by Jacques Lob; Art by Jean-Marc Rochelle. Translated by Virginie Selavy).
We discussed matters of plot, character, setting and situation,
as well as how it works as a graphic novel.
We also discussed what Snowpiercer is really about. What are the larger issues at play?
Pick up on one of those questions we discussed in class, and develop your own thoughts more fully.
or--
Consider this:
Snowpiercer was originally written in French. It was called Le Transperceneige, by Jacques Lob and Jean-March Rochette. Here, in fact, is the above image in French:
Here is another scene, in German:
Notably, too, the film we will watch was made in Korea.
Does the language matter? Could we understand this graphic novel in any language? Why/why not?
What is it about the book that might make it appeal to many different cultures?
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ReplyDeleteThe graphic novel is using the jump cut to connect plots. Even though in the same situation and same conversation, the "shooting" angle changes, trying to avoid the boredom of a same scene and not casting boxes into readers' faces. In order to adapt this graphic novel into film, editor should have more transactions between scenes and plots, add background musics such as the running sound of train and the roaring wind, and translate the black-and-white into a more cold and monochromatic tone on the screen.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you apply the language of cinema. I'll be interested to hear how you feel about the film translation. Does it meet your expectations? I wonder, too, if you think these shooting angles emphasize different aspects of the film, as they do in cinema.
DeleteI think that this story's plot has to do with showing how even during the end of the world a leader rises up to take charge. Even though they are on this train that never stops, they were able to establish a government basically. A corrupt one nonetheless. I think it shows how people will accept a certain lifestyle during such a dramatic situation. The movie focuses more on the government's neglect of the people aboard the train.
ReplyDeleteVery good observation, Kortni. Do you think that it exposes how every government is corrupt? Perhaps corruptness is the natural state of all government.
DeleteI think this graphic novel has really interesting theme. The background seems to ice age again at the end of the world. Also, main background train is another world or society. However, This another world is very similar with nowadays world. Each of the train section represents the class. People get on the train to survive from the snow, but they struggle to survive again in the train. It is really interesting topic, but sometimes the picture frame's order is somewhat confused to me. Furthermore, as i am not a native English speaker, all capitalized word is hard to read for me.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree, Sarah, about how the struggle in the train is just as brutal as it might be outside. I'm interested in this problem with capitalization -- I can't fix it or fully understand it, but it points to a problem that perhaps the English translation didn't consider.
DeleteI absolutely loved this graphic novel. I liked how the idea of humanity living on this train forever was fleshed out to the point where there was a class system, a government, and political entities. The plot dealt with deeper social issues, such as the class system, and we can see that with how Proloff is treated throughout the graphic novel, and how Alex Forrester cut off the third class without any remorse, just to make the train move faster. The amazing thing about books, graphic novels and movies is that you can put them in any language and it's relatable. Everyone thinks about what if humanity was wiped out, what would be after? People relate to this story that deals with class issues, and other social issues. I loved this novel, I'd love to read the rest.
ReplyDeleteVery succinct insight, Cache. I think I like it a lot, too. Some might argue it's a bit simplistic, but if you dwell on it, its complexities reveal themselves. I look forward to seeing what you think about the film.
DeleteOverall I think this story has a great plot. The idea of having the remaining life on a giant train that runs forever is very creative. Not only does this story touch base on the question how will the world end, but it also is a great example of how humans adapt to their surroundings. The entire train has become a mobil town, with new established rules and roles. In the end all of life is essentially being controlled by one man, however the passengers die off leaving the care taker to himself. Suggesting humans are capable of doing more damage then they think. I like the language that was used because it was very straight forward, and realistic.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued to see your response, Olivia -- yes, humans do adapt, and part of the adaptation was developing a class system. Your comments about humans capable of doing damage are also quite astute. It happens in every age and generation -- it appears that meanness may be in our blood.
DeleteIn the graphic novel, the train is actually like a real country or society, though which, reveals that the conflict between the supper class and the lower class and the greed in human beings. Admittedly, the novel has been translated into different languages, but I don't think the languages will affect the people's understanding of the novel, because in many countries, there exists the conflict between the wealth and the poor and the upper class and the lower class. As for the greed, it is likely to root in almost eveybody's heart. Since the novel shows us the controversial human nature among all human beings, it is reasonable that the novel is widely accepted and popular in many countries.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you tackle the language issue, Nicole. Yes, I do think this gets to a theme that transcends language and culture. A nice insight.
DeleteI think the story is to show how people search for a type of structure and leadership when there is none.In a post-apocalyptic world, there would still be some kind of rank among them, even if it was not based on anything legitimate. The story also shows how people think about only short term solutions that will have consequences in the long term. The train might have been a a good solution at the time, but as shown in the story, the train will eventually have to slow down and stop. This leads to another short term solution, as they drop off the last train-cars. But since they are on a track going around the world, they are eventually going to go back around and crash into that old car in the future.
ReplyDeleteHa! Very astute insights, succinctly put. Yes, we do seek structures, and leadership. Could it be, too, that some people are born leaders? And some born followers?
DeleteI believe the language does matter but on a more miniscule level. Language in any work of literature is not only used for understanding & comprehension, it is used as a culture/race identifier in order for assumptions to be made about the piece. Although a Hispanic reader may not be able to effectively read German, said reader then has the opportunity to assume based of off societal representations what the piece will be about or contain. I say that it matters in a minuscule way, due to the fact that with the images provided in this specific graphic novel piece, the language its written in doesn't alter the readers view. The images, without language understanding show clear conflict, emotion, distress, actions...etc. having the language be unfamiliar will actually allow the reader to use its imagination on what the plot is about. Offering various reading on one piece. It may aide in understanding but the language doe not matter to the over all take away form creative literature, its breds more of an importance on the images than the piece. Just as in the film. Yes, the subtitles allowed you to better understand what was said, but the action and action shots in the film are really the elements that help you understand who's bad & who's good. Who's hurt, who's sad...etc.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do think the images project emotions, and when put together in a particular manner, can produce a powerful punch. The thing that language does is sometimes called "anchoring" the meaning. If there's any ambivalence, it can help deter it. A very thoughtful entry!
DeleteI believe the language matters and that we do need it to understand the novel 100%. At the same time we can understand a little because it has pictures but to completely get the idea of the novel I believe the language plays a huge part.
ReplyDeleteOkay, that's fair. Say a little more about that. What would you take from Snowpiercer if it were just the images alone?
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