| Title: | Blue is the Warmest Color |
| Contributors: | Julie Maroh |
| Publisher: | Glénat |
| Issue #: | Graphic Novel |
| Year: | 2010 |
| Pages: | 157 Pages |
| Age Rating: | 18 (Language, Nudity, Sex, Adult Themes) |
| Story Grade: | A+ |
| Art Grade: | A+ |
For those unfamiliar with the prize; it is the highest prize awarded at the festival. Historically this award has gone to such high profile films as "M.A.S.H." (1970), "Taxi Driver" (1976), "Apocalypse Now" (1976), "Sex, Lies and Videotape" (1989), "Pulp Fiction" (1994) and"Fahrenheit 9/11" (2004). And while this story is nothing like "Apocalypse Now" or "Pulp Fiction", it is more the Pianist (also a Palme d’Or prize winner in 2002), this award is saying a lot about the story in this book.
While the book contains graphic portrayals of sex, this particular is book is about a lot more than the sexual content. This is touching story about love, the politics of sexual identity and life and the difficulties we have all faced. If you aren't ready to, or haven't already addressed these areas of your own life, I would suggest passing on this book and go get yourself something a little more shallow because this book is a well and it is deep.
Julie Maroh writes a touching story about two women in love while having the story be about their challenges and still not coming across as preachy about the political or religious rights of these women's to choose their partner based on attraction rather than just sexual identity.
The story for the most part is told from Clémentine's diary entries. It talks about the struggles she faced with her initial attraction to Emma. It talks about the fallout they faced while being a couple. It talks about the social constructs that are in place that make this type of attraction abnormal for the time. But it also talks abouts Clémentine's inability to ignore what she feels for Emma regardless of what society says is acceptable.
The story paints a really harsh picture of what life was likely like for those that were just coming out in the 90s and what it likely cost them; family, friends and even livelihoods in many cases. But again it isn't preachy about it, it's just real.
As an example of this not being preachy, we've all heard stories of people being kicked out of their parents house because their parents don't approve of the people they date. Straight, gay, bi it doesn't matter. I was kicked out of my parents house at 17 years of age because I took a stand by choosing to spend my last weekend, before going into the military, with my girlfriend, rather than going to a family reunion camping trip and hanging out with extended family I barely knew. The content of this book is relatable.
This book is about ignoring the limitations other put on you and being your own person. It's about a person who accepts things for what they are and acts on them in the name of personal happiness.
The artwork is beautifully drawn and colored. There is a great color theme that flows through the book and helps convey a message of hope even though this is a very sad tale. Even though this is a truly a tragic tale, it is a beautiful story that is told and drawn beautifully.
Maroh has a wonderful eye for facial expressions throughout the book. In my opinion, this is where many artists fall flat. But Maroh sticks that landing solid.
If you have not read this book, it is worth every penny. Read the book before you watch the subtitled movie. It is in your best interest to do that.
Just a warning for parents: This book does contain some pretty graphic sex scenes, nudity and adult themes. So read it yourself before passing on to your teens.
I grade Blue is the Warmest Color a solid A+. I recommend it to anyone who wants something with a little more depth, a little more warmth and a little more life than your standard graphic novel.
Until next time... don't forget to be yourself, whoever that may be.
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