Reflection: Waltz With Bashir

I was having a hard time deciding what to write this week pertaining to graphic novel class. I decided to wait and read all of “Waltz With Bashir.” Now that I have, I am at a loss for words, not for lack of direction, but overwhelmed by the impact this work had on me.

I’ll try not to spoil too much for those in class, or those who have wandered in from the internet, who haven’t read the book.

The last four pages without dialogue, and particularly the last page where the graphic novel changes, was so emotionally sharp that in cut with the finest line art has to offer.

The way in which the story was told – weaving the experiences of so many around the central theme of regaining lost memory – was engaging and a very fresh way for me as a reader to piece together the plot. The use of photographic art made the panels seem almost haunted. The documentary-style narrative that offered just enough of a glimpse into each of the character’s thoughts made it feel all the more real, a concept that I’ve had a hard time deciphering thus far in the graphic novels we have looked at. As a writer, I was a bit disappointed to not have closer with some of the sub-plots in the book, but the details were enough to give me a personal feeling which each of the characters, and my speculations on what happened to them satisfied me as a reader.

But the juxtaposition of the last two pages was what really hit me. It wasn’t just the photos – it was the mood set by the rest of the work of art that stood with them that left such an amazing impression.

After all of my psych and lit classes – I never thought I’d have a life view-changing experience in a comic book class. But, I will be reflecting on “Waltz With Bashir” for a very long time.