Ararat: A Complex Narrative of the Armenian Genocide

Essay, Pages 5 (1242 words)

Views

112

Introduction and Evaluation of Egoyan's Narrative Technique

In the film "Ararat," director Atom Egoyan embarks on a challenging journey to recount the harrowing events of the Armenian Genocide through a complex narrative structure. The film employs a pedagogical approach, utilizing a film-within-a-film mechanism to provide a "live-action" depiction of the genocide. However, Egoyan's ambitious attempt seems to falter in its execution. The main critique lies in the film's narrative style, which oscillates frequently between different time periods and storylines, encompassing the experiences of painter Arshile Gorky, director Edward Saroyan, and the intertwined lives of Raffi and Celia, among others.

Don't use plagiarized sources. Get your custom essay on

“ Ararat: A Complex Narrative of the Armenian Genocide ”

Get custom paper

NEW! smart matching with writer

This intricate weaving of narratives, intended to provide a multifaceted view of the genocide, inadvertently leads to a convoluted plot that challenges the viewer's understanding and engagement. Rather than offering a clear and educative portrayal of the Armenian Genocide, the film risks leaving its audience perplexed and disoriented. This confusion stems primarily from the rapid transitions between past and present events and the simultaneous development of four distinct storylines.

The resultant effect is a narrative that, while rich in content and ambition, struggles to maintain a coherent and impactful storyline.

Themes of Reconciliation and Acceptance

A notable subplot in "Ararat" revolves around the theme of reconciliation, primarily depicted through the strained relationship between a customs officer and his son. This subplot, although tangential to the main narrative of the Armenian Genocide, provides a poignant commentary on personal conflicts and acceptance. The film meticulously portrays the dynamics of this relationship, culminating in a scene where the customs officer, initially portrayed as unsympathetic to his son's relationship with his partner Ali, undergoes a transformation.

This change of heart is symbolized in the officer's decision to release Raffi despite discovering heroin hidden in film canisters. This act of forgiveness and understanding mirrors the broader theme of reconciliation that Egoyan attempts to navigate throughout the film. However, it's important to note that this theme of reconciliation within personal relationships starkly contrasts with the historical context of the Armenian Genocide, where such reconciliation remains elusive. The film thus juxtaposes the possibility of personal redemption with the enduring pain and unresolved legacy of a historical tragedy. While Egoyan succeeds in crafting a narrative that touches on themes of acceptance within personal relationships, he fails to effectively bridge these themes with the larger historical narrative of the Armenian Genocide, leaving a gap in the film's overall thematic coherence.

Historical Context of the Armenian Genocide

Atom Egoyan's "Ararat" not only navigates complex personal narratives but also delves into the deeply traumatic and controversial history of the Armenian Genocide. The film's portrayal of this historical event is both vivid and harrowing, depicting scenes like the Battle of Van and the brutal bridal circle dances, where brides were doused in kerosene and set ablaze. These depictions are interspersed with references to the ongoing denial of the genocide by the Turkish government, creating a stark contrast between historical reality and political denial. Egoyan's intention seems to be to use "Ararat" as a medium to raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide and to challenge the viewer to confront this painful chapter in history. The film incorporates actual camcorder footage of Lake Van and showcases the remnants of Armenian churches destroyed during the genocide, adding a layer of authenticity to its narrative. However, while Egoyan's efforts in portraying the historical events are commendable, his approach to storytelling — marred by frequent temporal shifts and an overabundance of subplots — detracts from the film's potential to serve as a clear and informative historical account. The lack of a focused narrative makes it challenging for viewers to fully grasp the historical context and significance of the genocide, thereby diminishing the film's educational impact.

Memory and Remembrance in "Ararat"

The themes of memory and remembrance are central to "Ararat," manifesting prominently in the early scenes where Rouben explains to Ali the historical significance of the character he is to portray in Saroyan's film. This conversation references Clarence Ussher's "An American Physician in Turkey," a crucial eyewitness account of the Armenian Genocide. By grounding the film's narrative in historical texts and eyewitness accounts, Egoyan underscores the importance of remembering and acknowledging past atrocities. This emphasis on memory serves not only as a narrative tool but also as a means of preserving the history of the Armenian Genocide, which faces constant challenges of denial and distortion. However, the film's fragmented narrative structure and the interplay of multiple storylines somewhat dilute the impact of these themes. While the intention to intertwine personal memories with historical events is evident, the execution falls short of providing a cohesive and powerful exploration of the role of memory in shaping both individual identities and collective history. Consequently, "Ararat," despite its noble intentions and significant source material, struggles to fully realize its potential as a cinematic memorial to the Armenian Genocide.

Directorial Choices and Their Impact on the Narrative

Atom Egoyan's directorial choices in "Ararat" play a pivotal role in shaping the film's narrative and thematic delivery. The use of cinematography, music, and dialogue is instrumental in creating the film's ambience and in conveying its complex themes. Egoyan employs a visually rich palette, juxtaposing the stark realities of the genocide with the more subdued tones of the present-day storyline. The music, while evocative, often seems at odds with the narrative, leading to a dissonance that mirrors the film's fragmented structure. The dialogue, although insightful at times, can be oblique, further contributing to the viewer's challenge in comprehending the overarching narrative. These directorial elements, while artistically commendable, collectively contribute to the film's overall lack of coherence, leaving viewers struggling to piece together the disjointed narrative threads.

Audience Reception and Critical Reviews

The reception of "Ararat" among audiences and critics has been mixed. While some praise the film for its ambitious attempt to tackle a complex and sensitive historical subject, others criticize it for its confusing narrative structure and lack of clear storytelling. Critics have pointed out that the film's attempt to weave together multiple storylines and time frames, although innovative, ultimately detracts from its ability to effectively communicate the gravity of the Armenian Genocide. This mixed reception highlights the challenges faced by films that attempt to address historical events of such magnitude and complexity.

Impact on Armenian-Turkish Relations and International Discourse

"Ararat" holds a significant place in the discourse around the Armenian Genocide, particularly in its impact on Armenian-Turkish relations and the broader international recognition of the genocide. The film's release sparked discussions and brought attention to the ongoing denial of the genocide by the Turkish government. By presenting historical evidence and eyewitness accounts, "Ararat" contributes to the ongoing efforts for recognition and justice for the Armenian Genocide. Its portrayal of the genocide has had a notable impact, stimulating debate and raising awareness about a chapter of history that has long been contested and politicized.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Atom Egoyan's "Ararat" is a film of ambitious scope and intention, attempting to navigate the complex history of the Armenian Genocide through a multi-layered narrative. While the film succeeds in raising awareness and contributing to the discourse on the genocide, its convoluted narrative structure and directorial choices often obscure its educational and historical intentions. The themes of memory, remembrance, and reconciliation are prevalent, but their impact is lessened by the film's lack of narrative coherence. Despite its shortcomings, "Ararat" remains an important cinematic work, contributing to the ongoing conversation about the Armenian Genocide and its place in both historical and contemporary contexts.