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Film Analysis: Children of Men

Introduction

The movie Children of Men showcases a dystopian world in utter chaos, raising the questions: Is man truly civilized? Are his or her wild inclinations to survival just subdued? Until when are the factors that are necessary to stimulate them availed?

Thematic Analysis

The film is centered around the theme of fertility, children, and parenthood. People have been devastated by the spread of infertility across the world, following a global war that has triggered an apocalypse of sorts. With the birth of Diego Ricardo, humanity believes it has been given a fighting chance to maintain their survival and forestall their extinction. However, when Diego dies at 18 because of an angry admirer, the world is plunged into utter chaos as there is no cure in sight any longer. Fertility is a vital element in society as the chaos being outspread is simply symbolic of the loss of hope, and the need to vent out their frustrations openly.

Salient Theme

Hope is the salient theme to which the film is centered around. When Kee is found to be pregnant, the main protagonist, Theo, makes an effort to save her, and the unborn baby reveals just how vital her action and diagnosis are for all humanity.

Formalistic Analysis

Biblical Allusions. The film makes endless connotations about the Bible. Humanity’s inability to give birth is seen as a curse and/or punishment from God. As such, the only solution is that people are urged to repent, and restore devotion to their God.

Angle (Bird’s-eye View). The film director takes several camera shots using a bird’s-eye view in numerous scenes to demonstrate the chaotic position of civilization along with the state of affairs of the United Kingdom, which is the last surviving nation. Using the bird’s-eye view, the audience is thrust into the scenes of a fallen world where most legal features have stopped working. Additionally, the deportation for refugees demonstrates the limited resources which exist in the world, and thus, can only be offered to those who have something to provide in return.

Symbolism. A lot of symbolism is used within the film. Kee is used to symbolize Mary, who was to give birth to the savior that the Jews had been promised, while Theo is symbolic of Joseph, Mary’s husband, who guided and protected her. The setting (the United Kingdom) is used symbolically to demonstrate civilization. The United Kingdom is considered to be the most successful empire, which spread civilizations around the world, and is the benchmark through which most civilizations were built.

Outstanding Influences in the Movie. The most outstanding influence in the film is when Kee, an African, is depicted as the last resounding cornerstone of hope that the world at large has been looking to. This diegesis is dramatic as Africa has long been hailed as the cradle of civilization, and thus, to revert to this historical precedent creates an unwitting sense of rebirth. The fact that at the dawn of the apocalypse all racial lines and divisions are abandoned for the sake of procreation and continuity makes this scene much more civilized.

Conclusion

In summary, the film, though dystopian in nature, is very entertaining. As the director of the film, Alfonso Cuarón’s dramatic use of symbolism and biblical allusions coupled with a dystopian setting goes a great extent in capturing the audience’s attention. Furthermore, the paradigm shifts to Africa once being as the beginning of humanity illustrates how humanity is intertwined regardless of age and race.