English Essay ( Children of men) Flashcards
Hook
Dystopian literature serves as a cautionary tale, uncovering uncomfortable facets of our society, a warning for humanity it we continue on the path of inaction.
Synopsis
Children of Men (2006) directed and written by Alfonso Cuaron, navigates the harrowing journey of Theo, as he reluctantly gets entangles in a mission to safeguard Kee, a women who is miraculously pregnant in a world of infertility.
Issue
Infertility acts as an enigmatic antagonist, stripping human-kind of it’s progeny, plunging the world into a state of desperation and hopelessness.
Thesis
Cuaron’s manipulation and subversion of genre conventions such as the bleak yet familiar setting, the presence of a totalitarian government, and a bleak resolution
If on own response-> which shapes my understanding that the interpretation of this text should be how selflessness and compassion should embody our individual acts and the repercussions of empathy.
Evidence/ techniques
Cuaron’s manipulation of mise-en-scene, camera work and symbolism
, serve to comment on the idea that the way humans treat each other should be with compassion and selflessness, highlighting the consequences of societal indifference and the potential for individual acts of empathy and altruism.
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Generic Convention: Bleak Yet Familiar Setting
Throughout the film, graffiti by the anonymous street artist Banksy is prominently featured in the background. As protagonist Theo navigates the streets of a dystopian London, a peace sign formed from barbed wire catches the viewer’s eye. This juxtaposition of violence and hope serves as a stark reminder that even in the darkest of times, acts of compassion and solidarity endure. Banksy’s artworks often carry political and social messages, reflecting themes of rebellion, resistance, and dissent. Their inclusion in “Children of Men” adds layers of meaning to the dystopian setting, suggesting that even in a world on the brink of collapse, expressions of creativity and defiance endure, hinting at the possibility of hope and change. Amidst this grim backdrop, Banksy’s graffiti becomes a visual motif, symbolizing resistance and resilience.
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References to real-world events and issues, such as the depiction of refugee camps and environmental degradation, anchor the dystopian setting in familiar contexts. The mise-en-scène further reinforces this message, with dilapidated buildings and crowded streets evoking a sense of desolation and decay. Through these visual cues, the film challenges viewers to look beyond the surface of despair and recognise the potential for redemption within the bleakest of landscapes. By drawing parallels to contemporary concerns, the film challenges viewers to confront the consequences of societal indifference and complicity in perpetuating injustice, suggesting that compassion and selflessness are essential in addressing systemic inequalities and human suffering.
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The presence of totalitarian government is an underlying dilemma Theo faces, further highlighting the needs for individual acts of of rebellion for the possibility of hope. Jasper, a former cartoonist turned recluse, operates a underground hide-out where he carry’s out subversive acts towards the authoritarian government their world faces. In the background, Cuaron purposely places anti-government paraphernalia such as posters, pamphlets and memorabilia. As a viewer, I am able to acknowledge the intense research Jasper has gone through; his immense efforts to stop the government. Furthermore in one-scene a close-up of him as he announces an anti-government speech. This intimate shot, allows me to see every nuance of his expression, highlighting his dedication and the crucial impact of individual agency is in-order to combat the oppressive nature of the government.
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Furthermore, in the background of the film, inhumane treatment towards immigrants by militarised force can be seen. For example, as Marium is detained and forcefully taken out the immigrant bus, militarised forces are shown to be caging immigrants in a metal cage. This emphasis the imbalance of power, between the groups I am able to see the unfazed nature of the guards, juxtaposing against the desperation of the immigrants. Their facial expressions are on the brink of breaking down and they are exhausted.
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Cuaron makes real-life references of how immigrants are in desperation, trying to pursue the fragile balance between hope and survival, and physical and mental exhaustion as they are seperated from their families being physically abused. He allows me to make relation to my world Nazi Germany’s and Russian’s oppressive regime, which further evokes empathy and responsibility through the visual cues of mistreatment. Curon’s manipulation of a totalitarian government sparks urgency to act as I am able to garner the importance of movement towards changing society.
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The resolution of the ending is bleak, which subverts from the norm of the dystopian genre. He does this to emphasise compassion is successful and crucial in these times of hopelessness. In the closing scene, Theo is shown to be shot and holding Kee’s baby. This is visual imagery of Martyrdom and redemption as it references the Pieta, an artwork shown to highlight the complexity of death and grievances. This provides moral clarity, as he sacrifices his life in order for other people and the development of society. The Pieta links back to religious ideologies, as they prioritise the act of altruism and selflessness.
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Furthermore, in the climatic scene, Kee is caught in a ceasefire. Her baby the symbolism of hope, is discovered, causing militants and dissenters to lower their weapons alike. This showcases that large transformative metamorphic changes from violence to unity can be achieved even in acts of brutatlity between two opposing enemies. Subversion of the bleak ending trope allows me to understand that compassion and selfless acts are needed, in-order to create a transformative movement towards a united force.
Conclusion
“Children of Men” employs the manipulation and subversion of genre conventions to underscore the idea that human interactions should be governed by compassion and selflessness. By weaving moments of hope and resistance within the dystopian narrative, the film prompts viewers to confront societal injustices and embrace empathy and altruism as catalysts for positive change. Through its intertextual references and narrative choices, “Children of Men” offers a poignant meditation on the transformative potential of human kindness in the face of adversity, resonating with audiences long after the credits roll.
