Children of Men Opening Scene Analysis

Opening scene

Children of Men is a science fiction film directed and co-written by Alfonso Cuaron. The dull, grey colouring of the scene also suggests they are living in a depressing and miserable era. The genres involved in Children of Men are Action/Adventure and Drama. This is apparent because there is action through the use of explosions and destruction (the bombing) and there is drama  present through the use of emotions and the story line behind the film. Moreover, there is foreshadowing that there is more action to be expected because things can only get worse due to the turmoil of the world. This is an entertaining mix of genres as it ensures the film to be quick paced, bold and exciting.

  

The story begins in future London during the year 2027, however, the opening also represents life not just locally but globally; this is shown through the news report at the opening featuring Seattle. From the moment the man pushes his way through the crowd, the audience can learn that he is the main character. This is obvious as it cuts to the TV he is watching and then back to him. The camera tracks him and he appears to not be so happy. The protagonist is represented as a character being different from the rest of the public and stronger; a quality that could be used to become a 'hero'. He also escapes the coffee shop just before it explodes pursuing his heroic idea as he escaped a devastating fate due to a character of luck and fortune, re-establishing the idea that he is unusual compared to others.  Despite possibly having the physique of a hero, his character is fairly normal which conflicts with the typical stereotype of a hero. The use of a tracking shot following the man out of the café shows he is the main focus.  

The film opening presents what I would expect a typical film opening to include; context, opening credits, introduction to character, title and suspense leaving the audience wanting to carry on watching. The narrative aspect of the opening sequence is the news report as it gives an essential starting storyline to the audience. The narrative context used in this particular opening sequence is important as it gives you an update of what s gong on and what would be anticipated to happen. Normally a narrative will appear once in a film opening however the news report is repeated throughout.