Children of Men

'The Bleakest Celebration of Life Ever'

Why Alfonso Cuaron's newest film, Children of Men, wasn't nominated for a Golden Globe is almost beyond my comprehension. I say almost because I quickly found out why from my uncle who has a less artistic palate. His response was that it was perhaps the most horrific future he'd ever seen and that it went so fast sometimes that he had no idea what was going on. Well, he's partially right. I would have to say that if you compare the three films by the Triumvirate (Guillermo Del Toro, Alejandro Inarritu, Alfonso Cuaron) from this year you will see the most horrifying films of the past, present, and future respectively. Although Cuaron's film is creepier than the bubonic plague, it's also strangely fascinating and beautiful. As for the hard to follow part, well...older people tend to have trouble following action scenes more so than the younger people.

The story is set in the year 2027 with the premise that mankind has become sterile. No babies have been born for many years, leaving no hope for a future legacy. It begins in England which is one of the last countries not to have fallen completely into ruins. Instead, it has enacted strict immigrant laws and a totalitarian government system to keep everyone and thing in check and functioning smoothly. In fact, the lead character works for the Ministry of Energy, a direct reference to 1984. Then comes along Clive Owen's character who is a burned out political activist and former father who agrees to help his ex in smuggling a young black girl out of the country. However, things go very wrong as his ex-wife dies and her own organization turns on him and he has to make sure the girl flees to a safe place called the Human Project since she is the only pregnant woman left. GRanted that was a really dumbed down version of the script, but the script is amazing. Although based on a book, Cuaron's direction is evident throughout and displays his ability to create beautiful images even in the darkest of times. He also does an excellent job of crafting the film to highlight the troubles of the new coming of the first baby born in so long since everyone wants to manipulate her. He also exhibits the inability of man to stop fighting, especially when Clive Owen's and the girl are walking out and every soldier stops and stares, surprised to see a baby while mood music plays slowly in the background...until somone shoots a rocket into the soldiers from above and destroys the peaceful possibility of hope. The only problem with the story is the idea that if man could have children things would be better, but it seems that even if man became fertile again, mankind has descended too far into darkness to turn back into a civilized society. I don't know if this is Cuaron's fault or not because the movie is based on a book, but if the Prisoner of Azkaban was any indication, Cuaron will cut and edit lots out of an adaptation to make the best visually imaginative movie he can.

But what about the actors? Surely they had some role to play in this film? The answer is yes. All of them. Even the crazy Scottish guy with dreadlocks. They are all significant and important to the story. Even their deaths, which it seems everyone does. Clive Owen's character is played very well and slightly different but on the whole he's a bit too laconic to empathize with, even after he undergoes a transformation and tries to help the girl. Julianne Moore has a short role, but an important one and then she's gone. The real star is Michael Caine. Seeing Michael Caine as the ultimate old hippie is really satisfying. Yes, he grows strawberry hash and such, but he's everyone's best old friend. Him and his lovely disabled wife Jan whom he poisons before he dies, which might just be the most heartbreaking scene in the movie. Michael Caine might be the best damn actor on earth and after watching him in this role, it makes you want to see him again or go and find another film with a similar character. Hats to you Caine for taking a small role and doing so much with it. Unfortunately, the only other major character was the previoously mentioned pregnant girl. Not impressed. She popped that baby right out and was able to get up and run away. A lot of her emotional characteristics fit the bill for the character but at no point in time does it seem realistic for her to be pregnant. Plus, she's kind of aggravating for constantly demanding things and then wandering off to be watched by Owen and her assistant. She doesn't seem to have enough life experiences and I think she needs some before attempting her next role. Although she shows promise, it needs polish first. But overall a great job by the cast.

Conclusion:
Cuaron uses this film and crafts a haunting nightmare of a world. And if you need proof that Cuaron is the real deal, just watch the ridiculously long one-take traveling shot toward the end. Through his storytelling craft, the message of the film comes through quite clear. Without children men revert to their sinful chaotic nature because they have lost their hope and it becomes everyone for themself. In this warring state, man has the capacity to destroy his own values and any hope of a brighter future. By making entire squads of toughmen go quiet when a baby enters the room, Cuaron is able to paint a picture of hope for the men. It also helps to accent the symbolic journey and birthing of Jesus. In the end, it is a sci-fi film stuffed to the gills with visual metaphors, themes, symbolism, and imagery.

4.0 out of 5

Wannabe