Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men (2006) illustrates a world in which humans are incapable of reproducing and face the threat of imminent extinction. The plot involves Britain being the last working country left, while the rest of the world has fallen into turmoil. Many want to immigrate to Britain, which makes immigration the biggest public issue. Britain has become a police state controlled by a nameless, faceless government, placing immigrants in refugee camps. We follow Theo Faron (Clive Owen) as he leads the fight for the survival of Earth's population and protects the planet's last remaining hope from danger. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The film centers on an infertility crisis as the world becomes more and more bleak with each passing day. This film follows the underlying theme of hope that comes from Kee and her miracle baby. Refugees arrive in Britain clinging to a small thread of hope for a better future. Cuaron emphasizes that hope plays a crucial role in the film and pushes all the characters to move forward. Cuaron strategically ends the film on a hopeful note with the boat (Domani) approaching, once again underlining the theme of hope. Cuaron brilliantly uses camera work as a narrative device to emphasize certain scenes and their meaning. One of my favorite scenes in the film is when Kee converses with Theo and reveals her pregnancy to him in the barn. The scene begins with Kee talking about how farmers cut off a cow's tits to put them in milking machines. The placement of Kee in the center of this scene is crucial because it shows the cows being milked on the sides, which allows the audience to understand what Kee is talking about. The violent tone of this conversation is significant as it creates a symbolic connection between the ruthless biopolitical order that deforms the bodies of cows and her own situation as a refugee. At this point the camera focuses on Theo and shows that he is confused about the purpose of the conversation and his carefree nature in helping Kee. As the scene progresses, Theo is still unwilling to help Kee and is about to leave until Kee tells him to wait. At this moment, the camera focuses on Kee as she begins to undress to reveal her entire swollen torso and breasts, revealing her pregnancy. Ominous music begins to play as the camera zooms in on Theo's face, showing his surprised nature and showing readers that this is a significant scene in the film. Instead of simply verbally revealing her pregnancy, the director's use of Kee's action of undressing, camera focus, and haunting music makes this scene meaningful by creating suspense leading up to the revelation of Kee's pregnancy. Only once the pregnancy is revealed does Theo become determined to help Kee. Thematically, this scene is significant as it emphasizes the idea of hope. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Children of Men is a beautifully directed heartbreaking thriller in a sad world of industrial decay, a twisted reflection of today in a palette of concrete dust. Cuaron asks us to find hope in a sad nativity story in which a reluctant hero and a frightened would-be mother attempt to find safety in a place that urgently needs a child savior. I highly recommend Children of Men which is simultaneously soul crushing.
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