Children of Men by Alfonso Cuaron – Revision
Over the holidays you need to write an essay for Children of Men. You need to collate your notes and
update the slide shows that are on the wiki if necessary. Below are a list of possible topics. Choose you
topic and write your essay. On the next page there are some ideas about how you could approach an
essay topic. Take a close look at these before you begin. This may give you an idea for your essay. The
main thing you need to do is make sure you understand the topic and engage with the topic before you
begin.
Choose ONE of the following essay topics (1–8) below and complete the box at the top of page 4.
Make sure you answer your chosen essay topic fully.
Support your answer with specific details from the text(s) of your choice.
Write an essay of AT LEAST 350 words for your answer.
TOPICS (Choose ONE)
(1)
Analyse how verbal AND visual features of a text (or texts) you have studied are used to give
audiences a strong idea.
(2)
Analyse how important techniques are used to engage your emotions in a text (or texts) you have
studied.
(3)
Analyse how atmosphere is established and maintained in a text (or texts) you have studied.
(4)
Analyse how the beginning AND ending of a text show an important change in a character or
individual in a text (or texts) you have studied.
(5)
Analyse how a character or individual is influenced to make decisions in a text (or texts) you have
studied.
(6)
Analyse how the growth of a relationship affects the climax in a text (or texts) you have studied.
(7)
Analyse how symbols are used to develop an idea in a text (or texts) you have studied.
(8)
Analyse how successful a text (or texts) you have studied has been in influencing you to think
differently about an issue.
Possible Connections for Essays
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character and theme
Faith and Chance: Julian had faith in Theo to get the job done.
Theo lost his faith because chance killed his son but he regains this faith throughout the movie.
character and technique
The use of handheld camera makes it seem as if we’re actually in the scene/film – makes it more
realistic.
Non-diegetic sound of choir singers – symbolises hope eg. when the child is born.
Shows that Theo is taking another step towards “growing.”
Shots isolating Theo show that he’s cut off from everyone else.
High pitched ringing – Julian tells him to enjoy it while it lasts: sound acts as a thematic device. Also
acts as a threnody.
setting and theme
Theme that world without hope will lose its sense of shared humanity demonstrated through the
refugee camps. Future will stop caring about the now demonstrated through destroyed cities/city.
Ruined school.
Politics: almost every scene employs the use of government/authority eg. signs, posters, TV ads,
propaganda.
Setting close enough to now that we can relate to it, makes us think about today’s problems.
Setting of the barn and others relate to nativity story.
Lack of peace inevitable relating to Nazi Germany.
film techniques and style
Handheld camera: main purpose to set up cinema verite. – café scene following Theo,
demonstrates that “The Fishes” have been following him.
Low angle mid shot of Theo after Julian’s death makes Theo look disapproving of what Miriam is
doing over Julian’s body.
Window camera shots – Theo and Sid talking, makes us seem protected but makes Theo look
vulnerable.
Long blended shots make it seem very real.
structure and theme (this would include inter-textual references, allusion and conflict)
Reference to famous arts – chaos, art being devalued.
Reminiscent of the bible in the birth, symbol for Jesus. Venus birth referenced to when Kee show
Theo she’s pregnant. Blasphemy of “Jesus Christ”
Conflict between Theo and Julian, Theo takes time to get used to seeing her again, structure around
conflict...
Fishes conflict with the government-trying to overthrow them.
genre and style
Style of dystopian genre is shown through gloomy setting, pollution, natural lighting, costuming
how impact(in theme/style/genre/character/narrative) is created
In the mise-en-scene – diegetic ringing in Theo’s ears creates impact.
Relatable costumes – similar to what we wear now. (this could happen)
De-saturated colour sets the tone that introduces us to Theo reflects his mood
Handheld camera creates tension for the audience because it shows his involvement
Long takes give a sense of sensations the characters feel. Puts us right in the action
Natural lighting and cinematography
Post production – no background music to create even more tension
Absence of non-diegetic sound creates more impact when it does appear eg. deaths and birth of
child