‘Children of Men’ explores an era of dystopian United Kingdom in the year of 2027. The human race has become infertile which has lead to severe oppression as the world has fallen to war.
The purpose of opening sequences is that it encourages the audience to carry on viewing the rest of the film. It also hints at the life of the protagonist, the core themes that run throughout the film and also the environment which the story is based upon. Occasionally the opening sequences help to enhance the baseline of the narrative. Pace is also a crucial element of a film as it helps to create either an upbeat atmosphere or a sinister environment. Another essential element in a narrative structure is the use of mise-en-scene i.e. sound track, costume and makeup. The soundtrack constructs the atmosphere of the film and the costume and makeup help highlight the characteristics, personality and position of status of each character. It can also signify whether the film is set in a futuristic era, and the society in which the plot unravels in. All of these codes and convention help enhance the opening sequence of a film in a more effective manner.
In media there are many conventions that are commonly used in the production of films which enhance the basis of an opening sequence. For example a narrative function that is frequently used is that the protagonist is introduced to the audience. This is presented in the first extract of ‘Children of Men’ as the audience can immediately recognise that Clive Owen obtains an imperative role in the film. This becomes apparent in the sequence which shows a crowd emotionally depressed and genuinely mortified at the death of the youngest person on the planet. The news broadcast follows the typical convention of a bulletin due to text such as ‘Breaking News’, the mid-shot of presenter and also distorted clips and use of date. This is shown on a TV screen at a cafe stating that the world has descended into chaos. Diversely Clive Owen cuts sharply through the crowd to order a coffee. His sheer lack of interest in the news of the death of ‘Baby Diego’ becomes evident as he instantly stands out from the sheep like crowd. This emphasises his importance and captivates the attention of the audience to this character; rather than a member from the crowd. A tracking shot is also used to follow only his actions; therefore is audience able to connect with his life. For example we can see him add some alcoholic drink such as whisky to his ‘morning coffee’. This signifies that Clive Owen is going through a difficult phase in his life.
A narrative convention of an opening sequence is the establishment of a core theme and iconography of the film. In ‘Children of Men’ this is presented while the protagonist, Theo Faron is continuing with his daily routine by fixing up his drink, when abruptly an explosion occurs due to terrorist bombing. This signifies and foreshadows the key themes that will run throughout the film; such as, Mystery as the audience gains enigma as they question why the population is infertile and Drama due to terrorist attacks. This also signifies that there is still a continuous civil unrest (siege) in the future; similar to the present time.
Media language is also essential in the production of a movie. In this extract, the lighting is dull which carries connotations of a miserable atmosphere in the futuristic country of United Kingdom. This highlights the sheer distress of the community and the terror rippled in each body due to the unexpected frequent attacks. This may also hint to an increase in pollution due to advanced technology; can be deciphered as a harmful impact on the population’s health; a fumed, smoggy atmosphere. It also emphasises the troubled circumstances the citizens are enduring and also highlights the recurring theme of anxiety in the daily lives of the population.
Another media language used is the setting of the story. In the background the audience can see within the frame the enhancement of advanced technology. For example instead of the basic bus banners, there is a digital moving imaged bus banner which shows that the development of computing. Similarly there are buildings covered in either discrete screens or have some sort of projections covering the whole building; similar to Piccadilly however seems more common rather than a London attraction. This signifies that human knowledge has developed over the time from the present moment to the future.
A familiar convention of a film is the use of an opening credits presented at the beginning which lists the most important members of the production. In ‘Children of Men’ it is shown as text superimposed on a black screen with a basic font of credits. There is no music accompanying the credits although a use of speech via news broadcast. This immediately conveys to the audience that the film is based upon a serious issue; usual connotation of a news broadcast and that the film is intertwined with anxiety and apprehension.
An establishing shot is shown during the opening sequence. It exposes subtle elements such as the classic British double Decker bus, the standard post box and the polished Black Cabs. One can denote that the setting of this film is based in United Kingdom; London. The audience is also able to connect to the environment with the visuals in the background however selective focus and attention to detail is needed for one to recognise these objects. During the explosion sequence a long shot is used to ensure that the audience is able to see all the action and detail within the frame. This appears to be a ‘money shot’ as this scene recreates a realistic destructive image which captures the emotion of every individual.
The makeup of the protagonist; Theo Faron was minimalistic which entitles the audience to interpret the stereotypical Hero. This is emphasised as he is ‘tall dark and handsome’; an obvious saviour of ‘Children of Men’. The costume worn is very casual and shows the rugged edge of Theo Farons character and also hints at the adventure thrust within him.
During the opening sequence, I could recognise elements that seemed to foreshadow the dramatic event. However the explosion occurred abruptly and I was at the verge of my death. This caught me off guard and released adrenaline with me; creating a surge of energy. I believe the codes and convention used throughout the film were extremely effective as the criteria’s used (lighting, colours, costume, camera shots) has fulfilled the purpose of the ideal opening sequence. The narrative enticed me into the film and left me wanting to watch the rest.
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