'Children Of Men' Opening Sequence Analysis

Children Of Men (2006) Dir. Alfonso Cuarón (Universal)

Firstly we see the institutional information which is very conventional as it promotes companies. The use of voiceover on a blank screen is very effective as the audience must focus on the dialogue. This voiceover also introduces background knowledge on the film and gives the audience an idea of what is happening when and where this film was set. The use of the dull colours has connotations of unhappiness and sorrow which reflects the mood of this scene. Everyone in the room is still with only one character moving, this shows that he is the main character and we should be focusing on him. The camera then tracks with him as he leaves the coffee shop and momentarily focuses on the street to set the scene. The use of the dialogue and introduction of ‘Baby Diego’ subtly shows the crisis that there have been no children born in 18 years. This is very effective as this information is shown without directly stating it. There is diegetic sound throughout the opening sequence as the only music is from the news report playing on the television. The date is also given to us as well as the location; this helps the audience to establish location and links with their own knowledge of the place. The main character pours something into his coffee which the audience may assume is some sort of alcohol, this could connote that there are hard times for either everyone or just the main character. There could also be a use of pathetic fallacy as the dull moods due to the death of ‘Baby Diego’ are reflected by the weather. The use of the very shaky camera towards the end of this clip is very effective as it almost blurs the scene a little. There is enigma used as a woman stumbles out from the wreckage of the coffee shop.  The explosion and sound of the scream also shocks the audience which makes them pay attention to the film and will engage them to watch the rest of the film to find out about what just happened.

 I thought this was a very successful opening sequence as it had the titles, characters, date and location successfully shown. It also introduced the narrative and had enigma which made me want to watch the rest of the film.