1. Film opening Analysis
‘Children of Men’ (2006)
Who is being represented ?
How are women represented?
Can you notice any other social or
places which is represented?
How is the future represented
Media Language

2. Plot
The opening scene is being represented in
2027, in the capital city of London.
Characters are gathered in a café, gazing at
the television as news have informed
viewers that the youngest boy in the planet
have been assassinated; it is then followed
by the main caption which is taking place
outside. The following scene shows a
negative representation of London due, to
the explosion of the bomb coming from the
café. This shows that during this period of
time that even public places are;
dangerous, violent and unpleasant to live in.
A grime atmosphere is also being portrayed
through the pollution in the air, the dirt
surrounding the and most of all the
unexpected bomb.

3. Who is being represented ?
The audience is clearly aware of the
fact that there is a main character, as
the man who have walking into the
café is the main focus. This
highlights that the main character is
ambiguous. Due to the fact, that the
track followers the character we are
aware that he is of important and
plays a significant role. The audience
are also not aware if the character is
a protagonist or hero. The character
does not fit conventions of a hero
because, he fears the explosion and
does not fight against it also he is not
fully aware his surroundings which
can be seen in the cafe

4. How are women represented?
Women are of very little importance as
they can no longer produce
babies, however in the café they are
portrayed as being vulnerable which can be
seen in the café. Due to the fact, as some
women were listening to the dreadful news
of the assassination, they were crying arm-
linked with their husbands. At the end of
the opening scene just as they bomb
exploded a particular women captures the
audience immediately, due to the actions
she is carrying out. She screams
frantically, as she walks out from the cafe
surrounded by smoke; the camera then
focus on the mysterious character as it
zooms in. This enables the audience to
think what the importance of the woman
by be in the movie, as have character may
foreshadow an event.

5. Can you notice any other social or
places which is represented?
Illegal immigrants are being represented
as a burden to society, dangerous and
unworthy of any freedom. In
addition, they are treated unequally
within the film. In the opening of the
scene a voice what appears to be a spokes
women, informs the audience that
mosques are being occupied in by the
army. In addition, that the British borders
will remain closed and will be deporting
illegal immigrants. In addition, further on
in the clip they are also seen caged in a
metal cage like animals, it reflects the
disregard people during this time period
had towards them.

6. How is the future represented?
The future is represented in a
naturalistic way so the audience is
aware of the genre of the film which
could possibly be Sci-Fi and adventure.
The audience is given the impression
that there is a great use of technology
during this time, which can be seen by
the big screens of the high rise
buildings which is broadcasting the
assassination ; also by the main
character’s workplace. The future is
also highlighted as a hostile
environment due to the insensitive
assassination, as people take the law in
their hands.

7. Media Language
Lighting Sound Editing Camera work
In the opening of the film Diegetic and non-diegetic Once shot is mostly used Throughout the two
dole lighting is used to music have been used throughout the scene to scenes inside the cafe and
create the effect of a throughout the scene the mix show the main outside a variety of
grime environment, it is of the two have been used to character, walking in and camera techniques have
also making the create an effect of the out of the cafe, as well as been used such
characters seem audience immediately. ordering a coffee. A text as, track, transition, cran
untrustworthy. This Whilst the characters are also appears on the scene e, dolly, handheld etc. It
gives the audience the watching the news, an to create a dramatic effect; does not conform to my
message that negativity is emotive music play in the with a pitch black expectations of a major
going to consist background which is done to background and a white feature because; the
throughout the film. evoke the audience’s bold text which events taking place
There is also an element emotions. immediately stands out. appear to be realistic
of florescent lighting The colors used may be of which is not usually seen
used, which is meant to significances different in a Sci-Fi movie. For
be optimistic as the light things such as, the white example, the use of the
therefore the lighting is may represent hope and hand-held camera
very neutral to portray optimism; whilst the demonstrates movement.
this picture. black may represent However, this enable to
negativity and dangerous audience to engage with
events ahead. This will the text making the
make the audience curious experience interesting to
as they will have an watch.
interest on what the title
means.