tlavideo.com

Review

Children of Men is centered around Theo (Clive Owen), a former sociopolitical activist living amidst the chaos and mass hysteria of a world where humans, for some unexplained reason, have not been able to procreate for 18 years. The film opens in 2027, after the assassination of the youngest living person, and shows the discouraged reactions of a frenzied British public. Immediately, the violent apocalyptic setting plays with the same post-9/11 anxiety that revitalized the zombie genre. Though apprehensive, Theo finds purpose after Julian (Julianne Moore), his former lover, and her organization of fellow activists solicit his assistance. He is introduced to Kee (newcomer Claire-Hope Ashitey), a well-guarded young woman who, for another unexplained reason, has been able to conceive. The remainder of the film follows Theo as he attempts to safely transport Kee to a mysterious refuge known as The Human Project. Their odyssey takes them through a dangerous and often barbaric wasteland where very few can be trusted.

In addition to versatile filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón (Y Tu Mamá También, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), four screenwriters/script-doctors are credited for having adapted author P.D. James’s novel (Timothy J. Sexton, David Arata, Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby). In many cases, an overabundance of credited writers suggests that a problematic first draft has been heavily manipulated by hired studio hacks – maybe even more so in the case of a financially-risky futuristic sci-fi thriller. Children of Men, however, proves an exception to this rule due to Cuarón’s masterful direction, and the work needed to turn one of P.D. James' least satisfying novels into something more resonant. Impressively, he offers a commercial spectacle with art-house sensibilities. Meticulously choreographed, intense and unpredictable action sequences are presented within the confines of several lengthy continuous shots. The result is a gripping and near-perfect contribution to the experimental canon that will not only be screened and studied in many a film class but should also have wide-ranging appeal among the masses.

Clive Owen, no stranger to the everyman-turned-action-hero role, is not given the opportunity to offer anything new in the way of characterization, but carries the film fittingly. More rousing performances are delivered by the eclectic supporting cast which includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Pam Ferris, Danny Huston, Peter Mullan and Michael Caine. Also notable is the soundtrack, which features well-chosen tracks from Radiohead, Jarvis Cocker, Roots Manuva, King Crimson, Aphex Twin and John Lennon.

 -- Robert O'Neill