Review:
Whenever I see Clive Owen, I wonder what the world would have been like had he been discovered when he was 25. His presense always conveys the attitude of the anti-hero. While I haven’t always enjoyed the movies he’s acted in, I always appreciated what he brought to the film. Sadly he always lacked that breakout starring role — until Children of Men, anyway.
Children of Men is a societal polemic based on the 1993 novel by P.D. James. Set in 2027 when no child has been born for 18 years, the world is in shambles. Director Alfonso Cuarón deftly brings this world to life, letting the medium of film help tell his story. Eyes must be kept open during Cuarón’s films. Otherwise, you will miss the headlines on the old papers in the Fish’s interrogation chamber or the backstory for Janice’s catatonic state.
The film’s plot follows perfectly cast Owen’s Theo Faron as he helps his radical ex-wife (Julianne Moore) smuggle a girl out of England. The supporting cast is filled with such fine actors as Pam Farris and Chiwetel Ejiofor, who I always thought of as an African Tim Curry. The production design of burned-out buildings, urban streets, and rural escapes are lavish. Cuarón’s budget is visible on the screen.
The cinematography is inspired. There are layers and layers of things happening in every scene. The action sequences are handled with care and aplomb. One would think Cuarón wanted to match the fantasy impact of Del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth with gritty reality. The HD DVD transfer by Universal lets all of this flow through into your living room.
The film rewards multiple viewings because of its depth. You may not notice the boxes of Quietus lingering around the film, and after you do, another viewing will help you understand the characters’ motivations for having them. Cuarón embraced the canvas he was given to tell this story, but he expects us to pay attention.
I heartily recommend this film to own. The story told is worthwhile and important. You deserve to see a film of this quality.
I reviewed this film based on three viewings: The theatrical exhibition, the HD DVD presentation, and the standard-def DVD.