The Next Reel Film Podcast Children of Men • The Next Reel
"Very odd what happens in a world without children’s voices."
It’s unfortunate that Alfonso Cuarón’s film Children of Men never found the audience it deserved, at least theatrically. Sure, it has been hailed as one of the best films of the year it was released, is often cited as one of the best science fiction films of the 21st century and was critically praised but for whatever reason, the audiences didn’t show up. The film lost money on its theatrical release. But Cuarón’s film is brilliant. It’s powerful. And it leaves you with a sense of hope for humanity.
Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Disease Films series with Cuarón’s 2006 film Children of Men. We talk about the theme of hope and the religious overtones within the film, looking at why they work here and how they differ from the original novel written by P.D. James. We chat about Cuarón and his penchant for long shots, noting how there are over 30 minutes of shots in this movie that run 45 seconds or longer in single takes. We look at what it takes for Cuarón and his team to pull off these incredibly complicated shots. We discuss the performances, including Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Caine and Clare-Hope Ashitey, and why Owen should’ve been nominated for an Oscar. And we deliberate on why this film was critically received so well but never quite found its footing.
It’s a marvelous film well worth watching and discussing. We enjoy talking about it here, so what are you waiting for? Tune in!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Script
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Children of Men by P.D. James
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Children of Men One-ers
- Pink Floyd’s Animals cover
- DonutCake
Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: The Edge of Seventeen — Official Red Band Trailer — "This is the perfect movie for me to watch before my daughter gets to this age. I have a feeling by that point, I won’t be able to handle it. But seriously, it looks hilarious. And sad. And honest. And touching. No surprise to see James L. Brooks producing it."
- Pete's Trailer: Complete Unknown — "I loved Maria Full of Grace. While I never saw his other features, when this showed as writer/director Joshua Marston’s next film I jumped at it. Not only does it feel like a return to form for him, it stars one of my very favorite actors in Rachel Weisz. Starts this month if you can find it!"
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