Children Of Men opening sequence analysis

The dystopia themed movie presents a unique character (played by Clive Owen) in which he behaves evidently different to those around him. The unusual concept to this movie is immediately apparent to the audience, which is that  of a 'World One' generation from now, that has fallen into chaos on the heels of an infertility defect in the population. The world's youngest citizen has just died at 18, and humankind is facing the likelihood of its own extinction.

Firstly, the use of the camera is of huge significance as it is the audience’s eyes. A key technique used by the camera is to centralise the main character so that it is recognisable to the audience.  This is shown via the 'tracking shot'. The sound of the news report is repeated which expresses extreme significance. The non-diegetic violins and other classical tones are embedded in the background of this live news report. This is used to set the mood to both audience and actors. The sound-bridge is shown via the noise of the explosion which produces a white noise. This creates a dramatic affect as well as a smooth link to the next scene. This is short-lived by a dramatic explosion which presents an extreme juxtaposition. This is also the first time the camera changes into a close up zoom on random injured characters suggesting the importance of this event.

The Mise-En-Scene is the overall view of the audience. This consists of: costume, lighting, acting, make up, props and setting. All the other characters dress in similar clothes suggesting that everyone is equal or involved in a similar form of work or social status. His costume is presented as 'tramp-like', rugged and scruffy. The use of the lights and overall setting illustrate to the audience a place which is un-familiar. This represents the dystopia theme. His character is shown to be a unique, unlike-able man who is not sympathetic to the tragedies around him. His is also an alcoholic which implies that as he is an 'anti-hero'. The make-up, props and setting is standard for all actors demonstrating realism as this future is not so distant from the present. The setting is presented as believable as the technology in the city is only slightly more developed than the here and now. For example the digital moving bus advertising signs.