“Children of Men”
Go see this movie. I think Alfonso Cuaron is kind of a genius. I don’t want to go into great detail about the film but he has the great courage to suggest an idea that few people seem to acknowlege. Namely that, the way our modern world is heading, there is very little difference between the government forces (read: fascist) and the freedom fighters (read: terrorists). More importantly, he points out in a very powerful way that there are good guys and bad guys in both groups. It’s the human individual that matters (their spirit), not their so-called ideology!
Jumping off the soap box now!
DS
January 7th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
You know, Duncan, Alfonso Cuaron also directed Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He really took those movies in a new and exciting direction.
I don’t how you feel about Harry Potter, but let me warn you that if you’ve nothing nice to say, please say nothing at all. It’d break my heart if you trashed the ‘boy who lived’ :-)
peace,
Sad Steven
January 8th, 2007 at 2:05 am
I thought it was very good as well. I liked the little metaphors scattered throughout as well as the basic overlying metaphors.
January 8th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Thanks for the suggestion. My lab’s going to see it this week. I heard it’s scoring a 92 on the tomato meter (see rottentomatoes.com). I’ll be looking for those subtle hints throughout the film, not just the baby making! Take care, and happy new year to all.
January 8th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
I saw it Saturday night and all I can say is -AMAZING!
One of the most amazing movies I’ve seen in recent memory, the whole audience left the theater stunned.
It had something for everyone: political dystopia, apolitical humanism, terrifying action sequences, genuine emotions, and an even better nativity story than even the actual movie, “The Nativity Story.” I can’t recommend it any more.
January 8th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
Hey Duncan and all,
A bit random, but I couldn’t help but share: have you guys heard of this great mandolin player called Scott Gates? His stuff is worth a search on YouTube, delightful bluegrass and more (I found him looking for Vivaldi on mandolin.) The kind of thing 1930s black and white cartoons were made for.
All the best!
January 9th, 2007 at 11:11 am
I’m really looking forward to seeing this movie. Dave and I are going to try to sneak in a matinee when the kiddies are at school one day this week…hopefully. :)
January 9th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
I also thought it was a great film. And besides all the things you said, I feel it’s worth seeing for the Technical aspects of the film. The ‘tracking’ shots that are pulled off in this movie are amazing. It really pulls you into all the action very well.
January 9th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
ditto from me. i was gasping, laughing and crying, often at the same time. “the future is now” aspect makes it truly frightening. yet there’s hope.
on a related “bleak future” note, i highly recommend The Road by Cormac Mccarthy. it doesn’t have the funny bits, but is both beautiful and disturbing.
now i’m rereading Into the Forest by Jean Hegland. (and who killed the electric car?)
i think it’s all that consumer guilt getting to me in the post-holiday season.
January 9th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
oh, look what the discovery dowload of the week is on iTunes!
January 11th, 2007 at 12:09 am
“The Road” by Cormac Mccarthy is the bleakest book I have ever read. And I loved it. Do what you will with that information.
ds
January 15th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
I loved the boat scene at the end of the movie. I think it was symbolic of Noah’s Ark from Genesis, i.e. one male and female of each specie, evil and wicked generation killing themselves, floating above the sea (sea is symbolic of chaos in ancient cultures, like Jesus walking on the sea or Moses separating it), waiting to be saved and then deliverance to form a new humanity that can reproduce.
I’m still wondering if or what was the meaning for Theo (Clive Owen) to always stubbing his foot? Also Theo receiving new shoes all the time?
January 24th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I think it could have been a symbol relating to the phrase “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes”. Each pair of shoes marked a new perspective for him to see through -the aging “hippy’s” sandals, and the refugee’s beaten down sneakers in particular, etc etc.
Maybe that’s a little simplistic…
March 3rd, 2007 at 10:16 pm
I must go see this Movie. It sounds well worth it. Thanks Duncan.
Also, I finally received my Copy of your “Anthology- Brighter/Later” today. It’s really a great Collection of many of your Hit Songs and the Packaging is guite Sweet too. (Love the Artwork and Colors) I’ll be at SA next Saturday evening with Denise to see the show for a Fourth time. I’m very, very excited to finally see it on Broadway. Hope your well.
Much love,
BW
XO
August 13th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
This was a grim but great movie:)