Opening Analysis: Children of men

Another film with a strong and interesting opening is the Alfonso Cuaron film "Children of Men". This also features the appearance of a single take sequence, but this is one of only a few similarities, as this opening focuses less on the characters at the heart of the picture, but the situation that they are in - with story and exposition at the forefront. A television newscast introduces the audience to the world in which these people live, a society on the brink of collapse. The central character, Theo, (Clive Owen), is identifiable by the lack of interest and emotion he displays in response to the news on the television that has everyone else in the cafe (people of all backgrounds) distraught, the way in which he goes about the day like it's any other. A tracking shot then follows him out of the cafe, revealing a futuristic central London, different - but instantly recognizable. A title card identifies the date as 2027, before continuing behind Theo, as the director makes good use of this sequence to absorb the viewer into this world that is so similar to ours but also a far cry from it. As he pauses to drink his coffee, a bomb explodes, tearing apart the cafe he had just left - an injured woman stumbles out, carrying her dismembered arm. This shocking end to the opening ushers in the grittiness and intensity of the film to follow.

 

What Children Of Men's opening shares with Boogie Nights is that is relies a lot on visual imagery and indications rather than just dialogue, in order to evoke the themes of the film to the audience. Both openings are memorable and very well done as they set up each film perfectly, establishing the general premise while not getting ahead of itself and alienating viewers.