Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Audiophilander (A) on January 11, 2007 at 23:48:10

In Reply to: "One can't explore solutions without knowing something about the causes." posted by sjb on January 11, 2007 at 17:48:17:

...we weren't discussing solutions in the context of what the characters were actually doing on the screen, but rather discussing water-cooler opinions about possible solutions.

Note: My remark ("...there needs to be more than just a premise even if the solutions are left up to the audience") was in response to Harmonia's comment about the Director, Cuaron ("The infertility is just the premise to get things rolling and explore issues in our present. Cuaron would rather ask questions than provide answers"). No offense, but you might read a little more closely before posting criticisms.

Those in pursuit treated the coming child as some sort of miracle rather than seeking a scientific rationale for it; it stretched credulity for me as did her narrow escape while in labor. Furthermore, one child born as a fluke (regardless of whether one is inclined or disinclined toward acceptance of religious allegories), would not be capable of saving the aging human race unless there were a major scientific discovery, period.

>>> "They were viewing the pregnancy and baby as a miracle of sorts and a symbol of hope and were simply trying to ensure their safety." <<<

Sorry, but I'm not a big fan of unresolved symbolism when it's the main theme of the film. Miracles work for a moving scene, but to leave key elements either unresolved or, worse yet, unaddressed is the most egregious form of Deus-Ex-Machina for a Director or writer, IMO. I don't like being spoon fed, but I don't like being starved either! ;^)

SPOILER-MAKER~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, mother & child sail off into the fog-set on a fishing trauler along with the only possible scientific solution for mankind's survival. Clive Owen's dies because he couldn't procure a BMW and get her there quick enough to set sail himself. So, I guess the rest of the human race dies off, right? Some symbol of hope! Ah yes, the symbolism: as far as the human race is concerned, that ship sailed! Well, there's your happy ending, folks; time to go drain the lizard and leave the theater with a smile on your face. FINI! :o)

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As I've stated time and again, I like this film, but I'm trying to be objective about it and avoid all of the impassioned trimmings other's ascribe to the Director's accomplishment. Children of Men is a very fine film, but gauged against other great dystopian films I can't personally bestow upon it classic status. In fact, until I've seen Pans Labyrinth, I can only rank it AMONG the best films of 2006.

Cheers,
AuPh