Children of Men

Citation: Children of Men. Dir. Alfonso Cuarón. Perf. Clive Owen. Universal. 2007. DVD.

9/28: We watched scenes for the papers. I have attached below what you should be looking for/thinking about as you evaluate and analyze the scenes ("What to look for + ask when evaluating film")

9/26: We are working to develop the scene descriptions into analytical papers. This means you'll need a thesis and evidence from at least three scenes throughout the paper. Organize the paper around one of the following: technique (like: similar composition, use of sound, use of a particular shot or angle, use of montage, etc.), motif (blood, religion, birth, chaos, betrayal, etc.) symbol (baby, shoes, animals, drinking, etc.). For each organizing principle, you need evidence from at least two scenes (three throughout the paper) and at least 4 filmic devices throughout the paper. Revised drafts are due on Friday, Sept 30 in class (no coupons). Final drafts are due Wednesday Oct 5 (coupon extends until Friday 10/7).

9/22: Thematic work (see "COM film thematic work" attached below for the classwork and the homework). I have also attached some draft theme statements from class below.

9/21: We finished the film. Thinking about the ending and whether or not it is hopeless, hopeful or somewhere in between.

9/20: We are hiding out at Jasper's, now that we know the Fishes' true intentions. Explore the ways in which Cuaron is honoring James thematic ideas even while changing nearly every other aspect of the plot. Choose three thematic ideas to explore and examine those ideas in the film by writing specifically about scenes. Ask questions, explore possibilities. etc. More details on the film handout "Children of Men 2016" attached below.

9/19: WOOHOO! We are starting the film. Please see "Children of Men 2016" attached below for more information.

9/16: In class on Friday, on the front of the notecard: write about the ending of the novel. What did you think? What surprised you? What new insights do you have? Does the novel end on a hopeful note or not and tell me why. be specific and prove to me that you read. Fill the front of the card. After discussion: on the back of the notecard: what three new ideas did you take away from discussion. Then. THINK about the idea of turning this novel into a film: at least ten years separate James' work and Cuaron's. How do you reflect the changes in the world? What themes would you keep and which would you let go of and why? Characters? Relationships? Motifs?

9/15: We watched the opening of the film and reacted to it on the back of the storyboard notecard.

9/12: Reading schedule as we seek to finish the novel: Read what we’ve skipped (really, read it!) and the excerpt from chapter 21 and chap 22 for Tuesday, read what we’ve skipped + through chapter 28 for Thursday and finish for Friday. It is likely that I will ask you to write about what you have read in class for a grade.

9/7: Worked in class on close reading character analysis (see below). Writing associated with chapters 7-8 due tomorrow (see COM 5-8 below). Read through chapter 9 for Friday.

9/6: We examined film openings (Batman, Rushmore, Ghostbusters, Blade Runner). Read through chapter 8 for tomorrow (see COM 5-8 below).

9/2: Read chapter 5 (see COM 5-8 below).

8/31: We discussed chapter 1, Theo's character, setting, etc. Read chapter 5 for Thursday and through 8 for Wednesday (assignments attached). We also looked at filmic devices.

8/30: We are starting the abridged Children of Men. See the attached assignment sheet for chapter 1