Scene: Opening/Announcement of Diego's Death
In regards to the story of Children of Men, this event is pretty much irrelevant. It was a very confusing experience being plunged immediately into this movie by hearing the news reporters discuss the death of Diego; the back story about the infertility issues of the world were unknown, and the gravity of the situation was very much present, but I couldn't tell why.
The composition of this scene also had a lot to do with my overall confusion. The first thirty seconds or so were completely black, with just the British news anchors voices. When it finally faded to the actual scene, you see a very crowded coffee shop filled with anxious and distressed people, staring intently at the screen. The lighting was very monotone, and everything was washed in a weird blue gray light, seen in the actual lighting and also their clothing, that would be present throughout the rest of the film.
I feel like this was a very impactful way to begin the movie, with no real context except for the context clues from Diego's death and what the news station told you. The entire time I was watching it, not only was I concentrating on depicting what exactly was going on in the film, I was struck by the fact that this event and the reaction of the population of this film seemed so familiar. It wasn't until we were doing our in class picture assignment until I realized that the event I was relating it to was the public's reaction to Princess Diana's death. It's possible that this connection was sparked by just the British accents, but I feel like the relation between the two events can put the film in a new perspective. Because the human population was facing its inevitable extinction, Diego's death obviously has a little more weight for this society, but it still points towards the sweetheart complex of all societies. It's true that the country was mourning the loss of the youngest person on Earth, but they were also mourning the little boy that they saw grow up. Societies tend to sensationalize characters like this, and it was interesting to note the differences in the ways that the masses, and Theo took his death, which I believe shows something much bigger about humanity and pack mentality.
Your interpretation of the opening scene of Children of Men was fascinating. Diego’s death was considered a tragedy not only for his family and loved ones, but the entire world. I did not compare Diego’s death to Princess Diana’s but I feel this is a good comparison. You did a good job explaining why they relate. Their relation is an interesting look at societies’ relationship with those in the public eye. Princess Diana captivated the public and had them invested in her life’s journey. Diego must have done the same especially since there were not many young people in the world. Your comparison of their death’s is appropriate and show’s the “pack mentality” you mentioned; as much as society is at odds with itself, humanity could not function if they did not function as a whole or “pack.”
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