Comparative Analysis of Children of Men vs. V for Vendetta

The dystopian films, ‘Children of men’ and ‘V for Vendetta’ give us a message- this is what could happen in our future; they symbolise hope for a better future. In ‘Children of men’, this hope is when Kee is found to be pregnant, whereas in ‘V for Vendetta’ this hope is, V who gives the people of London a voice.

‘Children of men’ is Theo’s journey for justice. The style of London is portrayed through bleak colours, enhancing how the absence of children leaves everyone unhappy and reckless. The characters wear dark clothes; Kee’s clothes are the only presence of bright colours- she is the hope for the people of England. The camera shots are close ups and mid shots which give a personal level to the film; the shots are different lengths to keep the audience engaged. ‘V for Vendetta’ is through many view points: Evey, V, the people of London, the police and the secret service; allowing the audience to understand how the different lives coerce. The dark lighting creates a hopeless atmosphere; however the brightly coloured theme to V’s lair conveys that he is the one to bring the freedom. London is the location used; the cleanliness of the streets gives it its unique style. The shots are filmed from different heights, distances and angles to gage the right reaction from the audience.

On the subject of narrative, in ‘Children of men’, Miriam and Kee have a close bond like family; Theo and Julian divorced after the death of their son, Dylan through influenza; Theo is the only person Julian can trust which is why she hires him to join the protection in the terrorist group. The terrorists crave more power so set up the death of their leader so they can manipulate Kee; Theo believes makes sure he will get Kee and her baby to the human project. During a gun fight the baby’s cries are heard, silencing everyone; the elders remembering the hope and joy it brings. Theo’s death leaves Kee by herself whilst the human project’s boat draws nearer, leaving it on a cliff hanger. But, in ‘V for Vendetta’, Evey and V are unknowingly attracted; V is reluctant to give his identity up but finds companionship with Evey; his hate for the government fueled by his past is his drive for giving the people a voice. The secret service does not want to be over ruled so kill V, but in the process are murdered by V, giving automatic victory to the people of London. V makes Evey empathise his past by putting her through the same capture and torture process he had to endure; it is a traumatic experience but she is thankful for the courage it gave her. At the end of the film the people are gathered round parliament wearing V’s attire as disguises, whilst watching the fireworks they remove their disguises which represent their freedom and a better future for everyone.

‘Children of men’ shows London in the futuristic theme of 2027 where humans have been infertile for the past 18 years and London is at a rack and ruin in dirty colours; immigrants are being killed or deported, smog fills the atmosphere, the people are unhappy through the absence of children. There are wars raging and terrorist organisations forming; the world is now a kill or be killed place due to the fight for world dominance. There is absence of medicine so people are dying- the size of the population is rapidly diminishing. Whereas in ‘V for Vendetta’, the government rules. There is a yellow-coded curfew by 10pm- they will be arrested if the rule is not followed; people have to live within strict regulations and are speechless- they are told what they are allowed to believe and say. Fascism is presented by a TV presenter who expresses how he loathes terrorism, immigration, homosexuality etc, enhancing how they are fed what to believe.

The message ‘Children of men’ portrays, is if we do not reproduce, we will lose respect for everyone due to absence of family; children keep the adults respectful, this communicates that if we continue as we are this is our future. Conversely, ‘V for Vendetta’ emphasises if the parliament gets too much power we will be speechless and controlled like robots; giving the impression that rebellion is best. The story is based on the 1605 gunpowder, treason and plot; V uses this scenario to overrule parliament and give the people a voice and freedom.