Analysing Action Genre Opening Sequences - 'Children of Men'

 

The fourth opening scene I will be identifying the genre conventions in is from 'Children of Men'.

The opening scene of 'Children of Men' uses several genre conventions which allows the audience to understand that it belongs to the action genre. The film begins with exposition being delivered over the films credits and carries on through the news broadcast. 

This instantly allows the audience to understand that society is collapsing as humanity has become infertile and the youngest human has been killed. This immediately establishes a sense of hopelessness as humans could become extinct. 

Cinematography is used effectively to highlight its genre to the audience, as the first scene is a long static take of people gathering together to listen to the breaking news. The tight framing suggests they are trapped in this crisis as a society and that there is no escaping, however it hints to the audience that everyone has come together as one; as if they don’t, the world will end. The director may want the audience to focus on the characters figure behaviour and facial expressions as they all look hopeless, fearful and devastated. As a man walks in and orders a coffee, we instantly guess he is the protagonist as the camera begins to track his movement as he leaves the store. 

The melancholic non-diegetic music used as he exits the shop evokes feeling of despair in the audience, as they already feel emotionally connected to the film. This is a common way directors of action films to engage and immerse the audience from the beginning, so we can go on a journey with the protagonist as they try and ‘save the day’. A pan is used to reveal the bustling city where the film takes place and the diegetic music of cars hooting, engines revving and people talking creates a sense of realism but also allows the audience to understand what the dystopian city is like. Additionally, the absence of editing also creates a sense of realism but also creates suspense and mystery for the audience and therefore they could expect something significant to happen.

A huge explosion takes place which is typical of action films (these set-pieces are incredibly common in the genre) especially in their opening sequences, if the scene is set in a busy place. In addition, it happens out of nowhere which suggests to the audience that this dystopian city is unpredictable and dangerous. The diegetic sound effects of a blaring alarm siren and people screaming adds to the chaos of the scene but also makes it more thrilling for the audience as they weren’t expecting that to happen, therefore it is a good way to shock the audience, force them to pay attention and become engaged in the film. The costumes used in this scene are normal and ordinary clothes, which suggests that life is somewhat ordinary, and when we see policeman in their uniform it also highlights that the city hasn’t fully collapsed and that there is social order within society. Finally, the sans serif font which is used to show the title of the film, is common in action films to make a bold point and create an intense tone.