Children of Men (2006 Alfonso Cuaron (& co-scr)

Novel PD James. What Paul Schrader would refer to as a 'monocular' film (it entirely focuses on Owen - he's in every scene). It's slightly in the future, and population growth has dropped to zero. Or has it? Unique, dazzling, brilliant.

Clive Owen, Michael Caine (playing an old hippy), Julianne Moore, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Pam Ferris, Danny Huston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Peter Mullan. (Fab cast.)

Sensational photography by Emmanuel Lubezki (BAFTA), e.g. dusk scene at house with no visible signs of lighting. The long continuous take inside the car is amongst the most incredible in the entire history of the cinema; though the long scene with the army is probably even more jaw-dropping! (Long takes put you into the action.)

Emmanuel's called 'Chivo' because he looks like a goat! He has also shot Cuaron's Gravity with Clooney and Bullock, releasing later this year.

Editing nominated (Cuaron and Alex Rodriguez).

The religious angle (pregnant lady found in stable) is unmistakable.


Also 12 November 2011.