1. "Children of Men" is one of the best films of the year, and a very decent, intelligent science fiction thriller. It's unlike anything I have seen before, and I think the film deserves more praise than what it's getting. Despite the moderate publicity, it is getting a lot of word-to-mouth recommendations. I saw it this weekend in a sold-out theater in Manhattan.

Posted at 7:34PM on Jan 29th 2007 by J.B. Soler

2. Just wanted to add an additional observation. I do agree with your comment about the verisimilitude of the effects in this movie. This was also achieved by the “documentary style” approach employed by Cuarón (well choreographed long shots, non-intrusive CGI). The result is a realistic, pragmatic and pervasive vision of future.

One of the many things I find remarkable about this film is that all the visual wizardry is exclusively justified by the narrative, not the other way around. In recent years we have become so accustomed to overwhelmingly elaborate visual effects that we no longer seem to care about the character or the story. That’s what I call the “CGI Backlash”. Without detracting on their merits, there are recent films like “Flyboys” or “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” that can illustrate this CGI Backlash. They jammed so much CGI action scenes that it produces an undesired effect in the audience: we are constantly aware of the green-screen compositing work. At no point we feel the characters or actors are in any real danger, and this detracts severely from the narrative.

“Children of Men” is the exact opposite: it has a solid script behind its very well choreographed long shots, and no single special effect is out of place, and never added just for show. It is refreshing to watch a film like this. One of the year’s best, indeed.

Posted at 5:48PM on Jan 29th 2007 by J.B. Soler

3. Couldn't agree more, J.B. I think you summed it up perfectly.

Posted at 5:50PM on Jan 29th 2007 by Brian Liloia

4. Glad you enjoyed the article -- the film really impressed me on so many levels. Mike Seymour and I were traveling in London and I was only able to see it when I got back here in the states. Thinking back to the sights I was just visiting -- and seeing in a bleak, dark future --- I felt they did a wonderful job with the vfx. Of course, a great story helps tremendously.

If you haven't already, check out the accompanying podcast, which I found very interesting as well.

By the way...really enjoy your site....keep it up!

Posted at 10:53AM on Jan 30th 2007 by John Montgomery