The following assignment will explore to what extent the films, V for Vendetta (2005) by James McTeigue and Children of men (2006) by Alfonso Cuaron, relate to genre and narrative. This is conveyed through the analysis of some aspects of Classic Hollywood Narrative; In addition to features of genre. These points are demonstrated by looking at the Cause and Effect theory, character motivations, opposition and conflict, the three act structure and lastly whether they conform to their assigned genres. In my opinion, both films conform to certain aspects of the Classic Hollywood Narrative, but the film V for Vendetta does to a greater extent.
The first point I will highlight is to what extent do the films follow a Cause and Effect structure. This is the idea that when an action or event occurs within the scene, this will result in an appropriate reaction. This is illustrated throughout V for Vendetta, especially when making reference to the domino sequence which reflects on the events leading up to the destruction of parliament and liberation of the people. V for Vendetta is clear in conveying the consequences of actions and how events can easily escalate, an example of this is the rise and fall of Norsefire. The Cause and Effect structure is also present in Children of Men, but not to the same extent as V for Vendetta. It is used in the film in order to establish a structured story line. It also reinforces the importance of one event, such as the death of baby Diego and a future where everyone is infertile. In doing this encourages the audience to relate and think more about their actions; not just the actions of themselves as an individual, but the result of societies actions, or lack of action in some cases. Holding these points in mind, reveals to the audience that both films contain a Cause and Effect structure; even if they are not always the stereotypical or predictable outcome, which is seen in the Classic Hollywood Narrative.
The second aspects of Classic Hollywood Narrative seen in V for Vendetta, is the way in which the plot is character driven. We also see how the character’s motives are communicated to the audience, to provide a sense of understanding or emotional connection to the characters. In V for Vendetta the plot being character driven links strongly with the concept of Cause and Effect; on the basis that it is through the characters actions which allows us to see the next segment of the story. Without the actions of V, Evey would never lose her fear, and the uprising against the totalitarian government would never come to be. When it comes to exploring character motives, a common theme is revenge. V takes it upon himself to conduct a personal vendetta, against those responsible for the atrocities that occurred at Larkhill. Evey joins the revolution under the influence of V, but also down to the fact her parents were killed due to the oppressive government. In Children of Men the interpretation can be slightly different. The plot is driven by the characters in the same manner, but the motives of the characters vary. Theo sees it as his mission of personal redemption to escort Kee to safety after loosing his child, in doing this also instills a sense of belonging back into him. It may be down to the fact that the future of humanity rests in his hands, which grants Theo a purpose in life. Although the characters in the films bear different motives, they both incorporate characters to help drive the plot forward.
Another point is how the films compare in terms of opposition and conflict. The conflict in V for Vendetta is clear, following a closer representation of Classic Hollywood Narrative than that of Children of Men; on the basis it is a straight forward good vs evil scenario, V vs Norsefire. Two character’s in V for Vendetta that I would class as the exception are Mr Creedy and Detective Finch, due to Creedy’s betrayal to the Chancellor, and Finch’s neutral standing throughout the film. In Children of Men there are several sides to the conflict. Not only are protagonists betrayed and on the run from a political pressure group, they are also under threat from the uprising and oppressive authorities; not to mention individuals who are out to meet their own desires such as Syd. One contrast between the films in relation to conflict, is Theo tries to avoid conflict and focuses on the protection of Kee, whilst V almost seeks out danger to satisfy his blood filled vendetta. In normal Classic Hollywood Narrative the threat (the evil) is extinguished, but in Children of Men the majority of threats remain; so in this aspect V for Vendetta is more like the Classic Hollywood Narrative.
For this point, the assignment will address the use of the three act structure in the films. The term three act structure refers to the equilibrium (Beginning), Disruption (Middle) and Resolution (Ending). One view is that the films do not have an equilibrium as the audience is thrown into already negative societies. This is effective as it communicates the theme of dystopia. It also requires the audience to actively think and come to terms with how life and rules function in these societies of the future. An alternative interpretation is that the conveyed negativity, is in fact the characters normality, making it their equilibrium. Both films have disruptions, whether it is a confrontation with armed guards or even being caught in the middle of an uprising. The disruptions are needed as they reinforce the severity of the threat and cause the audience to question how the protagonists can come back from a position of weakness. When we look at the resolution of a film it normally entails the hero defeating the evil and getting the girl; this is not the case with these films. In both films the protagonists V and Theo die, However they bear the stereotypical traits of heroes, willing to lay down their lives for the greater good. With this in mind, both films can fall into the category of a negative resolution, compared to other films adopting alternative postmodern narrative structures. Children of Men is also left open ended, as the audience is left to decide whether Kee reaches the Human Project.
The final point is in relation to genre. The film V for Vendetta follows the Thriller genre the most, although it has Sci-Fi aspects. It contains suspense and keeps the audience guessing, for example the questions that arise centered around V’s past. In terms of the Sci-Fi genre, it portrays British society in the not too distant future. It lacks in some of the stereotypical features of a Sci-Fi such as lasers, robots and spaceships. This use of genre hybridisation makes the films more interesting and suited to the postmodern audience. In doing this makes genre structure more diverse. Children of Men has a very similar analysis of genre. Questions are asked about various character’s pasts and it portrays a near future society. Two features that Children on Men hits which V for Vendetta tends not to do are the developments in technology, although very subtle; these range from virtual banners on the sides of buses and holographic car dashboards. The second feature being the developed separation of class in society. In one scene in particular, it captures well maintained land and people in formal attire to represent the upper class, whilst the working class are captured in a dirty city, living in a world slave to industry and media.
In conclusion, Children of Men and V for Vendetta are similar when narrative and genre are compared. In my opinion the aspect of Classic Hollywood Narrative that both films do not conform to is the three act structure. In terms of the other aspects, the films contain features of the Classic Hollywood Narrative but to different extents. An example of this is V for Vendetta being more closely linked to the classic conflict than that of Children of Men. As a whole I believe V for Vendetta to follow the Classic Hollywood Narrative more. It is also apparent that genre has adapt over time to meet the needs of the postmodern audience; it has done this through the use of genre hybridisation. Incorporating all these previously stated features of narrative and genre has contributed in creating two thoroughly enjoyable films.
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