How are Children of Men and V for Vendetta similar and different in terms of style and themes?

The film Children of Men follows Clive Owen's character Theo. It is set in the near future of 2027; the world is experiencing human extinction as the rest of the remaining population has lost it's ability to reproduce the human race. The film starts to unravel once we, the audience discover that Kee is pregnant. From this point onwards it is Theo's 'mission' to get Kee to the safe place.
The outline of the film highlights the main theme of the film; survival. This is similar to the film V for Vendetta in some ways. Although the film V for Vendetta varies slightly as the theme is not portrayed clearly or obviously based around chaotic, end of the world survival, it still tackles this theme and issue. The totalitarian, fascist government is controlling and oppressing the lives of the public so that they are merely living and surviving. We also know from V's backstory that he, and many other groups that were deviant to the government's ideas, such as homosexuals and muslims, were experimented on in concentration camps. We later find out that the main reason why V wears a mask is because he was burnt by the fire of the concentration camps, however he survived. This results in his revenge against the government.

Another key theme or idea that is relevant within both of the films is the theme of realism. Both of the films are set in a near, foreseeable future, therefore because of this the audience can relate to the film's messages and values more, as these become more prominent rather than being hidden through entertainment aspects. Both tackle issues that could happen or have happened in the past. For example, V for Vendetta tackles the oppressive, controlling fascist government and the use of concentration camps to oppress and control minority groups. This incorporates a level of relatable realism into the film as this is evident in history of Nazi Germany. Therefore the audience understand that this could happen to them, making the film's messages and values more prominent.
Children of Men tackles issues that could happen or have happened, although the human race have not experienced the issue of not being able to reproduce, the riots and chaos that it has caused are evident in all societies. The film is set in England, but for the first half, mainly London, which itself has experienced first hand riots and chaos similar to what is portrayed in the film. Therefore the audience can relate to this.

The two films are also similar through their narrative structure. Both films do not follow a linear structure but jump back and forth through time, this is most likely to portray the extent that the world has come to. Children of Men and V for Vendetta also have unclear protagonists. At first glance, one would believe that in both films the protagonist is the male; Theo in Children of men and V in V for Vendetta. When, in my opinion, it is in fact the female characters who develop to become the protagonist after all, and drive the narrative. For example, if Evey's character did not develop into a stronger woman, or exist at all, the ending or climax of the film would not occur as it is Evey who blows up Parliament once V has died. Similarly in Children of Men, it is Kee that drives the narrative, without her or her pregnancy the world would most likely reach a chaotic end. This therefore brings me to the shared theme of oppression. That the oppressed in both films become uplifted and stronger towards the end of the narrative.

The Oedipal Complex could also be seen through both of the films. Children of Men, as I previously stated, is based during a time when the human race could no longer reproduce, therefore after a generation, there would be a generation who were not mothers and fathers due to this factor. The Oepidal Complex is the idea that one will seek similarities of the parent of the opposite sex through their partner.
In both films, the protagonist seeks a neutral male who does not seem to be on either side of the conflict throughout the film. In my opinion these characters in both films represent the Oedipal Complex. For example, Evey seeks out Dietrich in V for Vendetta. We later find out that Evey's parents were taken away during the night when she was a child. Therefore, I believe that Evey is seeking a father figure through the character of Dietrich. In both of the films, this male provides comfort and is seen as the safe place for the protagonists, however as both of the film's narratives develop, we see both of these 'father figure' males are killed by the oppressive government or opposition, once the protagonists have left. This could portray that this is their role; that they are the father figure to the protagonist and once they have been let go of, their role has been for filled, and therefore he (Dietrich or Jasper in Children of Men) must die, as the role has been lost.

The style of the two films are similar due to the colour and lighting use, this is most likely due to the themes that they tackle. Both of the films incorporate dim lighting and dull colours into the sets. In both films we do not see any signs of nature (except from when we meet with Jasper in Children of Men, which could portray that he is the good in the film. However, we also know that the nature he is emerged with is drug related, therefore this could be a coping mechanism. We also see Dietrich and Evey drinking alcohol, which could also be a coping mechanism.) Because we do not see any signs or nature in either film, it portrays to the audience the idea of the end of the world and that this has come to an end through human infliction, as the technology or human development has taken over and destroyed nature. The only signs of nature that is portrayed through both films is rain which is used as pathetic fallacy; to indicate or foreshadow bad events occurring.

How Does V for Vendetta Represent Typical Gender Roles to Communicate Messages?

The film of V for Vendetta, subverts many stereotypical aspects of a typical Hollywood film. One of which is the gender roles. The stereotypical gender roles are subverted to portray the message of the film; not to be passive but to be active. At a glance, the film seems to be a sexist one, which disapproves of femininity, however after studying the gender roles portrayed in v, it is clear that the film praises feminine traits. Throughout the film, we clearly see the gender roles of the mother and father, which are portrayed throughout many different characters and develop and change throughout. these can be seen through V, Evie, Sutler and Valerie.
The film uses aspects of psycho-sexual symbols such as phallic, yonic and orgasmic imagery, birthing, hyper-masculation, mother and father figure roles; through nurturing and masculine characteristics, and moreover, the Opedipal Complex.

Psycho-sexual symbolism is portrayed throughout the film. One key scene in the film is the God is in the Rain scene. This scene incorporated many of the aspects that I previously mentioned. The scene begins with Evie walking and V holding onto her to support her, as at this point in the film Evie is still weak and passive; a characteristic femininity. The characters juxtapose one another in terms of their appearance; Evie's head has been shaved from V's mock prison camp, which ultimately takes away her femininity that she holds at the beginning, and also contributes to her losing her fear. This contrasts to V's aesthetic as he wears a mask heavily covered in make up (similar to Evie in the beginning scene of the film) and has long, feminine hair.
The scene heavily incorporates psycho-sexual symbolism. It soon begins to rain, this leads Evie to freely go out and embrace the rain. Not only has her feminine appearance been taken away from her, but the rain also symbolises phallic imagery. Evie then holds up her arms, almost symbolising Jesus on the cross; here she is clearly embracing the rain, symbolising her freedom. This contrasts to how she was portrayed at the beginning, holding her coat wrapped tightly around her as a form of protection, and seeing male protection from her boss, Dietrich. Her character development symbolises her being reborn, therefore backing up my previous point birthing being incorporated into the film
This scene this juxtaposed with V's birthing scene, that we see during the time of the Evie's, using the editing technique of cross-cutting. V's birthing scene juxtaposes Evie's as he is burning in the fire from the experimenting camp. Although, they both form similar stances to one another, it is clear that V is burning within his vengeance for the government, whereas Evie is reviving in her freedom. V is also burning through fire which symbolises the orgasm, contrasting heavily to the element that Evie is embracing. This also portrays the idea of hyper-masculation; the fact that V has not died within this fire portrays him with a masculine superpower.
The scene then cuts to a clip of Evie embracing and accepting the rain even more heavily, this symbolises an orgasm. We see V standing behind her watching, which therefore portrays him as a mother figure type; nurturing her character development, and watching her grow.






The Opedipus Complex is portrayed throughout the film. Later on in the film, we, the audience understand that Evie is a troubled woman; who witnessed her parent's kidnapping when she was younger. The Opedipus Complex is the idea that one will search for similar characteristics of the opposing sex parent, within their partner or companion. In my opinion, this is conveyed through the first scene of the film. We understand that Evie is going to see her boss, Dietrich. At first, one may believe that this is due to sexual persuasion for promotional factors, however once we understand that her boss is actually homosexual, the idea of the Oedipus Complex comes to mind; that instead of sexual interests, Evie was seeking Dietrich as a male father figure. This therefore brings both the Oedipus Complex and father figures.

The idea of a father figure too is portrayed throughout the character of Sutler. When V (who is disguised) is telling a story of how the virus was concurred at the expense of others, including V. Within this scene, V explains that Sutler is an "extremely religious man", meanwhile he is standing in front of a chanting crowd. This scene brings to mind Nazi Germany; during this period, the idea of family was heavily enforced. The that that Sutler is also highly religious also contributes to the idea of family being an important factor. At this point, the public are looking up to Sutler and cheering at him. His hierarchy is portrayed through a low angle shot. His strength, hierarchy and power are all masculine traits that portray him as a public father figure.


Similarly to the idea of a father figure, mother figures are too portrayed throughout the film. This is seen through V, who switches through both mother and father roles in the film. But also, and probably more subtly, Valerie. The scene, Valerie's Letter portrays Valerie's story and provides hope to Evie at her lowest point, this nurtures her in this way, a motherly trait.

A big aspect of psycho-sexual symbolism that occurs throughout the film is yonic imagery, which is often conflicting and challenging phallic imagery.
We see yonic imagery appear throughout the film, this is portrayed through the red rose. A rose is stereotypically used to portray yonic imagery. This is relevant whenever V kills someone. As I previously mentioned, the film's message is to revolt through a passive way; a feminine trait is to be passive, which links to the placement of the roses.
Yonic imagery is heavily present throughout the ending scene, where Parliament is destroyed. We see yonic imagery through the red roses that are placed on V's chest; this again, symbolises the message of the film, to revolt passively, which again is a female trait. The fact that the roses are placed around V, portrays him as a symbol of passive revolution. The roses are also placed upon and around him almost to symbolise a halo, portraying that he was the good.
We also see the decline of phallic imagery within this scene. It is located after a heavily phallic induced fight scene, which portrays the loss of phallic imagery within the ending, and the extent and rise of yonic imagery. This is seen when Creedy relaxes and puts down his gun, symbolising the weakened emphasis and control of phallic imagery.
We then see yonic imagery challenge and overpower phallic imagery. The Houses of Parliament;  a male dominated democracy is being destroyed by explosions that symbolise yonic imagery and the orgasm. Not only is Parliament mainly male dominated  but it also symbolises phallic imagery in appearance. The passive revolution (because no one is hurt) destroys this phallic imagery through orgasmic and yonic imagery, symbolising once again the main message of the film; to overthrow the government passively. Therefore, by doing so, the government has become passive and female.




"He was my father and my mother..." This symbolises coherently to the audience my previous point of gender roles, especially the mother and father parental roles. Within the last few minutes of the film, Evie remembers V by clearly explaining this point. V nurtured, cared and provided for the country, representing both parental roles. "He was you and he was me" meaning that by uniting together, we can all form as one. Within the final scene, the idea of birthing is again brought up. The Houses of Parliament is destroyed, and the public take to the streets, forming together as one body; this therefore symbolises the idea of rebirthing; the public and society will be reborn into a new one.


The film V for Vendetta represents stereotypical gender roles throughout the film, however these are often subverted and distorted to an extent. The film uses this to communicate the messages of the film across to the viewer. One of the main messages of the film is to revolt and take to the streets passively, which is a prominent female trait. The film celebrates the idea of feminine traits, these can be seen throughout the film, through yonic imagery, orgasmic imagery, the positive and praised portrayal of the mother role compared to the destructive role of the father. It can also be seen through the number of birthing or rebirthing scenes in the film.

How does V represent typical gender roles to communicate messages?

Thesis:
Introduction includes the answer to the question 
Point: Representation of gender/mother/father
Example: Scene and analysis of MICRO/symbol; yonic/phallic/orgasm
Analysis: What is being communicated/messages; role of female;passive/fear ; role of male; threat

MICRO; textual detail 

Essay Plan; gender roles

Valerie; nurtures Evie's character development, at Evie's lowest point she nurtures her. 

Sutler; nazi GERMANY; family values. Sutler is the father to Creedy; he kills him to gain control; opedipus complex. The population are female because they are fearful. The fuher ; the fatherland that protects. 

Dietrich; her boss; Evie looking towards him as a father figure. Dietrich is emasculated and feminised. When we discover his sexuality 

Gender roles are subverted; not to be passive but to be active, portrayed through masculinity; men are active, women are passive 

• Revolution: guns = phallic
• Roses=symbolising yonic imagery/death 
• Lever; can blow up parliment; phallic imagery results in yonic imagery 
• Creedy points down his gun; flaccid phallic imagery; surrendering, emasculated
• Passive revolution which is a feminine trait; celebrating female virtue.
• Yonic and phallic imagery; train in the tunnel; birthing scene; Evie turns into a mother figure, birthing freedom and revolution. 
• Blowing up Parliment; a male dominant democracy; destroying it with symbolism of yonic orgasms; blowing up big ben; destruction of yonic; 
• He was my father and my mother; taking on both roles. 
• Every character who was killed by the government returns at the end. 

Gender Representation in V for Vendetta

Mother/father roles
Scenes that demonstrate birth

Opedial Complex; father/mother/nurturer role:V cooking for Evie, looking after her; taking the mother role.

Oedipal Complex; we know that Evie is going to Dietrich (her boss)'s house after curfew, however she almost gets raped; looking for a father figure

Opedial Complex; Evie's parents get kidnapped

Psycho-sexual aspects; phallic and yonic; men act, women appear; birth/procreation; hyper-masculinity: Evie and V's juxtaposition rebirthing scene; God is in the rain; phallic and yonic imagery; V emasculated with his vengeance, Evie revived and enjoying her freedom.

Hyper-masculinity: Evie gets her head shaved; de-feminised, becomes more masculine with her characteristics



-Hyper-masculinity 

-Phallic and yonic imagery
 Phallic imagery; the hammer in Thor; standing upright, if laying down = flaccid
 A rose is a yonic symbol; significant in V for Vendetta, V uses them when he kills people. V was birthed out of hate; he was experimented on due to going against the norms; hated; muslim, disagreed with the government, homosexual, diseased/disabled, not white; he had revenge upon these people.

-Mother/father/birth/procreation/nurturer
 V is birthed out of hate.

-Oedipal Complex 
 The idea of looking towards your mother or father figure in your partner

-Men act / women appear; voyeurism, women to be looked at 
 Current;y, men can appear and women can act for the female point of view.

How does V for Vendetta get across the message and beliefs through the themes?

Introduction 

Throughout the film V for Vendetta, there are many messages that are portrayed through the use of many different themes. The main themes that come to mind when we discuss the film of V for Vendetta are; Religion, a Totalitarian government that controls it's people, oppression, revolution and vengeance. All of the above themes incorporate the messages and beliefs of the film, for example, the theme of revolution and vengeance conveys to the audience to stand up against a Totalitarian, controlling and oppressive government, to use your own voice rather than being oppressed by the control of the government.

Religion 

The theme of religion is conveyed throughout many different aspects of the film. One of which is during the scene with the Bishop and Evie. The Bishop, a symbol of the Church and religion as a whole, is a known pedophile. This is fed and covered up by the government. Incorporating the idea of a corrupt government. Therefore the message of not trusting your corrupt government is portrayed through the theme of religion. The fact that V stops anything from proceeding with the Bishop and Evie portrays to the audience that within this society it is still obviously view as wrong, even though it is hidden by the government. 

As we understand from previous aspects of the film, the government is corruptly religious; we can see this through the modified symbol of the cross that the government use as their logo. The fact that the Bishop is a pedophile and this is hidden by the corrupt government conveys a message of the film; that the public should not trust their government due to their fear.

When we, the audience first meet Chancellor Sutler, he is projected on a largely dominating screen, where several of his men sit below, watching him demand. The projection of Sutler is central within the shot and takes up the majority of the screen, when the men speak to him, a high angle shot is used to portray Sutler's heirarchy. However, it is also possible that the director wanted to incorporate a subtle hint at the theme of religion. As Sutler is central, taking up the majority of the shot and looking down upon the men, he could be seen as a God like figure. We also see if a flashback scene that he is worshiped on also like a God. As Sutler is the man in power he has been presented as a God-like figure, who uses his power like a corrupt relgion, oppressing and discriminating those who go against what he prescieves to be societies norms. 

Oppression

This brings me onto the next theme that is presented in V for Vendetta. This is the theme of oppression, which conveys the message of the film; warning you that if you do not use your voice as revolt, this could happen to you. From the very beginning of the film, we see Prothero speaking via the media in both Evie and V's rooms. Not only does his convey the importance and control that the media has over the people, but he also states 'homosexuals' and 'Muslims' as 'Godlessness'. This links to my previous point about the corruption of religion and the depth of oppression.  This segregation and discrimination between groups is similar to what has happened during history before, for example Nazi Germany, this subtly conveys to the audience that this depth of oppression is actually possible. 

We later understand why V wants revenge against the current government. We see that he, as well as Valerie and many other "outcasts" we're put into concentration camps for testing, these people were put into these camps due to their sexuality and/or religion. This links greatly to Nazi Germany, again conveying that this can and has happened and could happen to you. It therefore incorporates an element of realism into the films message. 

We also see the oppression inflicted on by the government within the beginning of the film. We are shown speakers which explain that there is a curfew, and that all members of the public must be indoors now. This portrays that people have lost their freedom of speech and free will. This curfew and control is not portrayed as a positive, 'watching over the people', but instead conveys the negativity of the dystopian government, once again portraying to the audience that the government could happen, and we all must use our voice for this not to occur. 

It is not just homosexuals and people from different religious views that are oppressed, but also women. We experience this within the beginning of the film; Evie breaks the curfew and is almost raped by the two corrupt police officers. This portrays how women are deemed as weak and vulnerable in this extremist society. The film does however, turn this idea around as it is Evie who actually bombs Parliment; destroying the symbol of the government; her oppression due to her gender results in her revolting against the system, like V.  This portrays the message of the film, that we must take to the streets in order to over throw the controlling government and society that we live in. 

Revolution and terrorism

Another theme that is represented in the film is revolution, however this is embedded with the concept of terrorism. Revolution is one of the major themes in the film. We understand that V wants to overthrow the government due to the oppression that he, himself experienced first hand. (V was a victim of testing in a concentration camp due to going against societies norms.) However, the film  begins and ends with an explosion of the Old Bailey, and Parliament at the end. One therefore must consider if V is causing a revolution for the good, and debate whether this could be classed as an act of terrorism. This therefore brings us towards another message of the film; that 'one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.' V destroys the Old Bailey at the beginning, this symbolises justice; however within this state there clearly is not equal amounts of justice, hence the concentration camps, and when Provoro speaks via the media in the first scene; describing 'homosexuals' and 'muslims' as 'Godlessness'. Therefore when V destroys the Old Bailey, he too is destroying this corrupt symbol of justice.
At the end of the film, the people take to the streets, symbolising the theme of revolution greatly. Each of these people are masked like V, this could symbolise that each of them hold the same belief and that revolution is an idea. This is a key scene to convey one of the messages of the film, that we must not suffer in silence and be resistant to the oppression and control of a Totalitarian government, but we should take to the streets to cause a revolution in order to change society. At this point of the film, all of the average civillian's have become vigilantes, this is what V signified throughout the film.
V also dies before the bombing of the Houses of Parliament  before this he explains that freedom is more important than death, explaining that he is willing to die for freedom. This highlights another key message of the film. The revolution that V causes results in other people's freedom, whether it be free will or freedom of speech.


Totalitarian state and oppression

From the beginning of the film, the audience understands that it is set in a Totalitarian state, and oppression is used to control civilians. We can see this throughout the first scene whether both V and Evie are listening to the media where a man is incorporating propaganda into his speech.

The scene where we, the audience understand V's past portrays the theme of a Totalitarian state and it's effects of oppression. We understand that V and Valerie have been put into a concentration camp run by the government for testing, due to them going against norms that the government praises. Although we do not directly know why V has been placed in this concentration camp, we know that other prisoners such as Valerie have been due to their sexuality or religious beliefs.


Conclusion 
Religion, revolution and terrorism and the totalitarian state and oppression are all key themes that are incorporated into the film in order to portray an important message in the film. Within the film V For Vendetta there are many significant messages. One being to subvert the government you are controlled by, this is not only conveyed through the theme of revolution and terrorism but also through the narrative. The film does not conform to a stereotypical Classic Hollywood Narrative, but instead subverts this narrative, this directly portrays to the audience that they too should subvert the society's norms and values that the government inflicts upon them to obey.

Themes

Religion 

Vengeance 

Revolution 

Government shouldn't fear people people should fear the government 

Take responsibility for themselves 

Thousands of people marching in the same mask; the same identity, all have the same idea. Revolution is an idea that can change society. 

Terrorism 

One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter: disobey the rules and norms of society

Blowing up the Old Bailey and Parliment: blowing up the symbol of government and justice. 

Totalitarian/Facism 

Oppression 

Warning if not caring etc, this could happen to you. 

Lark hill and Valerie's letter: control / oppression of the totalitarian government / Facism ; gays etc 

Bishop and evey: corrupt government controlling and hiding the priest being a paedophile. Religious control; the modified cross etc 

Ending revolution: vengeance and revolution ; vigilante. 

Evie's torture: anti feminist taking away her identity/ gender. Torture= strength 

Districhs secret life: Facism and state control over people against the norm 

Religion in V

Government distorts religion for control 

Based on religious values they're symbol is an modified cross 

Corrupt priest, known peophile covered up by the government 

No unity through faith : media says GODLESSNESS 

Postcolonialism: academic discipline: response to the human control of a country; controlling another country. 

In V England is the only country that is not being destroyed; Facism and nationalism

Imperialist power : not allowing anyone different from the norm in the country 

Gender studies: 

v male character with female characteristics; make uped mask, long hair, dancing art and flowers, cooking for Evie. Cape unaware to see the shape of his body. 

Evie switches roles; feminine traits, dressing up, vulnerable, almost raped  When in the concentration camp she has more masculine traits ; does not show her emotions and dresses more masculine. When Evie is in the rain, it resembles V coming out of the fire. 

Masks makes everyone gender neutral, protecting V and their own identity 

Marxism 

Facist dictatorship; control of all aspects of life. 

Media is biased; propaganda, government is controlling 

Vs message will be conveyed as the media is controlling of the state, therefore everyone will hear and agree

Artwork is banned by the government, people have it hidden. V steals and hides art from the government 

Sutler: voyuerism controlling the public, seeing hat everyone is doing etc. 

curfew : government is scared of the 

situation in England. Th control of the government over the people in England.

The role of vigilantes, government, dictators, murder and discusses the role of rebellion, vigilantes and government. 

 

Point - red

Evidence - green

Explain - blue 

Dystopia Koatic near future, undesirable near future; therefore a dystopian film will always be sci fi to an extent. B for Vendetta is set in the near future to impact and effect the audience rather than their Children's futures. 

Government control 

Technological control; the fear on technology;  speakers in V 

Social divisions; rich vs poor 

Dark cities; global warming, climate changes, etc. 

lack of resources; no food left etc. 

V for Vendetta

In the dominoes fall scene, juxtaposition and cross cutting.  The cross cutting portrays the juxtaposition; for example the dominoes all have a lead on effect on each other, when one falls it has an impact on the next and so on. This portrays what actually happens in the film as when the girl is killed, the man who murdered her is killed and riots are caused. 

V starts off the first domino, portraying that he is at the centre of all of this, he created this and is in power and control. Then each of the characters act due to this, this portrays the message and values of the film, that what happens is down to you; you are responsible for what occurs, the dominoes resemble this. The dominos signify a revolution, and revolution only occurs when people act on it. The dominoes symbolise this message in the film. 

Cross cutting

Cross cutting : events happening at the same time - relationship

This creates juxtaposition.