As a polemic work, Children of Men can be considered an explicit example of Durkheim’s understanding of the social structure and an implicit example of religion as a contributing factor to the health and continuation of society in general. In fact, this movie reflects on the world in 2027 when humanity does not have the opportunity to give birth to future generations. This essay will, first, describe the scenes in the movie that support Durkheim’s understanding of religion. Next, it will review the scenes that reference religious rituals, values, and objects. Last, this essay will address possible objections to Durkheim’s understanding of religion in Children of Men.
Durkheim’s Understanding of Religion in the Movie
From the first scenes featuring people who get information about the state of things through the media to later scenes depicting the birth of Kee’s child, the British society lives in an atmosphere of fear and hopelessness. Durkheim’s beliefs are based on the idea that modernization will be associated with the decrease of religion’s influence in the future (Marshall, 2016). In turn, the plot of Children of Men demonstrates the society in 2027 when the entire world faces the problem of infertility under the circumstances of totalitarianism. People do not pay enough attention to religious rituals and values, as they suffer from the inability to have the freedom and healthy life (Cuarón, 2006). As a result, the predictions of the founder of functionalism become a reality.
At the same time, the main character, Theo, represents the internal state of the whole population, which has lost the purpose of life. For instance, this person has survived several tragic events, such as a ruined marriage, as well as the death of the baby daughter and parents. Durkheim supported the idea that scientific thinking would be superior in the future, which can be noticed in the movie. For example, Theo serves the functions of a history professor who uses facts and evidence-based information instead of using religious thinking, Thus, the ideas supported by Durkheim are demonstrated in the movie that depicts dystopian visions of Britain in the future.
References to Religious Rituals, Values, and Objects
It is essential to note that Children of Men has a variety of religious symbols that can be ignored during the first time of watching this movie. For instance, a figurative background of cultural reference is represented when Kee first reveals her pregnancy. In fact, she stands in a posture reminiscent of Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus.” It can be regarded as one of the main references for maternity. Moreover, Miriam and Jasper recite “shantih, shantih, shantih” recalling both the Upanishads and T. S. Elliot’s “Wasteland” (Cuarón, 2006). From a religious perspective, it is perceived as a major source of inspiration for an infertile world that has lost its way. Outside Theo’s cousin’s Arch of Arts, a pig floats above the old Battersea power station. It is an overt reference to George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” which is a satirical indictment of authoritarian socialism, or Stalinism.
Furthermore, one of the most remarkable moments of this movie is the scene where the mother cradles the dying fighter in the Bexhill Uprising. On the one hand, this scene represents the tragedy experienced by humanity in 2027. On the other hand, it is also a reference to Michelangelo’s “La Pieta” (Cuarón, 2006). In this sculpture, Mary holds the crucified Jesus in her arms, questioning the cruelty of men. Therefore, Children of Men incorporates numerous religious symbols that make this movie a unique source of spiritual knowledge.
Objections to a Durkheim’s Understanding of Religion
Although Children of Men accurately depicts the priority of scientific thinking over religious thinking in the near future, some might question whether a Durkheim interpretation of the movie is a valid assessment. This objection can be considered especially correct taking into consideration that the movie in no way prompts society’s members to affirm their common values and beliefs on a regular basis. The characters of this movie are the opposite versions of religious individuals who pay a vast amount of attention to religious symbols, objects, and rituals. As a result, the filmmaker represents a society that has lost all the appropriate values due to the inability to believe in supernatural power. Since the movie’s main purpose is to show the impact of the power of faith and hope, a Durkheim interpretation is valid.
In conclusion, it is important to note that Children of Men has made a considerable contribution to the overall understanding of the religion’s influence on different areas of life. Moreover, it highlights the importance of various themes, such as fertility, fear, redemption, and sacrifice. The movie begins with the depiction of the entire society, whereas its ending is based on three main characters, including Kee, Theo, and the baby. Even though the movie is filled with tragic events, the birth of a child gives hope for a better future. Accordingly, Durkheim’s interpretation of the movie can be considered a valid approach.
References
Cuarón, A. (2006). Children of Men [Film]. Universal Pictures.
Marshall, D. (2016). The moral origins of God: Darwin, Durkheim, and the homo duplex theory of theogenesis. Frontiers in Sociology, 1, 13. Web.