Film Discussion Entry and Film Analysis Entry 4

Children of Men

Interestingly, Children of Men, like The Handmaid's Tail, both focus on the inherent changes to human reproduction causing reduced fertility. In our society, pressures are placed on women to be mothers, and some can not or may choose not to, but are deemed incapable by society. This places further pressures to procreate, and with this reduced ability, it begins to put a value on children as they become a commodity in this dystopia.

The desire for children and motherhood are prevalent with the use of kittens, playgrounds, and dolls throughout the film. The possibilities of youth and new life are prevalent throughout the movie, but not one child is seen. Children of Men portrays a fear of nature controlling man particularly with the scene of the deer as it runs in front of Theo.  Nature has reduced fertility of all women, meanwhile allowing other organisms to flourish. This is what caused this society to collapse, it was the human inability to cure infertility. With advanced medicine, we currently have been able to extend the possibility of motherhood further than ever before. This now gives women the ability to truly have a baby when they choose and gives them further flexibility in their lives. We have even been able to extend the lives of people, prolonging life in the form of quantity, not quality and as average age rises, so will the possibility of overpopulation.

Children of Men is extremely well put, and mirrors our current issues in the world including overpopulation. It has become a real problem, and many are encouraged to have no more than two children to stabilize populations and not induce growth. It would be effective except that Western countries would be unlikely to emphasize these points.  Interestingly after some research, there is evidence that in the last fifty years, male sperm count has decreased, and male disorders cancers have increased. It is even hypothesized that this male infertility is a result of the extreme exponential human growth.

Could this one day be our future? With the advancements and technology in our world, it is possible that we are able to change our world in many ways. This dystopia would be a bleak future with the no ability to further the linage of the species.

A Scanner Darkly

In this world, drugs rule the future. An extremely addictive and destructive drug called Substance D, has penetrated the population. About twenty percent of the total population is an addict, and presents a grim future. This totalitarian government establishes its indirect power by enabling constant surveillance and secret agents to penetrate one of their lead supply chains of this drug. Normally, constant surveillance would be unconstitutional, but during times of imminent threat to the population, we give up certain liberties for the benefit of the whole. Truly, does this fix the problem?

We follow Agent Arctor, as he attempts to intercept into one supply chain. We follow him as he plays a double life, including taking substance D in order to maintain his profile. He is seen taking many medical tests, which only confirmed his addiction and brain deterioration. His two personalities begin to merge as his neurons continue to misfire and he can no only remember who he truly is. That is extremely frightening that a highly addictive drug like that could get to so many people. It only emphasizes our fears of drugs as well. With new synthetic substances on the market, it has only continued to deteriorate the lives of many young people. It is important to continue to inform members of the population on the dangers of substances as well as help those whom already are addicted to quit. By completely destroying the demand, the supply will no longer be necessary. As well it is important to take immediate action, and attempt to fine, and jail those whom are growing, distributing, manufacturing, and selling the drugs. When jailing those whom are found guilty, it is important to rehabilitate them to ensure that they do not return to a life of crime. By ensuring all of these measures it will allow society to improve. If not our future may become a Scanner Darkly.

Unfortunately, due to the high amount of addicts in this world it has allowed the government to become a totalitarian entity. This also plays upon the possibility as a dystopian future of governmental control. Due to the prevalence of drugs, it has fostered a law of constant surveillance and reduced all of the people’s freedoms down to nothing. It is not wise to allow a government to have that much power over individuals,  it will make the population docile and easy for the government to take absolute control.

When Science Fiction Writers Used Fictional Drugs

Many are unaware of the fact that drugs have been used to enhance the performance of soldiers. It would almost play a role as an Utopian component due to its positive effects.

Though, not all drugs can be seen as glamorous, and have very grim negative effects when taken in any quantity. Due to their potent abilities, drugs have been used to coerce populations since the beginning of time. It is astounding to see how the government has been able to manipulate various situations around the ability to manipulate the population by providing them access to drugs.