The stories we tell about the future are seldom about the future. Future Worlds Context Response

Choose a style: Persuasive Expository Sets out to argue and prove a case Aims to convince targeted audience of the validity of a viewpoint on an issue by presenting logical argument Presents ideas that follow in logical progression Anticipates and answers possible objections or opposing arguments Presents well researched evidence to support the case Provides facts from reputable authorities and research to prove, or disapprove, a position Written with precision and authority The intention is to explain, describe or interpret a situation, issue or event. It explains, it does not present an argument Considers all aspects of an issue without taking a side or setting out to prove a case For example if you wrote an expository account of an issue and then tried to demonstrate the benefits over the disadvantages, you would be adding argument; an expository text would explore both without showing preference Feature articles and detailed reports are usually expository in nature

Choose a style: Persuasive Expository persuasive essays newspaper editorials letters to the editor opinion articles feature articles speeches submissions reflective/expository essays news reports biographies and autobiographies personal letters Speeches submissions

Plan a response What are the KEY TERMS of the topic? How do these ideas connect with the TEXTS that you have studied? (focus on Children of Men for the upcoming AT) Each paragraph should be centred on an IDEA, which is then explored/ illustrated with examples from the texts.

Remember: Context Responses are about: 1. The PROMPT 2. The FORM 3. The TEXTS

The stories we tell about the future are seldom about the future. What does the topic MEAN? How does this connect with Children of Men in terms of IDEAS? How does this connect with Children of Men in terms of EXAMPLES? How does this connect with other texts studied in terms of EXAMPLES?

The stories we tell about the future are seldom about the future. Children of Men is not a traditional ‘futuristic’ dystopian society. It is rather a darker version of our own society. Cuarón: “…I didn’t want to be distracted by the future... [and] didn't want to transport the audience into another reality“ The aim is to make the audience focus on similarities with their own lives and society, rather than the differences. This is why so much of the film is deliberately recognisable and based on contemporary events.

The stories we tell about the future are seldom about the future. The main futuristic element is the concept of infertility. Interestingly, this is something unconnected with, and which cannot be overcome by, technology. The focus is on the "denial of biology“ – the most basic human need. The prospect of genetic continuity is completely absent, and with it “is the motivation underlying sex, love, and indeed everything in the organic world”. Infertility, therefore, not only means the absence of children, but, worse, the absence of hope and sense of purpose.

The stories we tell about the future are seldom about the future. This is a film about the threats we face today, and in particular, the dangers that stem from how we have chosen to respond to them: Warfare Terrorism Racism and Immigration Environmental Degradation This is about the dangers of a society and civilisation without a future – it does not take infertility in order for the human race to risk losing its hope for a better world.

The stories we tell about the future are seldom about the future. This is a film about the power of HOPE. It is about HUMAN NATURE – something existing in the present – not just the future. It is not about what our future holds – it is about what SHAPES our future. Consider: The contrast of Faith and Chance The transformation of Theo The Ark of the Arts The reaction of people at Pier Point Tower, Bexhill

The stories we tell about the future are seldom about the future. The futuristic aspect is an essential element as a means of HEIGHTENING the aspects of the present world that the director wishes to emphasise. By taking these dystopian elements to an extreme, it draws attention to these aspects of our present world. This is the result of the director’s emphasis on realism: a desire to create a world that’s more real than real.