P.D. James Proud of Film Version of Children of Men

Posted on January 8, 2007

The new film Children of Men is based on the novel of the same name by bestselling British author P.D. James. In the dystopian novel, the human race has inexplicably become incapable of reproducing. Theo, a revolutionary leader played by Clive Owen must protect a young pregnant immigrant girl who may be humankind's last hope. Theo must help smuggle the girl out of the country and deliver her to the ultra-secretive Human Project.

Director Alfonso Cuaron also wrote the screenplay. He changed quite a few things when he adapted the book to a movie format, but P.D. James is reportedly quite happy with the film, which is receiving stellar reviews.

Sci Fi's Mike Szymanski interviewed (link no longer available) Cuaron about the film adaptation. Cuaron reveals that he initially was not interested in the project or in doing science fiction, but he came back to the project after thinking about it for weeks on end. He decided to use the book as a "jumping-off point" for a movie.

Cuaron also says Julianne Moore's character Kee does not exist in the novel. He also says they added the refugees and "things like Homeland Security."

Cuaron says P.D. James saw the final version of Children of Men. He says, "She did see the final version, and it is quite different, and she said she is proud to be associated with the film."

Dark Horizons has another interview with the director here.

Cuaron, who is best known to general audiences for being the director of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, has a reputation for being respectful of an author's work. J.K. Rowling reportedly was happy with his work and he is in the running to direct another Potter film. Children of Men -- which we can't wait to see -- is playing in theaters nationwide.

Here's the trailer: