Ruby Tuesday...Not Just a Restaurant Apparently

The nature of humans has been an intriguing thought to me lately. As a neuroscience major, I work to understand the processes, both biological and psychological, that cause humans to act the ways they do. One way to understand humans better is to understand the human condition. The basics of the human condition is that it encompasses the unique features of what it means to be human, such as the search for gratification, the sense of curiosity, and awareness regarding the inescapability of death. It is this final aspect of the condition with which I am concerned in the movie Children of Men. As well, this movie alludes to the importance of sound and music in film showing the impact it can have on both the characters and audience.

We all know we will one day die. As sad as it may be, death is an inevitability that we all must cope with. In the film Children of Men, nearly every main character dies (or is assumed to have died) besides Kee—Julian, Jasper, Miriam, and Theo are no exception to this. It was the death of one individual, however, and the graceful way in which he developed the idea of the human condition that was striking to me.

While Theo, Kee, and Miriam are seeking refuge at Jasper’s home, a piercing alarm rings throughout the home signaling that the Fishes were attempting to break in. Jasper leads the three out to the car and explains to them where to go on the next stage of their journey, leaving himself and his wife behind. Although Theo knows this will not end well for Jasper, his friend convinces him to leave in order to save Kee. At this point, you know as well that Jasper and his wife will not be surviving this raid. It is hard to not see a little halo around this old man’s head, acting completely selfless for a friend. His awareness of his impending death by the sounding of the alarm has not stopped him from letting his friend to save himself and possibly make the world a better place again.

As Jasper walks back into the house, he plays a song by the Rolling Stones, “Ruby Tuesday.” As the picture of the loving family comes into view for the final time, Jasper brings his dog and wife close and says his final “I love you”. As the scene cuts, Jasper uses the drug Quietus (curious name) to euthanize his wife as the lyrics “Goodbye Ruby Tuesday…Still I’m gonna miss you” play in the background. It’s the music of this scene that really brings it together. This specific song was chosen by Jasper, again making the realization that he must say goodbye to his wife now because death is upon him.

Jasper’s role in the film is crucial to the development and understanding of the human condition. He provides comic relief, a sanctuary, and a vital way to safety for the trio. Although he was ultimately unable to escape death, his dedication to his friend and selfless actions make him the quintessential definition of the human condition. The blaring of the alarm and peacefulness of “Ruby Tuesday” also set the tone of the scene—although there is bad in the world, being calm in a sea of troubles can ultimately help to ease the pain for yourself and your loved ones as well.