Voice in Children of Invention

In his article titled "The Concept of Voice: Some Rhetorical Principles" Phelan makes four main points about voice. I would specifically like to address the third argument he proposes concerning voice and the role it plays in Tze Chun's film. Phelan's third point is that voice is signaled through some device of narrator’s language for conveying a discrepancy in values between author and narrator. (46) Though it cannot be said that the film Children of Invention has a definite narrator, it does still have a certain narrative voice, and the audience often sees the story "told" more from one viewpoint than another at times. 

One recurring theme throughout the whole of the film addresses the values of parenthood and possibly how these become subjective given certain circumstances. The audience sees the relationship between Elaine, Raymond, and Tina while witnessing pivotal moments in their lives but also the day to day routine of the family. We see the family lose their home, Elaine imprisoned, and Tina brought to tears by a one million dollar bill in her dream. We also see, though, Elaine carting the children around to her meetings, Raymond and Tina going to school and being driven home by another mom, and a typical "Family Day." 

It is through both of these types of scenes that we can bring in a discussion of voice, especially through the lens of morality of author versus morality of narrator. As an American audience, we are automatically instilled with certain values of "family." Knowingly or not, we possess a set of expectations specific to a mother and another, distinct set more specific to a father. I believe that the author (or in this case, director) plays on these expectations in order to demonstrate just how Elaine is forced, in a way, to behave contrary to them. She cannot behave in a way standard to American families because of her financial situation. This contrast brings out a voice in the film, one that is even more effective for its audience.