Novel-based film trilogies have been huge money makers since the debut of the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter film series in 2001, and The Hunger Games appears to be following in their footsteps. Most novel-based trilogies are of the fantasy genre though, while Hunger Games is a post-apocalyptic science fiction series made on a (relatively) low budget. There is an emphasis on social and political commentary not often seen in mainstream movies, and is more violent then Lord of the Rings and the like. I am a bit late to the party, with Hunger Games already being out on Blu-ray, but let’s find out how The Hunger Games became a hit.
The beginning of the film brief explains what the titular Hunger Games are all about. The country of Panem (formerly North America) is made up of 12 Districts, which all specialize in particular professions, and is ruled by a totalitarian government based in the absurdly wealthy Capitol. 74 years prior to the story, the Districts rebelled against the government, and were subsequently put down by the Capitol. The former 13th District was destroyed, and the government established The Hunger Games as punishment for the remaining 12. Every year, one boy and one girl from each district between the ages of 12 and 18 is chosen at random to participate in the Games – essentially a gladiatorial death match between the chosen “tributes”. The Games take place in a large arena in various extreme locations (think Survivor), where the tributes have to survive and fight each other until only one is left alive. The lone survivor gets to return to a life of fame and fortune. The Hunger Games are shown on TV like your typical reality show and treated like the Super Bowl, glorifying the intense violence and suffering.
And they’re hosted by this guy
The main character of the series is Katniss Everdeen, a strong 16 year-old girl from District 12 (the poorest district of course). Her father died in a mining accident, leaving Katniss to take care of her little sister Primrose while her mother was severely traumatized by the incident. Katniss herself is mature beyond her years as a result, but somewhat quiet and socially awkward. At the “Reaping” ceremony where the tributes are chosen for the Games, Primrose’s name is drawn. Katniss desperately volunteers herself in her sister’s place, and becomes a tribute alongside Peeta Mallark, a baker’s son. Katniss, who has terrific survival skills and is a good shot with a bow, is quickly identified as a strong competitor with a chance to win.
She has a somewhat. . . fuller figure then in the books too.
Katniss and Peeta are then taken to the Capitol, where they meet their assigned mentor – Haymitch Abernathy. The winner of the 50th Hunger Games, Abernathy is an alcoholic and disillusioned with the Games and the government. He initially refuses to help Katniss and Peeta, but eventually tells them that the best way to survive is to get the audience to like you. Interested viewers in the Capitol can choose to sponsor a chosen tribute, and send them needed supplies during the Games.
Over the next few weeks, the pair appear on television several times, making a good impression on viewers and the Games’ MC thanks to Abernathy and the savvy of their stylist, Cinna. Peeta, who has a crush on Katniss, admits his love for her in an interview. This angers Katniss, but Abernathy insists they play the part of “star-crossed lovers” to win supporters over.
All the tributes also participate in training exercises with each other, and are given an overall score of 1-12 based on their abilities. This is also where the “Careers” show up – tributes that train specifically for the Games from childhood and volunteer themselves. A Career tribute will typically win the Games, but Katniss and Peeta have the skills to compete with them.
Do they look like nice people to you? Didn’t think so.
When The Hunger Games actually start, it becomes a mix of Survivor, TV sports and barbaric gladiator combat. Alliances are made, blood is shed frequently, and plenty of political hustling goes on behind the scenes, particularly between the head Games-maker Seneca Crane and the ruler of Panem, President Snow. And in the end, Peeta and Katniss deal a blow to the totalitarian government machine.
The influences and messages contained in the movie can be seen all over. It mixes an ancient Rome-like interest in primal violence with over-the-top showmanship and live commentators, turning the titular Games into some kind of sick reality sport. Not to mention how the rich residents of the Capitol bet on the Games and sponsor tributes like the whole event is the Kentucky Derby. The Hunger Games can also be seen as a blow against reality TV’s obsession with the twisted, similar to films like The Truman Show and Death Race.
Her odds of survival were 30 to 1 – pay her no mind, Capitol residents
The Panem government is, without a doubt, as oppressive and brutal as they come. The fact that The Capital resembles a modern-ized Roman city is a subtle, if unneeded, hint towards that conclusion. Most of the main characters express their distaste of the government, giving off an anti-government message that has drawn criticism from some corners. But if we really were ruled by a regime this oppressive, wouldn’t there be some widespread governmental distrust? The fact that Panem was formerly North America may have been the thing that set off some detractors, but so was Code Geass’ Britannia, another highly self-serving fictional government.
Katniss has been widely identified as a strong and more than capable female figure, in no small part thanks to Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of her. Her Katniss is similar to a character she played a few years ago: Ree Dolly of Winter’s Bone. Both are women of few words and a lot of action, yet are deeply mature, having been forced to become the primary caretakers of their siblings AND their own mothers. Katniss though, is a woman of even fewer words. While there are a few people she can engage in witty banter with, she is normally quite awkward and soft-spoken – “I’m not good at saying something” is how Katniss describes herself. But when she gets seriously determined. . . watch out.
Peeta, played by John Hutcherson, struggles with being the overlooked one next to Katniss, despite his honest feelings for her. Perhaps accepting his lower chances of survival next to Katniss, he is far more eager to play up to the Games’ TV audience and gain their support. He and Katniss grow closer over the events of the movie, though it could be debated they were just putting on a show for potential sponsors. Real or not, it sets up a love triangle with an interested viewer back in District 12 – Gale, Katniss’ hunting partner with a secret crush on her.
Let the love-interest-speculation commence!
The films’ other characters don’t quite possess the depth of Katniss and Peeta, but are played well nonetheless. Haymitch Abernathy is the drunken and reluctant mentor who is tired of watching District 12’s tributes die. Once he becomes convinced of Katniss and Peeta’s determination and skills though, he awakens from his stupor to become a fierce ally, sparing no effort to secure sponsors and gain the support of the head Games-maker.
Speaking of the head Games-maker, Seneca Crane shares behind-the-scenes antagonist spotlight with President Snow, who he often consults during the Games themselves. While Crane’s main concern is putting on a good show and pleasing viewers, Snow only cares about the political results of the Games, giving a hint of malice as he subtly advises Crane. Donald Sutherland was effective as the villainous president in his short appearances – look for him to give a killer performance in the next film.
With beards like those, they just HAVE to be evil
The most visible of the tributes out to get Katniss once the Games become are the Careers, who immediately band together. They are portrayed realistically – meaning they’re highly trained, egotistical killing machines. I imagine one would end up like this when they’re trained to essentially be a teenage soldier, but the Careers end up as little more than compelling antagonists to root against. The only other significant tribute is Rue, a 12 year-old girl from District 11, who forms an easy partnership with Katniss thanks to her resemblance to Primrose. Though the reasons behind their pairing are only implied at best.
There is some sporadic comic relief, mostly before the games begin, thanks to the oblivious remarks of Effie Trinket, the Capital’s appointed overseer of District 12’s tributes. And the egregious amounts of cheese contained in Katniss and Peeta’s journey through the media circus. It’s especially jarring when the film switches from the fake TV personalities to the very REAL carnage of the Games.
The Hunger Games boasts a modest budget in comparison to other blockbusters, but still manages to look really good visually. The modern, yet Romanesque architecture of The Capitol stands out in grand opposition to the near-destitute state of District 12. That said, the forests surrounding District 12 and those in the Games have somewhat of a quant charm to them – particularly the latter. Excluding really action-y or violent scenes, The Hunger Games themselves are shot in a relatively straightforward manner; it’s not difficult to follow any of it.
It’s not much, but it’s home.
Some of those oh-so-edgey shaky camera tricks show up during especially dramatic or violent scenes. I do think it sets an equally unstable mood during said dramatic scenes, which is definitely a better use of the shaky camera than for action. That said, the action scenes don’t overuse it, they use just enough to keep the gore to a minimum and maintain the PG-13 rating. However, there were a few scenes (Katniss’ dream sequence for example) that made a rather awkward transition from written to visual form.
While I’m not the biggest fan of the costume design in this movie (it can be TOO over-the-top at times), I think The Hunger Games at least deserves an Oscar nod for it. The residents of The Capital are effectively portrayed as the fakest people on the planet – sporting ridiculous hairstyles, tastes in clothing somewhere between the 17th century and a gay pride parade, and skin dyed any color from white to green. Don’t forget Seneca Crane’s beard either. Cinna’s creative masterpieces for Katniss and Peeta are just as impressive, employing literal fire in their designs to draw attention straight to them. The TV commentators were as impressed as I was.
Typical casual attire for Capitol residents
The Hunger Games is a real treat, both visually and mentally. The large amount of social commentary and the number of times you’ll wonder “Are they doing it for real or just appealing to sponsors?” will keep viewers engaged for a long time after the credits roll. You can easily find films with more emotion, more wit, better action and better visuals, but The Hunger Games makes its limited amounts of both really count. One shortcoming of the film is that it doesn’t reveal much backstory on Panem or the Districts, nor does it expand much on the supposed main antagonist, President Snow. I can only hope those questions and more will be answered in the sequel. . . they’ve successfully roped me into the series.
Infinite Fantasia
The Hunger Games – From the producers of Survivor and Wipeout
October 24, 2012 in Film, Reviews, Uncategorized | Tags: careers, catching fire, cato, ceasar flickerman, cinna, costume design, district 12, effie trinket, gale, glimmer, haymitch abernathy, hunger games, katniss, katniss everdeen, mockingjay, oppressive government, panem, peeta, president snow, primrose, reality tv, romanesque, rue, seneca crane, social commentary, survivor, the capitol | Leave a comment
Novel-based film trilogies have been huge money makers since the debut of the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter film series in 2001, and The Hunger Games appears to be following in their footsteps. Most novel-based trilogies are of the fantasy genre though, while Hunger Games is a post-apocalyptic science fiction series made on a (relatively) low budget. There is an emphasis on social and political commentary not often seen in mainstream movies, and is more violent then Lord of the Rings and the like. I am a bit late to the party, with Hunger Games already being out on Blu-ray, but let’s find out how The Hunger Games became a hit.
The beginning of the film brief explains what the titular Hunger Games are all about. The country of Panem (formerly North America) is made up of 12 Districts, which all specialize in particular professions, and is ruled by a totalitarian government based in the absurdly wealthy Capitol. 74 years prior to the story, the Districts rebelled against the government, and were subsequently put down by the Capitol. The former 13th District was destroyed, and the government established The Hunger Games as punishment for the remaining 12. Every year, one boy and one girl from each district between the ages of 12 and 18 is chosen at random to participate in the Games – essentially a gladiatorial death match between the chosen “tributes”. The Games take place in a large arena in various extreme locations (think Survivor), where the tributes have to survive and fight each other until only one is left alive. The lone survivor gets to return to a life of fame and fortune. The Hunger Games are shown on TV like your typical reality show and treated like the Super Bowl, glorifying the intense violence and suffering.
And they’re hosted by this guy
The main character of the series is Katniss Everdeen, a strong 16 year-old girl from District 12 (the poorest district of course). Her father died in a mining accident, leaving Katniss to take care of her little sister Primrose while her mother was severely traumatized by the incident. Katniss herself is mature beyond her years as a result, but somewhat quiet and socially awkward. At the “Reaping” ceremony where the tributes are chosen for the Games, Primrose’s name is drawn. Katniss desperately volunteers herself in her sister’s place, and becomes a tribute alongside Peeta Mallark, a baker’s son. Katniss, who has terrific survival skills and is a good shot with a bow, is quickly identified as a strong competitor with a chance to win.
She has a somewhat. . . fuller figure then in the books too.
Katniss and Peeta are then taken to the Capitol, where they meet their assigned mentor – Haymitch Abernathy. The winner of the 50th Hunger Games, Abernathy is an alcoholic and disillusioned with the Games and the government. He initially refuses to help Katniss and Peeta, but eventually tells them that the best way to survive is to get the audience to like you. Interested viewers in the Capitol can choose to sponsor a chosen tribute, and send them needed supplies during the Games.
Over the next few weeks, the pair appear on television several times, making a good impression on viewers and the Games’ MC thanks to Abernathy and the savvy of their stylist, Cinna. Peeta, who has a crush on Katniss, admits his love for her in an interview. This angers Katniss, but Abernathy insists they play the part of “star-crossed lovers” to win supporters over.
All the tributes also participate in training exercises with each other, and are given an overall score of 1-12 based on their abilities. This is also where the “Careers” show up – tributes that train specifically for the Games from childhood and volunteer themselves. A Career tribute will typically win the Games, but Katniss and Peeta have the skills to compete with them.
Do they look like nice people to you? Didn’t think so.
When The Hunger Games actually start, it becomes a mix of Survivor, TV sports and barbaric gladiator combat. Alliances are made, blood is shed frequently, and plenty of political hustling goes on behind the scenes, particularly between the head Games-maker Seneca Crane and the ruler of Panem, President Snow. And in the end, Peeta and Katniss deal a blow to the totalitarian government machine.
The influences and messages contained in the movie can be seen all over. It mixes an ancient Rome-like interest in primal violence with over-the-top showmanship and live commentators, turning the titular Games into some kind of sick reality sport. Not to mention how the rich residents of the Capitol bet on the Games and sponsor tributes like the whole event is the Kentucky Derby. The Hunger Games can also be seen as a blow against reality TV’s obsession with the twisted, similar to films like The Truman Show and Death Race.
Her odds of survival were 30 to 1 – pay her no mind, Capitol residents
The Panem government is, without a doubt, as oppressive and brutal as they come. The fact that The Capital resembles a modern-ized Roman city is a subtle, if unneeded, hint towards that conclusion. Most of the main characters express their distaste of the government, giving off an anti-government message that has drawn criticism from some corners. But if we really were ruled by a regime this oppressive, wouldn’t there be some widespread governmental distrust? The fact that Panem was formerly North America may have been the thing that set off some detractors, but so was Code Geass’ Britannia, another highly self-serving fictional government.
Katniss has been widely identified as a strong and more than capable female figure, in no small part thanks to Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of her. Her Katniss is similar to a character she played a few years ago: Ree Dolly of Winter’s Bone. Both are women of few words and a lot of action, yet are deeply mature, having been forced to become the primary caretakers of their siblings AND their own mothers. Katniss though, is a woman of even fewer words. While there are a few people she can engage in witty banter with, she is normally quite awkward and soft-spoken – “I’m not good at saying something” is how Katniss describes herself. But when she gets seriously determined. . . watch out.
Peeta, played by John Hutcherson, struggles with being the overlooked one next to Katniss, despite his honest feelings for her. Perhaps accepting his lower chances of survival next to Katniss, he is far more eager to play up to the Games’ TV audience and gain their support. He and Katniss grow closer over the events of the movie, though it could be debated they were just putting on a show for potential sponsors. Real or not, it sets up a love triangle with an interested viewer back in District 12 – Gale, Katniss’ hunting partner with a secret crush on her.
Let the love-interest-speculation commence!
The films’ other characters don’t quite possess the depth of Katniss and Peeta, but are played well nonetheless. Haymitch Abernathy is the drunken and reluctant mentor who is tired of watching District 12’s tributes die. Once he becomes convinced of Katniss and Peeta’s determination and skills though, he awakens from his stupor to become a fierce ally, sparing no effort to secure sponsors and gain the support of the head Games-maker.
Speaking of the head Games-maker, Seneca Crane shares behind-the-scenes antagonist spotlight with President Snow, who he often consults during the Games themselves. While Crane’s main concern is putting on a good show and pleasing viewers, Snow only cares about the political results of the Games, giving a hint of malice as he subtly advises Crane. Donald Sutherland was effective as the villainous president in his short appearances – look for him to give a killer performance in the next film.
With beards like those, they just HAVE to be evil
The most visible of the tributes out to get Katniss once the Games become are the Careers, who immediately band together. They are portrayed realistically – meaning they’re highly trained, egotistical killing machines. I imagine one would end up like this when they’re trained to essentially be a teenage soldier, but the Careers end up as little more than compelling antagonists to root against. The only other significant tribute is Rue, a 12 year-old girl from District 11, who forms an easy partnership with Katniss thanks to her resemblance to Primrose. Though the reasons behind their pairing are only implied at best.
There is some sporadic comic relief, mostly before the games begin, thanks to the oblivious remarks of Effie Trinket, the Capital’s appointed overseer of District 12’s tributes. And the egregious amounts of cheese contained in Katniss and Peeta’s journey through the media circus. It’s especially jarring when the film switches from the fake TV personalities to the very REAL carnage of the Games.
The Hunger Games boasts a modest budget in comparison to other blockbusters, but still manages to look really good visually. The modern, yet Romanesque architecture of The Capitol stands out in grand opposition to the near-destitute state of District 12. That said, the forests surrounding District 12 and those in the Games have somewhat of a quant charm to them – particularly the latter. Excluding really action-y or violent scenes, The Hunger Games themselves are shot in a relatively straightforward manner; it’s not difficult to follow any of it.
It’s not much, but it’s home.
Some of those oh-so-edgey shaky camera tricks show up during especially dramatic or violent scenes. I do think it sets an equally unstable mood during said dramatic scenes, which is definitely a better use of the shaky camera than for action. That said, the action scenes don’t overuse it, they use just enough to keep the gore to a minimum and maintain the PG-13 rating. However, there were a few scenes (Katniss’ dream sequence for example) that made a rather awkward transition from written to visual form.
While I’m not the biggest fan of the costume design in this movie (it can be TOO over-the-top at times), I think The Hunger Games at least deserves an Oscar nod for it. The residents of The Capital are effectively portrayed as the fakest people on the planet – sporting ridiculous hairstyles, tastes in clothing somewhere between the 17th century and a gay pride parade, and skin dyed any color from white to green. Don’t forget Seneca Crane’s beard either. Cinna’s creative masterpieces for Katniss and Peeta are just as impressive, employing literal fire in their designs to draw attention straight to them. The TV commentators were as impressed as I was.
Typical casual attire for Capitol residents
The Hunger Games is a real treat, both visually and mentally. The large amount of social commentary and the number of times you’ll wonder “Are they doing it for real or just appealing to sponsors?” will keep viewers engaged for a long time after the credits roll. You can easily find films with more emotion, more wit, better action and better visuals, but The Hunger Games makes its limited amounts of both really count. One shortcoming of the film is that it doesn’t reveal much backstory on Panem or the Districts, nor does it expand much on the supposed main antagonist, President Snow. I can only hope those questions and more will be answered in the sequel. . . they’ve successfully roped me into the series.