Tags
blockbuster, box office, director Gary Ross, futuristic America, game show, Katniss Evergreen. Peeta Mellark, Panem, Pleasantville, Seabiscuit, Suzanne Collins' trilogy, The Hunger Games
An insight into a possible future and human nature, The Hunger Games has smashed into the box office making almost £10million.
Early in the film the audience is made aware of the world of Panem. It is a futuristic America where people live in poverty and are ruled by a superior force.
Each year, two young people from each of the 12 districts are picked to fight to the death on a cruel game show, “The Hunger Games.” But this year Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark from District 12, will force their superiors to change the rules of the game.
This blockbuster comes from critically acclaimed director Gary Ross, whose previous films include “Pleasantville” (1998), and “Seabiscuit” (2003). Upcoming actress, Jennifer Lawrence, plays lead lady Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson is Peeta Mellark.
I found that although the film is based on the Suzanne Collins’ trilogy, it was easy to follow without having read the books. The plot was, for the first ten minutes, unclear to the viewer but it soon became apparent.
But when the idea of the game show is revealed the storyline followed an almost linear sequence. Apart from the odd twist and turn which made the audience hold their breath, the outcome of the movie was almost exactly as expected.
The dialogue was sparse but the camera shots and imagery were very powerful in its place. A range of shots allowed the audience to see and feel what the actors did, and helped draw them into the plot. There were many strong images such as when crowds held three fingers in the air. This was an adaptation of the peace symbol which meant respect, and was present throughout the movie.
The colour, costume and make-up used was very vivid. It made the difference between rich and poor easily identifiable to the viewer from the offset. The brightly coloured make-up and costume used for the superiors also added to the appearance of their wealth and the futuristic nature of the plot.
I felt the film was elegant, consistent, and well produced. The plot was put across well with no reading of the books needed to follow it. But, after a while it did become predictable and seemed to drag on for longer than necessary. All the other production elements of “The Hunger Games” I felt were superb and made the fantasy story look and feel realistic.
“The Hunger Games” is a film as intelligent and stylish as it is terrifying. It is certainly worthwhile watching if you have read the books, or if you enjoy futuristic thrillers. Although if you are looking for an action packed fast-paced film this may not be the one for you.