A girl’s struggle to stay alive in a future civilization is presented in this faithful adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ bestselling 2008 novel. In a post-apocalyptic version of North America, children are selected as players or tributes to participate in a fight to the death with each other until there is but one victor. Naturally this is all televised to the delight of the viewing public.
First things first. Let’s discuss that timeworn plot. A nation in which the state exerts cruel, oppressive control, often incorporating combat, is nothing new. There are many ideas within The Hunger Games that have roots in earlier works of fiction. The Most Dangerous Game, Nineteen Eighty-Four, Lord of the Flies, Rollerball, Logan’s Run, The Running Man and Battle Royale are the most obvious to me. That last example addresses themes nearly identical to this film. While I see no reason to discount The Hunger Games on that basis, I can fault the story for a lack of originality, which deliberate or coincidental, lessens the impact. I must also take exception to the basic premise. While a dystopian society might plausibly force children to face off to the death for the reasons explained here, it’s a bit of a stretch to accept that the citizens would happily bet on and enjoy their mortality as entertainment. Nevertheless I still appreciated the way The Hunger Games unfolded. I admit I was captivated.
The Hunger Games thrives in artistically representing this future society. Many scenes are perfectly realized, some of the best even precede the battle stage. In the beginning, the moments where one boy and one girl from district 12 are chosen is suitably tense. The stark color palatte of grays matches the starkness of the landscape. It’s gut wrenching and the atmosphere enhances the dire mood. Providing some comic relief is Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket who becomes a flamboyant and cheerful caretaker to her young charges. Her obsession with politeness is ironic given the sport’s barbaric nature. Later our lead must prove her abilities to the state so she can be assigned a rating before the games begin. As we watch the athletic ability of her adversaries, we share in her dread of what is to come. Her assessment ends with an act of impudence that appropriately elicits laughs as well as concern. All of these depictions greatly benefit the cinematic expression.
Adapting a book is tricky, especially one in which the narrative is so heavily based on the inner thoughts of the main character. To help with that, the script fleshes out what happens behind the scenes to explain things that Katniss assumed in the text. Both the President and the games’ designer in charge have deeper discussions here that elucidate the intimate workings of the competition. The events with Seneca Crane as Head Gamemaker are visually arresting. He’s surrounded by a bank of TV screens with employees that do his bidding – manipulating the action. It betrays a civilization gone wrong. Actors Stanley Tucci and Toby Jones provide color commentary like ESPN anchors to inform the audience of the game’s events. We can feel ourselves get caught up in the pageantry of it all, despite the utter depravity of the matches.
Screenwriters understand that what makes science fiction ultimately succeed isn’t a lot of special effects and pyrotechnics, it’s fascinating characters. The fact that the games don’t actually start until past the halfway point wasn’t a problem for me. This concerns a loss of innocence, not which child can throw a knife better. Jennifer Lawrence is star Katniss Everdeen. Not only does she embody her tough, athletic skills but she projects a vulnerability that is incredibly affecting. Lawrence is believable as our young heroine even when she is up against competitors that are stronger and more physically imposing like Cato from District 2. Matching her is fellow tribute player from District 12, Peeta Mellark, portrayed by Josh Hutcherson. Their relationship is touching. It grounds the picture and we genuinely care about them. Also of note is Rue, a tiny bird-like girl with a lot of heart. Her friendship with Katniss provides one of several engaging plot points. The Hunger Games is always exciting, never boring. Despite the familiar trappings, director Gary Ross infuses the story with a style and excitement that not only benefits the original novel, it improves upon it. Katniss Everdeen is a protagonist we can love and champion. She’s at the center of a swift and rousing drama. It’s telling that given the 142 minute running time, I was surprisingly prepared for a longer movie. That’s how involved I was.
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