The Hunger Games Book Movie Project By Laura

The Hunger Games Book Movie Project By: Laura Wars

The Beginning • We begin the film with an overview of the games and an interview highlighting Seneca Crane’s work on the 74 th annual Hunger Games. This not only helps us to perceive for the first time a world moving outside of Katniss’ own thoughts, but also helps introduce us to The Capitol and its key players early on.

District 12 • District 12 has the right look and feel. However, we do not get to spend as much time with the people living there. The Hob is barely shown, Peeta’s father and Gale’s family, Madge, and many others are absent. Though District 12 may entrap Katniss in some ways, it is also a place to protect. Without these integral relationships, it is more difficult to see Katniss’ ties.

Mockingjay Pin • Katniss is not given the mockingjay pin by Madge as a token of her tribute. Instead, she purchases it at the Hob and tries to give it away to Prim before she leaves. Prim, however, presses it back on her sister, stating the icon will protect her. It’s a touching moment, and one that helps define the relationship between the two sisters in a more poignant and substantial way.

Peeta • When Peeta loses time to shine onscreen, it becomes harder to root for his survival. Sure, Peeta was always willing to sod off and die for Katniss and sure, he is artsy and endearingly emotional, but that does not mean he lacks in the strategy department. The book does a better job at balancing Peeta’s softer side with his intellectual and strategic prowess.

Katniss Once in the arena, Katniss’ hardships are condensed. Her time spent wandering in the woods, acclimating, and battling dehydration are completely cut out. While many of the moments in the arena play out to a tee, losing Katniss’ early fight for her life makes it more difficult to understand the breadth and scope of the games.

Claudius Templesmith and Caesar Flickerman Commentary • Shots from the arena are intermixed with commentary from Claudius Templesmith and Caesar Flickerman. Prior to seeing the film, I wondered how audiences would be privy to understanding tracker jackers and other information we get from Katniss’ head. A reality TV show full of color and flair juxtaposes nicely against the dark, somber backdrop of the arena. It is also a reminder of the lengths people are willing to go to watch people falter. The Hunger Games are nothing like our reality television, but maybe the games are not as off as we might think.