THE HUNGER GAMES (2012) DIR. GARY ROSS
It may seem quite too early in the year to affirm this, but Jennifer Lawrence once again cements herself as an exceptionally capable actress, in the prestigious role as the courageous heroine, Katniss Everdeen, and in what could be one of the strongest young, female performances of the year. As one of the few viewers who didn’t read the novel beforehand, I can more than satisfyingly exclaim that Gary Ross and the rest of the incredible cast and crew, have adapted a powerful, important narrative into a structured and fast-paced film. Phenomenal seems to be an understatement in this case.
Assuming no introduction is necessary, I’ll jump right into the highlights and minor flaws, both from my own perspective and those of my sisters’ whom have read the novels. First and foremost, running at almost 2 hours and a half, the film manages to consistently focus on Katniss’ perspective, her intimate storyline. From beginning to end, it never fails as a violent spectacle, or as a study of politics, and the fragility of character, morale, and society. As we delve into her mentality and her relationships, it builds the foundation of a stoic character that will inevitably expand as the series continues. This is largely in part to Lawrence’s extraordinarily controlled performance; the nuances of her body and in her tone speak volumes, especially in notable moments such as her rise into the Cornucopia battleground, her plea to her mother, her first few moments running into the woods, and the unavoidable death of those around her. The way she trembles, screams, or cries in those moments is palpable in our own skin. Although it may feel particularly slow for some (myself not included), Lawrence’s performance is a redeeming one that carries the movie swiftly. Primrose Everdeen’s, portrayed by Willow Shields, few heartbreaking minutes are also impressive and memorable.
Naturally, the film can’t translate each and every detail of the novel, but what it strives to do, and perfectly executes from a movie-directing perspective, is conjuring a story that is clear and linear. We watch what most importantly transforms her, which unfortunately means that some secondary themes, and relationships, especially amongst the tributes, are diluted and don’t seem as fleshed out. Despite this, that doesn’t mean that the characters themselves aren’t built properly; Haymitch is sincere and wise in his advice, but seems a bit careless and defeated, having been winner of the games before; Effie embodies what is so material and trivial about the games and what has become of the higher class, but she’s also quite the satiric comic relief; Cato reveals himself and his doubts in those final moments, portraying a young man who had lost meaning when the game began to define him. The single most developed relationship would have to be between Peeta and Katniss, arriving from the same district. Their friendship and proceeding love seems to be fabricated from artifice, as a cunning television scene for sympathy and support from the viewers and sponsors. However,what Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence express so brilliantly, is that this may not be entirely true. The scenes in the cave, the two act perfectly between the fine line of genuine and deceptive displays of empathy and compassion. Whether they are speaking truthfully to each other varies line by line, glance by glance, and that is conveyed so unbelievably well in the actors.
The event itself is brutal and harrowing, blood is spilt heavily in the first few minutes of its commencement. What aids us excellently throughout the aggressive warfare, and what I personally found no faults in, is Ross’ decision to travel almost in a first person perspective shot—the camera shakes as we run with Katniss, effects are implemented also as a way to see through her eyes and moderate the gore, and Ross also takes advantage of an omniscient perspective that allowed the story to elaborate and depict scenes that would otherwise not have worked in first person. My favourite shots were vantage points that magnified Lawrence’s face, going right up to her skin giving us a unique look at her expression.
However, the story does falter in some parts. A few particular tribute deaths feel rushed and unrealistic—Katniss herself is rescued twice, and Clove’s (District 2 tribute) threats before plunging a knife into her neck just didn’t seem reasonable to me. All in all these are minuscule weaknesses. What truly shines are the performances by the primitive, animalistic tributes whose meanings seem to have now revolved around this game. It is played skillfully and horrifically, and the one who survives will be just another glimmer of hope for the poor, controlled by the dystopian government in Panem, for another year.
Visually, the capitol, and, personally, anything indoors seemed uncomfortably digital and obviously computerized. Although the control room of the games was an exception, the natural woods and landscape of Cornucopia was breathtaking and the true highlight of the settings. The costumes are also a feat, in its outlandish and dramatic form, they imagine a future of rich that have embraced colour and masks, while the poor remain traditional and have been forced to dress in dull palettes. The soundtrack is scarce, but when it’s heard to when it’s piercing silence, are equally significant. The music dramatizes the terror during gruesome battle sequences, while the overwhelming silence forces us to focus acutely on the characters in those pivotal instances. A tiny flaw in its technical execution would have to be the end credit and title credit font… just WHY? It’s horrendous, but obviously nothing critical.
The Hunger Games may not have exceeded the vivid imaginations of the readers, but I can certainly say that it has satiated my anticipation. Thematically, it empowers young people to mobilize their voices and stay true to themselves, by modelling an intelligent young woman who is resilient and powerful in her stance. Gary Ross has produced a blockbuster film that expatiates the emotional narrative of its protagonist, while still achieving action that is tense and suspenseful every step of the way. It intensely tests the audience emotionally, mentally, and physically, demanding us to pay attention to a bleak future where kids, young children, are slaying each other to their imminent death for entertainment. Thought-provoking and tragic in every aspect, The Hunger Games is off to a promising start, with an ending that perfectly segues to a definite sequel.
