‘The Hunger Games’ meets expectations

Home Culture ‘The Hunger Games’ meets expectations

Do not read Suzanne Collin’s “The Hunger Games” looking for deep literary analysis. Instead “The Hunger Games” provides its readers with a thrilling, entertaining, and thought-provoking plot.

“The Hunger Games” is set in a dystopian society called Panem — an America divided into 12 districts. 74 years earlier, all 12 districts rose up against the Capitol, which is the ruling district. The Capitol quelled the rebellion and has since forced each district to send two tributes, all between the ages of 12 and 18, to battle to the death leaving one victor.

The first book of the trilogy follows the struggle of Katniss Everdeen, the heroine and tribute from district 12. Katniss is not immediately likable with her tough exterior and snarky personality, but is a beacon of humanity when she is supposed to act like an animal. The audience falls in love with her and hopes desperately for her survival.

Liongate’s film adaptation of “The Hunger Games” met the expectations of those who read the book. The plot line follows the book and accurately displays the characters and the different locations described by Collins. The film does not take away from the novel but instead creates the images many readers held in their minds.

For those who did not read the book, “The Hunger Games” is still a ‘must see.’ The film is easily understood, even if you haven’t read the books. The fast-paced nature of the film leaves viewers on the edge of the their seats and revolves around universal themes such as the nature of government, the relationship between the have and have-nots, the beauty of humanity, and the struggle of a girl’s fight to survive. Many complain about the violence depicted in “The Hunger Games.” It is, after all, the story of a competition in which the victor is the last of 23 competitors alive.

Many also worry about the psychological effects on younger viewers who view the violence of the movie. The directors, however, took two precautions to downplay the bloodshed depicted in the film. The first was the use of quick shots and blurred vision during the killing scenes. The actions of Katniss serve as the second precaution against the exaltation of violence.

“It was Katniss’ humanity that people gravitated to,” director Gary Ross told “Parade”. “This is a girl who fights for survival and finds something she is willing to give her life for.”

Katniss’ love and compassion directly contrasts the Romanesque government of Panem, which seeks entertainment through violence. She only kills defensively in the Games, proving to the Capitol that she will not succumb to their animalistic and sadistic culture. Her character shows the audience the perversity of the Games and the appalling nature of killing one’s peers, effectively condemning the violence depicted in the movie.

“The Hunger Games” will become part of this generation’s movie culture. Its action, glorification of the individual against government, and excellent actors make it appealing to today’s youth.    

      

     eepperson@hillsdale.edu