The Hunger Games

Now we have come to a very exciting month because this will be one dedicated to a novel adaptation that I have never read before. I know, shocking, isn’t it? Sit back and strap in because we are going to celebrate “Hunger Games Month.” Just in time too, since the last one will be released later this month.

Like many science-fiction stories, “The Hunger Games,” released in 2012, shows a future that we’re allowed to read as a story for the present. After the existing nations of North America are ruined by tragedy, a civilization named Panem climbs from the ruins. It’s ruled by a huge, wealthy Capitol inspired by the faces of countless sci-fi magazines and surrounded by 12 “districts” that are helpless satellites.

As the story starts, the annual ceremony of the Hunger Games is starting. Each district must give a “tribute” of a young woman and man, and these 24 finalists must fight to the death in a forested “arena” where hidden cameras display every move.

This outcome in a television production that actually holds the nation fascinated and keeps the citizens pleased. Roger Ebert recalled, “Mrs. Link, my high school Latin teacher, will be proud that I recall one of her daily phrases, “panem et circenses,” which summarized the Roman formula for creating a docile population: Give them bread and circuses. A vision of present-day America is summoned up, its citizenry glutted with fast food and distracted by reality TV.” How is the population expected to accept the violent sacrifice of 24 young lives a year? How many have died in our recent battles?

The story focuses on the two tributes from the impoverished District 12: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). The 16-year-old girl hunts deer with her bow and arrow to feed her family. He may be more muscular but doesn’t look like he matches in survival skills. They’re both sharp, All-Panem types, and although one or both are eventually needed to be dead, romance is a possibility.

Opposed with these healthy young people, the ruling class in the Capitol are affected degenerates. Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) who Ebert described as, “bedecked in gaudy costumery and laden with garish cosmetics,” emcees the annual drawing for tributes, and the nation gets to know the finalists on a talk show hosted by Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci), who guesses what Donald Trump might do with his hair if he had enough of it.

The executive in charge is the gamemaker, Seneca, played by Wes Bentley, who has a beard so unusually designed that Satan would be green with envy. At the top of the society is the president, played by Donald Sutherland, a knowledgeable graybeard who docks deep thoughts. Ebert mentioned, “In interviews, Sutherland has equated the younger generation with leftists and Occupiers. The old folks in the Capitol are no doubt a right-wing oligarchy. My conservative friends, however, equate the young with the Tea Party and the old with decadent Elitists.” “The Hunger Games,” like many stories, will show you exactly what you look in it.

The scenes set in the Capitol and dealing with its strange characters have a completely different tone than the scenes of fight in the Arena. The ruling class is painted in large send-up and bright colors. Katniss and the other tributes are seen in earth-toned realism. This character could be another demonstration, indeed, of Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscar-nominated character Ree in “Winter’s Bone.” The plot even explains why she’s skillful at the bow and arrow.

Ebert mentioned, “One thing I missed, however, was more self-awareness on the part of the tributes. As their names are being drawn from a fish bowl (!) at the Reaping, the reactions of the chosen seem rather subdued, considering the odds are 23-to-1 that they'll end up dead.” Katniss volunteers to take the place of her 12-year-old younger sister, Prim, played by Willow Shields, but no one clearly discusses the fairness of deadly combat between girl children and 18-year-old men. Apparently the bored TV audiences of Panem have developed a desire for savagery. Nor do Katness and Peeta reveal much thoughtfulness about their own strange position.

“The Hunger Games” is a successful entertainment, and Jennifer Lawrence is strong and convincing in the main role. However, the film jumps over obvious questions in its path, and avoids the opportunities sci-fi gives for social criticism. Ebert noted, “Compare its world with the dystopias in “Gattaca” or “The Truman Show.”” Director Gary Ross and his writers (including the series’ author, Suzanne Collins) obviously think their audience wants to see so much of hunting-and-survival scenes, and has no interest in people talking about how cruel class system is using them. Well, maybe they’re right. Ebert ended his review by saying, “But I found the movie too long and deliberate as it negotiated the outskirts of its moral issues.”

When I saw this in the theaters, I walked out thinking, “Talk about a movie that will get your adrenaline rushing, your blood pumping, have you sit at the edge of your seat wanting to know what will happen next.” This really had my nerves shot, especially with the up close, shaky camera moments. Even though I never read the book, I can’t say how this is compared to the book, but I think the book is better, but I will say that you should definitely check this film out, it’s really exciting.

Now check in next week when we look at the first sequel in the series for “Hunger Games Month.”