The Hunger Games: The Exhibition

[Geoff D]

Absolutely. The whole point of the book is that it takes the piss out of this horrible society that takes great pleasure in watching kids fight to the death. That's why the first movie was made in that herky-jerky seasick style, it wasn't done for the sake of it! Gary Ross didn't want us to feel at all comfortable when watching these horrors, because if we start to enjoy it and glorify it then what does that say about us?

And that's why the second movie still doesn't sit right with me, because I fear we're already into the post-modern irony phase. As awesome and glossy as all that IMAX stuff is, it's making an enjoyable spectacle out of a piece of work which abhors the people who made these deadly arenas into enjoyable spectacles.

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Absolutely. The whole point of the book is that it takes the piss out of this horrible society that takes great pleasure in watching kids fight to the death. That's why the first movie was made in that herky-jerky seasick style, it wasn't done for the sake of it! Gary Ross didn't want us to feel at all comfortable when watching these horrors, because if we start to enjoy it and glorify it then what does that say about us?

And that's why the second movie still doesn't sit right with me, because I fear we're already into the post-modern irony phase. As awesome and glossy as all that IMAX stuff is, it's making an enjoyable spectacle out of a piece of work which abhors the people who made these deadly arenas into enjoyable spectacles.

I understand the rationale behind what Gary Ross did, but looking back, the first movie almost seems amateurish. People in the Capitol wear the same outfits everyday (most noticeable with Seneca Crane) despite their great wealth. Peeta is hurt, so he...hides outdoors instead of hiding in a cave or at least under a tree/bush to avoid getting wet/cold if it rains. (I know that this was in the book, but adaptation is a chance to improve upon the source.) The lousy CGI doesn't help.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by jscoggins

I understand the rationale behind what Gary Ross did, but looking back, the first movie almost seems amateurish. People in the Capitol wear the same outfits everyday (most noticeable with Seneca Crane) despite their great wealth. Peeta is hurt, so he...hides outdoors instead of hiding in a cave or at least under a tree/bush to avoid getting wet/cold if it rains. (I know that this was in the book, but adaptation is a chance to improve upon the source.) The lousy CGI doesn't help.

So what if they wear the same outfits? They're slaves to fashion. As for Peeta's face painting bit, it's goofy as **** and should've been changed - I find it hard not to laugh when he's revealed - but it doesn't derail the movie. They did brilliantly to get as much of a sense of scale as they did for the budget that they had. Still, I'm glad that they're going back to fixed 2.35 for the last two movies, they can concentrate on the storytelling instead of ostentatious camera work.

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

So what if they wear the same outfits? They're slaves to fashion.

Fashionable people don't change clothes?

[Geoff D]

What can I say? It's not the sort of detail I get hung up on. Besides, you make it sound as if no-one changes their outfits, when Effie does it every five minutes (note: generalisation). So what if Seneca doesn't? His scenes take place over a few days at most. He must really like that ensemble.

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

What can I say? It's not the sort of detail I get hung up on. Besides, you make it sound as if no-one changes their outfits, when Effie does it every five minutes (note: generalisation). So what if Seneca doesn't? His scenes take place over a few days at most. He must really like that ensemble.

I didn't write that "everyone" wears the same thing. It's obvious that the costume budget was largely spent on Katniss and Effie.

[jscoggins]

Live Stage Show in London:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...how-set-747380

The Hunger Games is coming to the stage. A theatrical experience based on the popular young-adult novels and Lionsgate film franchise will launch in summer 2016 in a new purpose-built theater next to Wembley Stadium in London, Lionsgate announced Friday.

[Jumpman]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Absolutely. The whole point of the book is that it takes the piss out of this horrible society that takes great pleasure in watching kids fight to the death. That's why the first movie was made in that herky-jerky seasick style, it wasn't done for the sake of it! Gary Ross didn't want us to feel at all comfortable when watching these horrors, because if we start to enjoy it and glorify it then what does that say about us?

And that's why the second movie still doesn't sit right with me, because I fear we're already into the post-modern irony phase. As awesome and glossy as all that IMAX stuff is, it's making an enjoyable spectacle out of a piece of work which abhors the people who made these deadly arenas into enjoyable spectacles.

In Lawrence's defense, those 2nd and 3rd books move away from the societial allegory and more towards the war allegory that Collins says the books are ultimately about. This is why everything, for me at least, looks so bleak and harsh in the film, leading up to when Katniss and Peeta get to the Capitol.

But, I do understand where you're coming from. I felt that way after watching Catching Fire for the first time. Rereading the book then watching film smoothed things over, for me at least.