THE HUNGER GAMES

By spending nearly as much on advertising as they did on the actual film, the studio behind The Hunger Games has done a good job imbedding the concept into people’s minds. But if you don’t know, it is the story of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) from “District 12” in the nation of Panem, which is North America at some unidentified time in the future. The twelve Districts are subserviant, poor areas that work for the rich Capitol, and as punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol the Districts must offer one boy and one girl to fight to the death in the “Hunger Games”.

As with many dystopian science fiction stories there is a certain amount of backstory that must be taken on faith. As long as you accept that this world exists, that the games are seen as necessary, and that the Capitol really does have the power to enforce everything, then you will be fine to enjoy the thrilling action. If, like me, you have trouble with the idea of children fighting to the death then you might be less enthusiastic about the story’s value as social commentary.

Class divisions, corrupt politicians, reality television, desensitizing violence, and child soldiers are all worthy topics of this genre, and The Hunger Games does a fairly good job in commenting on all of them. I haven’t read the books, but I assume those themes are explored further in the novel and its sequels.

Writer Suzanne Collins wrote her books in a strict three act structure, and it is clear that this story is simply act one. I look forward to seeing the finished trilogy, which should give better context for the child-on-child slaughter and the society that runs it.

The production design of the film is quite effective. A stark contrast between the concentration camp-like Districts with the Willy Wonka Capitol makes the decadent society appear extra despicable. Every time Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) grinned and spoke like he was watching a rugby match I felt like taking a shower.

The Hunger Games is exhilarating, shocking, suspensful, engaging, and creepy. It works as both action entertainment and sci-fi drama. I don’t think the PG rating (PG-13 in the States) is quite appropriate, but ratings rarely are.