Book vs. Film: The Hunger Games

I missed the hysteria, and overwhelming popularity, of The Hunger Games the first time around and when I originally saw the trailers for the film I had never even heard of the books — but despite being seriously intrigued by the films, sticking to my usual rule of always reading the books first, I knew I must get my hands on those books asap.

From the moment I opened the book I was hooked; drawn into this distorted, bleak vision of a not-so-distant future. Suzanne Collins said she was inspired to write the book after a late-night spent flicking between the news channel documenting the latest on the war — where young men and women are risking their lives for their country, and a channel showing the latest reality show — where young men and women are humiliating themselves for 15 minutes of fame. Somewhere in between the channel hopping, and tiredness, Collins said the lines became distorted. The war and the reality show became one, and The Hunger Games was born. 

For those who haven't read the books, or seen the film, it's set in a future vision of North America, known as Panem, which is separated into 12 districts and each year two 'tributes', a boy and girl aged between 12-18, from are chosen to represent their district in a fight to the death that is televised for people's enjoyment. The very idea of it seems so fitting right now considering the number of reality shows our tv screens are flooded with, and I'm sure we've all heard someone say 'What will they come up with next? Kids fighting to the death!?' 

The great thing about Collins' writing is that she doesn't sugar-coat a thing; she gives it to you straight — and the social commentary is eerily accurate: the poor run the world, the rich own it kinda thing.

The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, is one of my favourite characters for a long time — she is loyal, fearless, brave, compassionate, and hard-working. She has her insecurities, and her issues that make her human and relatable, I defy anyone not to fall in love with her.  

Once I'd demolished the trilogy in a couple of days I was ready for the first film — and I was not disappointed. It was cast perfectly, the actors captured the intensity and nuances of their characters, and those you are supposed to like, you love and those you are supposed to dislike, you hate. So all is good there, then.

As with all film adaptations of popular novels, there is nowhere near enough room for detail, and sadly many of my favourite moments from the book were cut from the film. Normally this sort of thing really bothers me, but the direction and sublime acting was enough to make up for it. 

The film managed to recreate the desperation, rebellion, and edge-of-your-seat excitement that the book conveyed so perfectly. 

Director Gary Ross wasn't afraid to take the time to develop character relationships and build up the intense, gloomy atmosphere of the districts before unleashing the rip-roaring unrelenting atrocities of the games. He took risks, and it paid off. 

If you haven't yet read the books, I implore you too. They are a triumph. The world and characters than Collins creates is intoxicating and like nothing you've read before — she writes with such passion that you will go to sleep believing it's all real. The film is more exciting when you've read the books, and you will understand the characters more as some of the excluded details are crucial to our involvement of the story.