Almost
three years ago, a book entitled “The Hunger Games” reached a certain point of
popularity. Since I have never heard of the author—I only know the mainstream
writers back then—I almost ignored the novel. But then its fame made its way to
get my attention as it had become a common topic on some conversations
particularly in our campus. Of course I tried to be updated and checked it out.
After deciding that it was too gory for my heart to handle, I let it go.
Fast
forward to February 2012, my circle of friends was going crazy over waiting for
the trilogy’s first movie. That novel I tried to disregard all these years has
turned out to be a three-book work of fiction right before my very eye. And
although I still despise the plot, I was not able to make myself promise to my
gals that I’ll see the movie with them. And so I did on the last week of March.
I watched the movie and three days after I bought the books—which I finished in
two days when they are supposed to accompany me through the emptiness of the
Holy Week. But I knew that I did the right thing; I was enlightened not
disappointed.
This
isn’t exactly a movie review since I’m not capable of judging a film’s
components. But then, let me just say that the movie was not able to portray
the environment that the book’s trying to put in to my mind. And as much as the
plot of the film is made simpler, the highlights of the original story were
almost eliminated.
I
understand that the discrepancies are necessary since the movie has to pace in
such a way that it could only show selected parts. I think that’s the point of
the movie scripts, anyway. They could not make a motion picture based from a
novel as it is. However, the simplicity of the story has turned the events less
intense and the screenplay was quite a give-away. The film followed a strict
chronological timeline with a few seconds of flash backs every now and then
causing some alterations. Take for example the part when they’re already in the
arena. The gamemakers were shown ‘behind the cameras’ when in the books they
weren’t heard of during the Games. Another is the ‘rebellion’ scene in District
11 after Katniss honored Rue’s death. Due to those, several portions of Catching Fire, the second title, were
somehow exposed. Rebellion was revealed on the next books already. And so is Haymitch’s
interest on the cause—as implied by him talking to Seneca Crane about modifying
the Games’ mechanics.
On
the characters, the only inconsistency that I notice was the Katniss on the big
screen seemed tougher. She has a number of inhibitions in the book. In the
pages of the paperback, Peeta’s more romantic and Gale’s more gorgeous. Okay,
so I’m not claiming that Liam Hemsworth isn’t dashing.
The
dialogues weren’t exactly as they are in the books but I appreciated that Peeta
did better on his interview and in the cave on the movie than on the book.
---
For
the trilogy, the author had a lot on her mind to make the readers craving for
more. Actually, I personally believed that she succeeded, even exceeded her
expectations. However, as the episodes progress, the hype was not maintained. Or
more appropriately, the ending barely justified the series of happenings. From Haymitch’s
reason for drowning himself in alcohol to how the authorities were overthrown,
the conclusion felt soooo unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, i worship Suzanne Collins now.
So
before I spoil too much about the trilogy, I’ll end this post by admitting that
I fell in love with the ending of the love story. I got me so much that I wanted
the guy for myself. Always. :”> Also,
I would want to suggest that the author rewrite the books in his perspective. To
be fair. :”>
I
am wondering though, how they will end it in the movie?
No comments:
Post a Comment