Before we talk about reality shows and the film plots that mirror them, I’d like to applaud a certain movie studio for giving what might be a huge blockbuster the most colorless and awful title ever. Because even if it’s the most inspired piece of cinema ever viewed – winning myriad awards for its acting and its story — no one will ever say Journey 2: The Mysterious Island got there on account of a catchy title.
Moving on to reality TV. If Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger aren’t going to be X-Factor judges next season, who is? I know that there are experts in charge (like Simon Cowell) and I know that even the biggest TV shows of all time have had major cast shakeups (really, Brian Dunkleman??) but should we sometimes leave well enough alone? Perhaps the answer isn’t recasting. But that’s just my opinion.
Something else I cannot fathom that feels like a reality show and which I’d like to invite commentary on? The Hunger Games. Because this is a phenomenon I don’t really comprehend. Am I the only one who feels that any book — no matter how “addictive” — about pitting children to the death over food is maybe not so cool? I freely admit having an unnatural (most of my friends use terms like “lame”, “foolish” and “ridiculous”) infatuation with The Twilight Saga. But somehow I see those vampires and werewolves as goofier and therefore less pernicious than kids who become gladiators on behalf of nutrition/their homelands. According to the description, “one boy and one girl from each of the 12 districts surrounding the Capitol are selected… to compete in a televised battle in which only one person can survive.” Well, this author, in selecting kids and putting them on TV has certainly tuned into our national obsession with reality TV. But is this teaching kids a less-than-helpful lesson? Isn’t this encouraging some kind of Machiavellian society – even though it’s admittedly futuristic and sci-fi?
Clearly the movie is getting an insane amount of attention. It did long before they even went into production. Arriving March 23rd , I have no doubt that it will do blockbusterishly. It’ll probably outsell Twilight and who knows, maybe Harry and the Pirates need to watch out too. But what exactly is the allure of The Hunger Games? I’m genuinely curious. I certainly don’t doubt it exists, or Suzanne Collins wouldn’t have sold three million copies and be on the New York Times Bestseller List for a hundred weeks. Hopefully, some of you can explain the actual appeal because it seems a little violent and video-game-y to me. The cast is terrific, and why wouldn’t it be? I will absolutely go see the film out of curiosity alone, and the young actors are getting a world of buzz; they are all about to be ejected into a publicity stratosphere the likes of which they’ve never imagined. But still, on the subject of the book/movie plot itself – what’s the draw? In the meantime, we’ll use today’s poll to let you weigh in on the actors who star in this mysteriously addictive vehicle.
Today’s poll:
The Hunger Games opens March 23rd. Which of the movie’s stars is your favorite ?
1) Josh Hutcherson
2) Jennifer Lawrence
3) Liam Hemsworth
4) Leven Rambin
(I have read all of Twilight and Hunger Games). In my opinion, Twilight is better than Hunger Games. Lots of my friends agree, because, we think that Bella is just as good a role-model as Katniss.It is a little tricky to compare the two books, as they are different genres- Hunger Games-Sci-Fi, Twilight-Fantasy/Romance. I respect everyone has a opinion, and this is mine/ours.
(For me, Hunger Games will NEVER beat Twilight, Harry Potter or the Inheritance Circle.)
Not a fan of this writer’s article. Ignorance is spread when you comment on things you don’t know about.
Wow. I was barely able to put this book down for a second after the first few pages got me completely hooked. Suzanne Collins narrative here has an immediacy to it that, when combined with the very dramatic life-or-death plot, is incredibly compelling. It’s entertaining, and incredibly disturbing all at once.
Did not read the whole thing, its stupid and the author is right..
*My previous comment below*
Responding to Vicki,
When you said :The author goes to far to shock the reader…it’s exploitive to draw readers in using these sensationalistic tactics”, you must have misunderstood the whole idea of writing a book, which is to draw readers in and and shock them. Do your research…The Huger Games Chronicles are the best books ever published.
I just read The Hunger Games and found it to be the most exciting and amazing book ever read! The plot is clearly original and I am so addicted to the three books even though I have yet to read the second two of them. Some people think that it is cruel to write about a book that is based on teens killing each other over food, but truthfully, this book has done no harm to anybody. I am very excited for when the movie comes out and am going to the midnight showing as soon as it comes out.
I think it is a good idea but the what about the pirates?
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I have read this trilogy and thought it was amazing. It was well written, the plot was well-developed, and the character development was good. These books are written for teens, so it’s not like you should expect the next “War and Peace”, you know.
However, if you are not familiar with the concept of the dystopian society, or don’t like reading books along the lines of 1984, A Clockwork Orange, Brave New World, just to name a few, then you probably won’t like this either. If you don’t get the allure of those books, then you can’t really appreciate the allure of these. The Hunger Games is this generations’ 1984.
Okay guys. Seriously I think y’all are being a little to critical about this. I like the Twilight series myself and I also like The Hunger Games too. Normally i’m not the futuristic type but i enjoyed it. I agree with Lindsey. Lighten up and read. the. book!!!!!
It’s a book people….don’t over analyze it. If you were entertained by it, then it worked. If not then move on to a different genre.
I read the series and found it disturbing. My granddaughter gave the books to me as a gift. (Last year was the Harry Potter series which I devoured..both books and movies.) One must realize that this, as I understand it, takes places many, many years after a nuclear holocaust in, at least, the United States. It reads quickly and easily. I liked the main characters and the visualization of everything going on came across perfectly and clearly….no matter how disturbing. I was pleased by the ends of the lives of the two main tyrants and was delighted with the ending of the story. I don’t know, though, if I want to see the movie(s)as the mental images from my reading are clear enough. Much of it will be a shock to those who see the movie(s) if they haven’t read the books.
In the same vein as The Lottery and Soylent Green, this book and upcoming movie are fiction. With a view pointed directly to the economics of overpopulation and the inability for the world’s food banks to keep up. It’s not pretty but the idea has been around for ages.
Responding to Vicki… you need an editor.
Responding to Maribell – this book is not being read by many in third world countries – and is not set in one either. We all know the atrocities in this world – you’d have to live under a rock (like Peeta and Katniss did for a day) not to be aware. The daily news is enough of a reality check. My point is, there are many popular books today with dark themes. A steady diet of this genre inures children to the possibilities of a bright future and makes blood and gore too commonplace. Yes, the main character stands a test of morality and personal choice – that doesn’t mean it qualifies the book as great. The setting and theme could have been done without so much of the very graphic portrayals. The author goes too far to shock the reader and I feel it’s exploitive to draw readers in (especially the target audience: young adults) by using these sensationalistic tactics. I liken it to comedians using foul language and demeaning insults in order to be “funny”. The real talent doesn’t resort to cheap tactics. The book is fairly well written and obviously, it’s a fictional book – again, my point is that the fascination with vampires, sorcery and violence,et al,in large quantities can be dark and depressing. I did not find this book uplifting or inspiring, and I don’t think a happy ending is always the answer or even possible. Certainly, reality does not always offer happy endings. I’d rather see books that pose moral dilemmas in a setting that relies less on gratuitous violence, so attention could be paid to the morals and not the thrill of repulsion. Studies show the human brain is not fully developed until the age of twenty-five. Adults are supposed to be guardians and guide choices, and I don’t think this book deserves a place in school curriculum. (I love books – not a book burner.) I’ve spoken to two psychologists who agree with me about the impacts of violent content. Don’t we all remember the studies on violent video games? I’m sure many more mental health professionals could be found to take the opposing view, so let’s not forget that we are all entitled to our own opinion.
As far as I’m concerned, the corruption regarding this book is not limited to the story.
Children are starved, mistreated, enslaved, forced to work, exploited, and trained to be killers by unscrupulous and immoral governments, insane dictators, militia squads, gangs and thugs EVERY DAY in this world, most often in third-world countries. The violence against children in this movie is NOTHING new. The book shows that it’s all about the choices you make in life, despite your circumstance. You can still be a moral person in an immoral place, no matter what situation you’re thrust into. And life is not always a happy ending. If the filmmakers follow the books like they were written, the message to young people should be very clear. The story may take place in the future, but the sick corruption of children takes place every day. Maybe this movie will inspire kids to think” for themselves. If people are outraged or disturbed by this movie, they should educate themselves a little more about the world we live in today. And maybe those who “get what the movie is about” admire and need a hero like Katniss and Peeta.
Who cares if you dont like the idea. Its a BOOK! a FICtional book!! not only that but it is a good fictional book so stop complaining, no one will force you to watch it
Absolute power corrupts absolutly… this series displays this on a grand scale. These books also show that it is important to retain your humanity. The idea that an unchecked govenment will enslave the entire population and exploit the haves vs have nots is not foreign. have you read history books? The USSR come to mind? Book of fiction like these are a great way to create social awareness and teach that we can all make a differance in our world. These books are violent and at times disturbing but so is what the LRA is doing to the children in Africa. Consider these books a great way to educate our young adults about real events in our world and use them as a talking point.
I can’t understand the fascination either – especially by adults and teachers…kind of scary… AND I READ THE BOOK. Collins wrote this book and the series for one reason – money. The cheap cliffhanger endings that may or may not induce you to buy another prove that. This is sensationalism in its worst form and preys upon children and others by appealing to whatever shred of animal instinct individuals have left in them. I love to read and there are plenty of great books out there with positive messages that appeal to readers. It’s easy to use this technique to appeal to people’s sick interests – but this is one accident you should look away from. There is nothing redeeming about this story unless you put that spin on it trying to justify the less than wholesome fascination. With all the kids going to see this movie and reading the book, let’s hope life doesn’t imitate, well, I’m not going to call it that. I’d hate to think the future might be determined by children who grow up thinking violence and every man for himself is the standard.
Well to understand the appeal of the movie, the logical choice would be to read the book. Yes, it is violent and “not so cool” to put children to death. That is the point of the book..these things are not glorified. And it is more than just fighting and action, it is about a girl who is just trying to survive and keep her humanity in a messed up world.
Read the book and be amazed:) Besides, it’s not all about death. It has an un-Twilight like love triangle.
I, too, am a teacher. Several of my students had recommended this book to me and I realized that I had to give it a try. I’m not one to get swept up in “fad” books; in fact, I haven’t read any of the Twilight saga. Perhaps the vampire/werewolf thing just didn’t appeal to me. I can’t say that I went out looking for a violent book, but I’m glad that I gave this book and series a try. It’s hard to explain the intrigue and the fascination, but the books definitely pull you in and hold you. I also agreen with some of the earlier posts that recognize that something like this could potentially occur if society isn’t careful. I feel that the reader doesn’t even focus on the violence as much as the development of Katniss and the rest of the story line. A must read!!
I’m a teacher, anything that gets kids reading is okay with me. And it’s a genuinely great book, which would be more obvious to the author if they had actually read it. I too read the Twilight series and enjoyed it but as a girls soccer coach, mother to a seven year old girl, and as a woman myself, I find the character of Katniss a much better role-model than that of Bella. Katniss is strong and self-sufficient. Bella is willing to give up her life for her high school boyfriend.
As a hater of all things futuristic and sci-fi I had serious doubts about this book serious.. but decided to READ it for myself and absolutely LOVED it!!!!! So before you judge a book by premise alone you should READ IT
I think the first key (as has been pointed out) is that you should read the book if you want to understand.
The allure in this book (as in most dystopian works) is: 1) holding up the mirror to ourselves and showing the dangerous / awful future we could create if not careful, and 2) then highlighting the incredible human characteristics that enable us as a society to overcome our own limitations and stupidity.
I don’t know if / how they will translate this to the screen and be able to strike the same remarkable balance that the Collins did in the books; namely, to communicate the horror of the society without glorifying the spectacle. I hope they can. If the directors and cast can achieve that careful point, it will be a classic movie.
This book is the best book you will ever read. READ IT! Seriously.
As a previous post stated, the games don’t really have anything to do with food. In the world of the series, 12 districts (all that’s left of the US) are ruled by a controlling and dictatorial government. At one point there was a 13th district which was destroyed after they attempted to rise against the government. Each year, the government holds the Hunger Games as a way to remind the people that they have no control or say in their own lives. Everything they have is dependent on the government, including their children.
The games serve as a backdrop to the true story…that of Katnis and her journey. I won’t say much on this point because it is central to the trilogy and really should be experienced through Suzanne Collins’ writing. This is truly a “young adult” book. I would not recommend it for younger teens as the themes can be difficult. I personally count the series as one of my favorite pieces of literature.
Read. The. Book.
If the author of this blog post actually did his research, he would know why Suzanne Collins wrote the book. Seriously, it is that hard to do a Google search?
I think, for those of us who are interested only because our children are interested that this literary series smacks of George Orwell and Aldus Huxley. In HS, late ’80s early ’90s we read 1984 (Orwell) and A Brave New World (Huxley). Both feature a government that has taken over everything in our lives, everything but what we think! I think the Hunger Games is a fresh new way of teaching kids about the delicate balance we have between government by the people, for the people and of the people to simply governing the people. Appropriate given the Occupy movement.
I found this book very disturbing and really hated it. This from someone who loves books…. I do not get the allure. It was really horrible.
It isnt reality tv for the sake of reality tv… the contestants are chosen by lottery and forced to battle to the death by the government in this society as a way of punishing them for an attempted rebellion, a way of reminding the people of the power the government has, what they can give and what they can take away. It shows the power of love, friendship,sacrifice and family. Its a great story, not a bloody battle just so people can watch.
The first book of Hunger Games has a love of spectacle, a love of family (to great sacrifice), a love of food, and a love of fashion, all positives. My guess is the negatives of the Hunger Game reflect both work and job-seeking in our society: theoretically there should be win-win situations with contacts and management, but too many people are finding intractable win-lose situations and facing the prospect of economic death.