Hunger Games

The story of The Hunger Games is an intense depiction of a totalitarianism society that is reigned by the Capitol, whom of which has complete political control over the twelve districts that are all located in Panem. Those who live in the twelve districts must undergo the possibility of entering into the infamous Hunger Games that are intended to remind and represent the Capitol’s authority over the powerless districts. Suzanne Collin’s novel and Gary Ross’s film of The Hunger Games have several things in common but also a few differences as well.

Although the film follows along with the novel very closely there are some apparent differences. For instance, the book is told in first person from Katniss Everdeen’s, the protagonist, point of view. Therefore readers observe this world from Katniss’s mind in the book, whereas in the film she never speaks in first person. This leaves us seeing less outside events in the book and revolves the story around her interpretations solely. In the movie however we see the world of Panem in an overall perspective. Viewers vividly get to witness situations in full effect whereas in the novel Katniss may merely say certain events in a couple of sentences or does not mention them at all. For example, in the film there is a huge riot in District 11 after the death of a young girl named, Rue. This incident in the book cannot be portrayed through Katniss’s perspective because she is not aware of it at the time due to the fact she is in the Hunger Games. The district does send her a parachute, a gift from a sponsor, and she wonders how these people have sent it when they can barely afford to feed themselves (Collins 239). This would be one of the very few downfalls when it comes to the book versus the...

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...n did not damage the greatness of the film in anyway. Therefore I would have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the film just as much as I did the book. As previously stated the director made the film so closely related to the storyline of the book and I believe this is what led the film to thrive. However, in terms of the book I do at times prefer that we hear Katniss’s thoughts about the people of the Capitol and Panem, in particular her feelings towards Gale and Peeta. Nonetheless I cannot help but enjoy a good love story.

Both Collins and Ross did a remarkable job in creating a sensational science fiction story that captivates its readers and viewers. I feel it is uncommon to find a film that portrays the aspects of a novel this consistently, and while there were a few differences I feel the film does an exceptional job of encompassing the vision of this book.