Hunger Games Book vs Movie

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The Basics The film does a superb job of quickly and clearly setting up a quite complicated world and concept – i.e. that 12 districts were once at war with the capitol city of Panem, and after losing, were forced into submission. As a reminder of the war and what they have all overcome “together,” the districts are forced to participate in a yearly lottery (called a Reaping) which selects a young boy and girl to participate in The Hunger Games, a battle of survival and strength in which only one of 24 will emerge alive. The film achieves this through several smart decisions, including some simple text at the opening, a created “film” about the history of Panem and the 13 Districts (now 12) that is shown at The Reaping, some dialogue between characters, and newly created scenes within Panem, such as two characters narrating the games like any sportscasters. It’s very well handled and easy to follow. The Characters & Cast The film did an excellent job of cutting and combining unnecessary characters and streamlining that part of the narrative - Madge, The Mayor, Peeta’s father, and a handful of other small parts are missing entirely, but it’s almost unnoticeable. Even with the combining and cutting that was done, the supporting cast is quite frankly an embarrassment of riches, especially considering how little screen time most of these heavy hitters actually get. Elizabeth Banks is a perfect and hilarious Effie, and her character easily has the best costume design in the entire production, as it should be. There’s also some unspoken commentary to be drawn from the fact that Banks is a beautiful woman, and yet overdressed and styled as she is here, she’s a borderline horror show, which is fascinating. Woody Harrelson is an inspired Haymitch, and is actually much more believable as a former winner of the games than how he’s presented in Collins’ book. It’s a

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