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Post by csc on Aug 14, 2011 11:00:01 GMT -5
Now, in a sort of unrelated note, I feel like the Hunger Games was written to become a movie. Not that Suzanne planned that the book would become one- but as I read the story I feel a very cinematographic sensation to it. I don't know. Is it just me?
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Post by Dante on Aug 14, 2011 12:06:10 GMT -5
I do think that the Games themselves are very cinematic, but when you think about what they're playing on, modern reality TV shows, then that becomes a necessary part of the plot and of the point. Of course, it's entirely possible that Suzanne Collins did contemplate the possibility that it might get optioned for a movie, as so many young adult books have been, and once you have that thought, it's difficult to put the genie back in the bottle - but I don't get the feeling that it's gratuitously cinematic. And there are plenty of parts of the book which are a lot slower and wouldn't necessarily work as well in cinema - ditto the character introspection - so it's not a one-sided story. It would be very arrogant of Collins to have assumed that kind of success, but it's not improbable that she was prepared for the possibility. We all have dreams.
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Post by Lady Whatever on Aug 14, 2011 13:12:25 GMT -5
Katniss is probably good at reading Haymitch because years of bartering back in District 12 compelled her to learn how to read people's intentions and wishes really well, so she could get the best possible bargain for her products. She's also shown to be highly cynical, and the Capital is basically where cynical exploitation is king. It's a good fit for her instincts.
To be honest, I'm not sure how a movie would work out. 70% of the bulk of the book is going on in Katniss' head as she hatches plots, works out the intentions of the different characters, and thinks through what to do next. I don't know how that would work in a film, apart from adding a character purely for the sake of exposition or an inner monologue.
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Post by csc on Aug 14, 2011 14:01:25 GMT -5
I know that the book has its slow parts, but it's just some cuts from a scene to another or just how she tells the story that I can picture it very clearly in my head. Maybe it's because Suzanne used to write TV shows.
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Post by Dante on Aug 14, 2011 15:02:49 GMT -5
Did she? That seems suggestive in relation to how cinematic the series is, but on the other hand, I suppose it depends what kind of show she used to write for...
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Post by Christmas Chief on Aug 14, 2011 15:03:34 GMT -5
Haymitch's relationship with Katniss is fascinating, yes, particularly when we consider the short time they spent together. Thinking about it, I felt at some times it seemed she was reading too far into things, or making too complex interpretations for the communication to be realistic, but a reread brings forth a new perspective: Haymitch and Katniss have such similar mentalities that they can trust each other to correctly interpret the other's actions.
Re: Film: I think most of Katniss's monologue could be conveyed through vocal narration, were that the only issue. But while we tend to remember the visual parts of the book, there's also a number of elements that would be more difficult to take to the screen, as discussed.
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Post by csc on Aug 14, 2011 18:32:01 GMT -5
Did she? That seems suggestive in relation to how cinematic the series is, but on the other hand, I suppose it depends what kind of show she used to write for... Nickelodeon  . But still... |
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Post by Dante on Aug 17, 2011 2:16:37 GMT -5
Remember, everyone, we'll be starting on Chapters 13-18 from tomorrow, so everyone who's participating or reading along, make sure you're up to there!
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Post by Christmas Chief on Aug 18, 2011 7:48:20 GMT -5
What are the opinions on Katniss and Rue's relationship, and what is the significance of her death?
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Post by Dante on Aug 18, 2011 9:27:51 GMT -5
An inevitability, from a plot perspective. You've got to have a kid in the Games to show their indiscriminate brutality, but there's no way the hero is going to murder a child, so someone else has to do it; having Katniss be friends with said child is therefore the logical next step to make us care about the event when it happens. Suzanne Collins lays it on a bit thick sometimes with the sentimentality, but this is the place for it and she does a good job.
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Post by csc on Aug 18, 2011 13:42:51 GMT -5
I agree completely, she does a great job and I almost cried when Rue dies.
What do you think of Foxface? I don't know why but I really like her. She is incredibly smart and I like how when deals with the Games aswell.
What about Katniss killing both tributes from 1? I know both of them were necessary for her survival, but I don't know. Opinions?
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Post by Lady Whatever on Aug 18, 2011 14:15:38 GMT -5
I'm a big fan of Foxface. Her cleverness and her reliance only on her wits rather than pairing up with someone else make her a clear stand-out from the others.
It was inevitable that Katniss would kill them, not just for survival, but because there was no way she would come out of this without killing at least one other tribute. She can't have clean hands, that would be just too convenient.
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Post by Dante on Aug 18, 2011 14:31:10 GMT -5
Foxface seemed to me like she didn't get enough attention, but I suppose that's partly due to the nature of how she works - all stealth. It wouldn't be practical to have a proper conversation with her, but it's still a shame. As for Katniss killing the other Tributes, I'm not sure if it would be plausible for her to get through the book, or indeed any sequels, without killing anyone; people might find it contrived. So instead she kills the most dangerous and unsympathetic Tributes - the ones no reader will miss, the decisions no reader can really question.
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Post by csc on Aug 18, 2011 16:39:27 GMT -5
It's true, it's a shame we couldn't have a conversation with Foxface, but her appearances really leave an impression. She is definetly one of my favorite characters in the whole series.
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Post by Hermes on Aug 19, 2011 10:54:57 GMT -5
I notice people have said more than once that something is inevitable for a plot-related reason. Does this imply the book is rather artificial? I guess all books are planned like that to some extent, but this book seems to wear it on its face more than many. Perhaps it reflects the artificiality of reality TV.
Meanwhile, what do people think Peeta is up to?
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. But still...
