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Will Hunger Games work as a movie?

I am certainly one of the more critical fans who analyze the transition of novels into books. I have concluded that the novels are almost always better and try to give that consideration when I learn of novels becoming books. The plus of course is that is gets more people to read books, and fansd can see how directors and actors and screen writers interpret the novesl... the minus of course is that movies are rarely as good.

Collider has taken a detailed look at this very idea with The Hunger Games.

The process of adaptation is a difficult one. Yes, the story framework is in place and there’s usually a built-in fanbase as well, but screenwriters must wrestle with what they can include, what they can excise, and what they can change. A popular adaptation can’t alienate the fans but it also can’t exclude those unfamiliar with the source material.

Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games is the first in a trilogy of young adult novels. Lionsgate hopes they have the next Twilight on their hands even though the plots of the two books couldn’t be more different. I’ll break down what works in the book, what will succeed in the movie, and where director Gary Ross will have difficulty in his adaptation.

***Since this is specific about plot points in the book, consider this feature spoiler-filled.***

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The basic plot of The Hunger Games is this: A post-apocalyptic America has rebuilt itself into twelve districts who must serve The Capitol. In order to punish the districts for their past rebellion and to remind them of their weakness, the Capitol holds an annual death match known as “The Hunger Games”. Two “tributes”, a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 and 17, are randomly selected from each district and forced to compete and the watching the games is mandatory. The twenty four tributes fight to the death until only one remains.

Protagonist Katniss Everdeen (who is being played by Oscar-nominee Jennifer Lawrence) is a 16-year-old hunter from the coal-mining District 12. When her 12-year-old sister Prim is selected for the games, Katniss volunteers to take her place. The male tribute is Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), a baker who’s the same age as Katniss. The two are mentored by the last District 12 contestant to win, the drunken and surly Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrleson). Their accompanied by District 12′s vapid chaperone Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) and the supportive and talented stylists Cinna (Lenny Kravitz) and Portia (Latarsha Rose). Katniss and Peeta receive the pomp and circumstance preceding the games and try to build up their reputation as a star-crossed couple in order to win sponsors (who can provide gifts at key moments during the games) and the affections of the audience. Then the games begin and things get bloody and the love story between the two leads gets complicated.

The Hunger Games is the anti-Twilight in that is has a strong female character at its center. Katniss is smart, capable, aloof, compassionate towards her sister and best friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth), and deadly. If Bella Swan is always looking for a man to protect her, Katniss is slow to trust anyone and her relationship with Peeta takes some interesting twists and turns. I imagine that those who initially complained about Lawrence’s casting never saw Winter’s Bone because Katniss is Ree Dolly recast as an action hero.

I also had no trouble seeing any other major cast member in their respective roles. However, certain characters will likely have their roles beefed up for the movie. Wes Bentley’s character, Head Gamemaker (the Gamemakers are like reality TV game show producers; they keep the action in the arena moving) Seneca Crane, doesn’t appear in the first novel but he does appear in the second book Catching Fire (which I haven’t read yet). Also, President Snow barely appears in The Hunger Games, but then again, Donald Sutherland has become the actor who will be in your movie for five minutes.

The easiest cinematic equivalent to The Hunger Games is Kinji Fukasaku’s 2000 film Battle Royale, but there are two key differences between the properties. Collins builds a world that borrows from George Orwell’s 1984 and she has no problem painting the world as excessively bleak and brutal. The book is told from Katniss’ perspective and the descriptions of life in District 12, the ruthless power of The Capital, and the events of past Hunger Games is both affecting and horrific. But whereas Battle Royale lets you know the characters inside the arena and makes their deaths hurt, Collins pulls her punches once the Hunger Games begin. There are some moments of brutality, gore, and Katniss’ struggle for survival, especially at the outset, is intense. But when it comes to the killing of kids, Collins keeps most of the other tributes nameless, makes the death of the young female District 11 tribute Rue as predictable and maudlin as possible, and barely has Katniss or Peeta kill anyone. You can argue that she softens up the novel for young adults (i.e. 10 to 13 year olds), but Collins has no problem with ugliness in other parts of the book.

Gary Ross’ adaptation will be PG-13 so elements like Katniss pulling a quiver of arrows through a girl’s ribcage and the rest of the bloodier moments will be reduced, happen off-screen, get excised, or be changed. Lionsgate has thrown out that this will be a “hard PG-13″, so you can assume that the violence will be on the level of The Dark Knight at most.

It’s an interesting book because I felt that a more faithful adaptation could have been made in the 60s or 70s. That’s impossible since the book came out in 2008, but the imagery fits perfectly with films from 40 – 50 years ago. For example, interviewer Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) is first seen with blue-hair, blue eye-shadow, and blue lipstick. The Capitol citizens’ wear garish outfits, Effie sports a pink wig, and at one point Katniss gets stung by genetically modified wasps and essentially has a bad acid trip. The reason I make this distinction is because what 60s and 70s audiences may have accepted, present-day moviegoers may think it’s all a little much.

But toning down the violence and tweaking the costumes isn’t a big deal. While they do help color the world, they’re not essential to the plot. A larger question is can a director like Ross introduce the brutality and bleakness required of the story. His specialty up to this point has been feel-good pictures like Pleasantville and Seabiscuit and The Hunger Games doesn’t live anywhere close to those two movies. That’s not to say he isn’t capable of doing a strong adaptation, but it will most likely be completely unlike anything we’ve seen from him before.

The biggest challenge is the romance between Katniss and Peeta. The two tributes know they have to put on a show of romance for the viewers and sponsors, but Katniss’ internal monologue lets us know that she’s actually starting to fall for Peeta. But because this is a movie, how will Ross make the distinction between Katniss playing towards the TV cameras and playing towards the real camera? My first thought is to cut between a “TV feed” when she’s faking and the actual movie when she’s being authentic, but that approach may be a little too obvious and distracting.

The Hunger Games is far from a perfect novel. Aside from the issue of pulling punches, the writing is unimpressive, Katniss’ bleak descriptions and outlook becomes redundant, and then there are the zombie wolves. It’s an idea that’s good in concept: the dead tributes are resurrected, their minds reduced to feral rage, and placed inside the bodies of mutated wolves to finish off the three remaining tributes. It’s an idea that perfectly encapsulates the cruelty of the Gamemakers and the Capitol. But the execution is abysmal. The wolf zombies are called, I shit you not, “Muttations”. Even dumber, the giant wolves run on their hind legs, and somehow that makes them faster. Imagine a dog or a wolf walking on its hind legs. Now imagine it moving really fast. That will look ridiculous on film and I hope they’ll modify the design to something more terrifying and cinematic.

Despite some of the shortcomings of the novel, it’s certainly a page turner. A few days ago I thought I would read a chapter or two before I dug into it on the long plane ride I have ahead of me. Instead, I’ll be reading Catching Fire on the plane because I devoured The Hunger Games. Collins paints an interesting world and it’s seen from the perspective of a compelling lead character that has been perfectly cast. I’m not sure if Ross is the right director for the book and I’m not sure how much leniency he’ll have with the violence, but the elements are all in place for an exciting film.




The Hunger Games opens March 23, 2012.

Mandy's Mind - I agree with much, though not all, of what is said in this article... what are your thoughts?

[Source]

Something Borrowed - Review and Comparison of Novel vs Movie

I read Something Borrowed a couple years ago and really loved it. What shocked me MORE was how Something Blue was able to switch my whole perspective on Darcie, but that's another story....

If you have not seen the movie or do not want spoilers do not ready on as my review and comparison of book vs movie will reveal plot and other things you may not wish to read (yet)

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I love Emily Giffin's writing and knew this movie would be a chick flick. I was glad to see that much of the movie stuck to the book, with a few exceptions. Though it has been a while since I read the book, which helps.

The casting itself was amazing. Ginnifer Goodwin was a perfect Rachel. Colin Egglesfield was a sexy but sensitive Dex and Kate Hudson had all the crazy, wild, quirks of Darcy. I love John Krasinski and think he was a fantastic Ethan, but Steve Howey was NOT AT ALL what I imagined for Marcus.

The story itself is tough. Who wants a girl to hook up with her best friend's fiance? It is a tough angle to sell and make an audience want to see happen. I think the book did a better job of making you "hate" Darcy (or at least think she deserves it) and want Dex and Rachel together, whereas the mvoie tried, but in my opinion did not do as good a job.

The book also did a better job of showing the BFF status between Darcy and Rachel. The movie didn't make you believe they were life-long best friends as well. Although I did like the flashbacks in the movie to show the past, I still do not think that Darcy and Rachel had a believable relationship like the book described, with the exception of a few scenes (The sleepover, in particular the dancing etc.)

Other differences.... There is no Hilary in the movie, Marcus is a lot different than I imagined, the ending is different.

I really prefered the book ending... the movie was just kind of - meh!

Overall I loved the book, liked the movie and suggest you read before you see or you may not want to read... but I promise reading is worth it! And Something Blue, the sequel is an AMAZING book too! Wraps up some loose ends from the first book in a unique and interesting way ;)



Thoughts?

Hunger Games Girls Group

Love Hunger Games?

Want to chat about the latest and greatest?

Join my NEW Hunger Games Group where we post and share info and opinions on the casting and progress of the movie and novel.

Click here:
Hunger Games Girls Group

Water for Elephant - Novel vs Movie

I really enjoyed Sara Gruen's novel 'Water for Elephants' and was actually nervous to see the movie as movies rarely compare to the novels in my opinion.

I was glad the movie stuck fairly close to the novel, and have gathered a few comparisons and a lot of my opinions into this post.

Spoilers if you continue to read.... you have been warned.

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Overall I enjoyed both the book and the movie and felt it was a good adaptation. But here are some specific comparison's and comments...

Sara Gruen's book opened with the "stampede" from the Benzini Brother's Circus which enticed readers from the get go and then flashed to present day and through flashbacks told the story of Jacob Jakowski's life with the circus.

The movie, quite oppositely, opened with an old man outside a circus he missed. It then goes on to tell his story but with a very slow start. I think if you had not read the book the movie may drag a bit in the start.

The novel seemed to focus on Jacob's tribulations in life. The scenes in the retirement home and the interactions with the other "old folks" in his home as well as with the nurse 'Rosemary' showed the man he had become, while flashing back to see the man he was and how he got where he was now. The movie didn't even have any retirement home scenes.

The most obvious changes were:
-No Uncle Al
-The \celebration' and then fight between August and Jacob
-Scenes following August hitting Marlena including: Running away from the circus, Jacob's attempt to murder August, the motels

The elimination of Uncle Al (or rather a combination of August and Uncle Al into one?) I didn't like because I felt Uncle Al was a strong figure in the book, the only one really, that could put fear in August.

Speaking of August, sorry Christoph Waltz fans, but I felt underwhelmed by his portrayal. I didn't see the crazy, bad, bi-polar, snap I envisioned while reading the book. Sure, there were moments, but it just didn't come across as "crazy" as I imagined.

Another obvious change was towards the end. When Marlena prepares the celebration for August and he "walks in" early and assumes it is a private celebration for Jacob and Marlena. The fight was weak and not as intense or damaging as the novel.

Also the scenes with the hotel stay and Jacob's manipulation of "helping them get back together" etc. was all eliminated. I think it was important int he book to establish the "crazy" in August as well as the development of Jacob and Marlena's realtion and plan to run-away. This change also overlapped into the scene when Jacob goes to "kill" August.

In the book, he decides to go and struggles train car jumping to August's room then decides not to kill him, only to return to the news that his roomate has been 'red-lighted' The novel has them red-lighted first, a quick trip to the room where he sees Marlena and August asleep and decides not to kill... it did not invoke the same emotion or build up in my opinion. I think the scene of Jacob train jumping, in turmoil, anger and confusion could have been a great scene.... who knows.

It was mostly minor changes from novel to movie but they did cause other parts to not work as smoothly or detailed.

To be honest, even in the previews when Jacob gives his "good life" speach and they are about to jump off the train.... I didn't think they really would in the movie... it just seemed a bit rushed and odd to me. I prefered the book's longer development, but obviously movies can't always do as much and in two hours and a few minutes, they really didn't have much time left to add more, but perhaps a few things could have been cut or picked up, the start was a tad slow.

Another change is the death of Silver Star. In the novel of course August lets Jacob do it and makes sure Marlena is far away, in the movie, August is unaware and mad at the shooting of his star attraction, leading to a near red-lighting of Jacob. Also Marlena is there when Jacob puts the horse down, though it creates a bonding moment for the two in the movie that is needed because of the other parts cut out in the development of their love story.

I thought they included the right amount of characters from the circus (Barbara, Walter, Camel, Earl, Blackie etc.) and the interactions were good, though brief. I really enjoyed the scene where Jacob wakes up in the lingierie and clown make-up. Though this was more developed in the novel, it was handled just right for the movie.

I really liked the video and photos of Jacob and Marlena and the kids as he remembered their lives together. Besides the horribly bad "old man" make-up on Robert Pattinson, it was a touching scene to see them "growing old" together with the kids in the circus.

I think Reese and Rob were great. I found their chemistry to be real and shown well on screen. I really loved Reese's outfits and thought she handled 'August' well. Rob was sexy and played Jacob so well, I was really impressed, I barely saw "Edward" at all in him. While those two leads were amazing, the star was Tai who played Rosie. I loved Rob's chemistry with Tai and thought as far as animal actors go, she was absolutely fantastic!

I never imagined an elephant could portray fear, but after being beaten by August, Tai's eyes show pure fear. I was stunned!

Seeing 'Rosie' do her tricks was absolutely amazing, it reminded me of my childhood (though the 80s not the 30s) when the circus would come to town.

They included a lot of scenes that I thought were important or memorable for various reasons. I loved Jacob feeding Rex, the toothless Lion and the tender moment between Marlena and Jacob after the raid.

Though I highlight mostly changes in this post, I really think it stayed close to the novel and worked well. I enjoyed the movie alot!


The movie captured the magic of the novel and told a love story that really touched my heart. I loved the novel and the movie - differently.

The Twilight Saga: The Offical Illustrated Guide - Sneak Peak

My friend (@LadyDispatcher) ordered this book in early 2009 and it arrived April 1st. Apparently it hits stands on the 12th so I snapped a few photos to share with you. Be sure to buy it if you haven't pre-ordered already. It is absolutely amazing. Besides having never before seen or heard details about cast, setting, plot, background, it also has sketches of cars, houses, characters, locations and more. I loved the point form summary of each book, especially Breaking Dawn, because to me, Stephenie Meyer included those notes because she thinks they are important, which means we will probably see them in the movies.

** I have removed the photos because #1 - I was asked to #2 - the book comes out tomorrow #3 - it was a sneak peak to get people more excited for the book... those who wanted to see pics have

THANKS!

RObert Pattinson on Bel Ami novel cover

[BDM via Twifans]

Canada's Teen Read Awards

!ndigo launched their very first Teen Read Awards.

Twilight is up for Best All Time Fav along with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Hunger Games and Catcher in the Rye.

New Moon is up for Best Book to Flick along with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Push, The Chronicals of Narnia and Whip It.

Breaking Dawn is up for Best Lip Lock.

So go and cast your vote if you are a Canadian you could win some cool prizes.

FYI - Harry Potter is leading in it's categories, I LOVE Harry Potter but I love Twilight too so go cast your vote accordingly people!

Plus there are a ton of other great novels nominated.... maybe you can create a readnig list ;)

Korean Bree Tanner Book Cover

Stephenie Meyer talks about her role for Breaking Dawn

We know Stephenie is a producer for Breaking Dawn, but the Twilight fansites talked to her about what that really means and how she feels about it:

Stephenie Meyer has signed on to be in control of every detail of "Breaking Dawn 1 & 2'. This means everything from eye color, to sparkles, to makeup and hair. Do you think this will change anything? Do you think every detail will be stamped "Stephenie Meyer Approved"!?! We hope so but let's see what Stephenie thinks about the official title and added responsibility:

Twifans.com ask Stephenie Meyer what she brings to the table as a Producer for 'Breaking Dawn' by twifans

Transcription:
Alison: What made you decide to put the producer hat on for Breaking Dawn? And what do you think you’ll bring to that last movie?

SM: I don’t think it’s gonna change that much. I do feel like, I mean Breaking Dawn is tricky. It’s real tricky. Now, I feel like we have more of a handle on it. Because the script and with Bill Condon. I am more calm, but originally, I was very much on the fence. Maybe we shouldn’t make this into a movie, ya know. Some things can’t be made into a movie and come across exactly the right way. So it was a big struggle for me to go forward. I knew it would disappoint a lot of people, and that was really one of the main instances, that people would be like “What?” I didn’t want to disappoint people. So I was concerned. And still my plan was and still is, to be there every day. And so as the producer, can do that. So it’s really a lot about being….in the room. And it’s going to be a lot of upheaval in my life, but I felt like it was important. And then also, it’s the last one. So I kinda feel like, I’m going to commit to this for this year, I’ll get it done, and then I won’t do that again.

(laughs)

SM: And then also. I get to be more involved with it.

Jodi: I have this recorded

SM: Ya know, I think we will have a little more of the same music, which will be a big deal. Instead of hearing about the decisions afterward. We will be there when they are being made. That’s gonna help. With Eclipse, I was pretty much, right on the line with producing. I was very much involved with the script and a lot of the choices. So it’s not a huge difference, but it’ll be really, an interesting experience.

Kim: Well we breathed a sigh of relief when we heard you were producing.

SM: I don't know if those sighs are a little bit premature. I’m not sure that there will be that much more that I can do. um…..but, I keep fighting. I can’t quite make myself give up, so.

Alison: We do appreciate it.

SM: They can’t be exactly like the book. So it’s about having those key things that can make it, have that feel of the book. They have really done a really great job and not all of it I get right away, because for me it’s like “no, keep it closer to the story”. Then I have to say. “Okay, this is a good alternate” but it has it’s merits…..like angry Edward. It wasn’t in the book, and yet….that has a lot of value for you. There are things that they’re able to do that I can’t do. It’s a nice little compliment. And like Taylor and the love for Jacob. That’s a good thing. A good thing

Alison: Yeah!

[Source]

Stephenie Meyer on Angry Edward in Eclipse

Remember when a few lucky fansites got to go meet Stephenie and chatted for over 4 hours - well today they are releasing a ton of stuff from that day so as I have time to read through it I will post and link to the radness that they experienced.

First - Angry Edward in Eclipse

From TwiFans:

Stephenie Meyer has had more and more say when it comes to how the movies are made from her beautifully written books. It's hard to get every scene in a 2 hour movie just as it was written in a 629 page book. Stephenie gives advice and guidance when she can. We are very excited that Stephenie will be a producer on 'Breaking Dawn 1 & 2' even though she has taken a very active role in 'Eclipse.'

Ultimately Stephenie Meyer's opinion on the movies is very important to book fans. Usually we tend to agree with the talented lady that wrote the saga. So we brought up some questions in our interview hoping to get down to the bottom of the movie discussions we have had here on twifans.

Angryward...would we say he is a fan favorite!?! Most girl fans are loving Angryward. We think it's because he is the most unrestrained and most like a vampire.

What do you think Stephenie thinks of Angryward and Edward threatening Jacob for kissing Bella? Does she agree, does she thinks he's hot?

Listen Here

Here is the scene:



Transcription:
Kim: Okay, we have a question about the Angry Edward, and how hot he is. When he gets angry, he pulls up, and he’s like…ya know……if you ever touch her against her will again. All the fans just love it. We all love it and everybody went crazy. The members, our members, we all wanna know about angry Edward.

Alison: Why do you think the fandom thinks Angry Edward is SO hot?

SM: Ya know it’s funny about this scene, and Meghan’s giving me the eye. That’s the one I walked out on, on the dailies because in my head that scene was so much different. In the movie Edward is quite separate motivation-ally from the book Edward. At this point in the film in the story for me he’s gotten past this. Like he’s realized “I can’t act like a teenage boy anymore. I have to give her space. I have to be the mature one here.” And in that scene in the book, he has, icy calm control. He is very gentle. He is very soft spoken. He is very mature. So when I see him….and plus ya know, the movies are unable to bring to life some of the elements in the mythology. If Edward had, in anger, grabbed Jacob by the shoulder, his arm would have come off. And the fact that Taylor is uninjured, and that he just kind of sits there…..bothered me. So I'm like…wait! If we are gonna go for it, tear his arm off. Ya know. And it’s hard for them, because blood puts you over the limit and stuff, and they would not tear off Jacob’s arm. I’m like….if we want angry Edward, I wanna see some blood. They had already filmed that day, so we couldn’t redo it but, people have responded really well to it.

Kim: That is the thing because it is different than the book.

Alison: He's as close to a vampire as we’ve seen him, because he was so restrained.

SM: And restraint is pretty much his middle name. And we don’t have the scene early in the book, where she comes back from La Push, and he’s like “are you trying to make me insane?” He really lost it. We don’t have that evolution where he goes overboard. We have a little bit, the battery disabling. Which is really over the line, and then he’s supposed to learn and he’s supposed to stop. By that point, we’re so far in, it’s like….”why is he still acting like this?” But okay, it is hot…I’ll give you that.

Kim: It turned out well considering it was a deviation from the book, and anyway……we liked it.

Mandy's Mind - I liked it too!

[Source: TwiFans]

Simpson's Twilight Reference

Reading "Red Moon" ha ha

Vampire Paper Dolls Book

I was at the grocery store when I saw the following book.... and of course giggled profusely and snapped pics to share with you all...

Now you can dress Edward, Bella, Dracula, Buffy and Spike look-alikes.....

Of course you have to dress them together... and the boys heads come off..... LOL Wee Sookie and Bill too.

All Vampires from all eras and all rules and it seems the Vamps heads are all removable... WTF? So yu can embrace your inner slayer...??

Sorry I am litterally LOLing again right now

Pretty funny eh?

Who wants one?

More Eclipse Movie Companion Guide Scans

This book comes out right before the movie so pre-order it here to get the heads up on everything behind the scenes.

DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU ARE OK WITH SPOILERS

This is when he tells her all about his past and they do the backstory shots.... this was also done after fight training which is where and when his "head" hit Kellan's "fist" and gave him a concussion and he had to go to the hospital... though people thought it was his hand that was hurt....

He looks more like Xavier than Riley here - hot either way.. I remember seeing him at a 100 Monkeys show and asking him about shooting in the lake and if he didn't enjoy it much, cold, long day - - - ha ha

In my Eclipse Review (a few posts back) I talked about how I loved that there was more romance and interaction between Jasper and ALice, I especially love this during fight training.

Pre-Tent Scene Smooch.

"You're Welcome" ha ha Love Alice!

Slade chats with cast

"Choose Me" this photo is from original I think but they did re shoot this scene.

Love Xavier

pRACTICE pUNCH

[ source]

Scans from Eclipse Movie Companion Guide

I always look forward to these companion guides, I especially love the behind the scenes look at filming because I was often "behind the scenes" as a fan.

This was a full make-out session in the movie and it wasn't as bad as people make it out to be... even if you are Team Edward, it's just a movie, we all know she chooses Edward ha.

This I don't recall from the movie, I think it was the dream Bella had where she envisioned her life with Jacob in the future, children, etc. It was sadly, not included in the movie but apparently David Slade talked about using it in dvd extras during press conference and I personally told both Summitt reps after the screening that I wanted to see it and to pass it on ha ha.

Edwards room with his newly acquired bed ;)

Graduation Party

Here's the campfire

3rd Wife:

Jasper's History / Back Story:

Riley & Victoria:

I personally love the studio behind the scenes most because as a fan I haven't ever seen those sets, only the public outdoor sets....

TENT SCENE!!!!

Arguement:

Rosalie's History / Back Story:

This is especcially cool:

[Via TwiFans]

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY - PRE-ORDER THIS NOW: