Although the genre isn't entirely apocalyptic, it is more
action/thriller based, it delves into the theme of survival which is strongly
evident in that genre, and that is what I want to explore. The idea of 'The
Hunger Games' is ominous; 24 teenagers forced to fight against each other til
death, there is only one winner. Here is the trailer:
The Trailer sort of quickly skips over the 'good' parts of
life suggested by Todorov, and jumps into the narrative as the equilibrium is
disrupted. This helps to show their somewhat tough and short-lasting way of
life- that there is barely any goodness within district 12.. The non diegetic
sound of tweeting birds is conspicuous against this first impression, which
either contrasts with the dull area and lifestyle and could be considered as
contrapuntal sound, or perhaps it isn't and it just portrays the beginning as
having a degree of normality and freedom (something I will discuss next).
However, the connotations of birds are things like freedom and beauty, two ideas
this place lacks visually; as we can see there's no grass, and poorly
constructed wooden houses. This initial use of mise en scene establishes the
area and represents the lower class lifestyle within it.
Katniss Everdeen starts the trailer and leads the viewer
through a wire fence that isn't mean to be crossed, helping establish her as
the protagonist in the narrative who leads us throughout. This also conveys
rebellion which suggests that it could be important to the plot (and we later
discover in the films and books that it certainly does- Katniss becomes a
beacon of hope and rebellion). Through the hand held camera we get the feeling
she is being watched which reinforces the idea of no freedom but also raises
the question why is there little freedom? The idea of no freedom is associated
with the government which makes me think that it plays a part in a narrative-
obviously linking to rebellion. Within the camera frame Katniss is captured
through the wire, while also because of the rule of thirds the 'Voltage' sign
slips into sight, representing the dangers of law breaking or perhaps
foreshadowing her impending doom in the story.
In the scene between Katniss and her friend Gale, the hand held camera is strongly used which
creates the effect of bringing the audience closer to the characters due to the
immersive style this camera technique has. This is something I would like to
adopt for our trailer. Character development is explored through dialogue. Gale
is characterised as optimistic character 'we could do it you know, take off,
live in the woods', whereas Katniss is realistic, bordering on negative 'they'd
catch us' and 'we wouldn't make it five miles'. This gives the audience an
insight into the characters minds which helps create a closer relationship
between them and the audience. Going back to the government idea, it is again
hinted at in the personal pronoun 'they'd', paired with her negative
expressions portrays the government as the 'bad guys' allowing the audience to
identify them as 'bad'. As they are discussing this outside the district in a
forest location, it suggests they are free to think and speak what they want-
so the location in a way represents their use of language. We also learn that
Katniss is skilled with a bow and arrow, portraying her as rather masculine by
society because it's not expected for a female to be familiar with a hunting
tool; this characterises her as different and helps show that she is the
protagonist.
The equilibrium is actually disrupted when the government is
introduced. An air craft ship hovers past them in the woods, where a point of
view shot is used to look at it. The POV shot looks directly up and forms the
idea that they are completely inferior and powerless compared to the
government, this could also be because they don't want to be be caught outside
their allocated district. Another hand held shot is used to chase them away and
highlights their fear. The tone of the trailer begins to set from this point.
The next scene captures the people of district 12 going to what's called the
'reaping' whereby a boy and girl is selected for the Hunger Games. Everyone is
portrayed as weak and vulnerable due to the high angle crowd shots, telling the
audience that the story is about to become more serious. Then Katniss volunteers
to replace of her younger sister, Primrose Everdeen. The sound is lowered in
the moment Katniss shouts 'I volunteer as tribute' which emphasise those words
in order for the audience to understand what she has done and why. If the sound
clouded it, it would be less conspicuous and lose importance to the viewer. The
lack of sound in this scene that was once very loud means all the attention is
placed on her. I like this effect because speech is just as important in
explaining the narrative and in this scene works well to continue the strong
effects created.
Furthermore, this scene stirs panic and emotion within the
characters. When Primrose is screaming to stay with Katniss, and Peeta Mellark
is chosen to represent the males, the anxiety and adrenaline created by the
selection processes is reflected in the quickening of the cuts and the thumping
non diegetic sound. The action/thriller aspects of the genre is expressed
through this high rise in tension, which is effective in emotionally involving
the audience and fulfills the purpose to entertain. At this point the viewer
becomes hooked and continue to watch.
An establishing shot of the Capitol immerses the audience in
the new location. The use of the CGI is exciting for the audience because the
place looks so interesting and futuristic. This creates ideas in the viewer’s
mind encouraging them to think. Plus, it helps place the audience in the mind
of the protagonist, Katniss- since it is all new to her too. The change in
place brings the narrative and characters closer to these infamous Hunger
Games, therefore the tension just build blocks upon blocks until they finally
begin.
As the plots
continues, the process the tributes go through in preparation for the Games is
shown through a montage scene. From being physically prepared, for example the
body inspection and the skills practicing scenes. These parts are tightly
framed from the use of close ups and awkward angles; making the on-screens
space very occupied in the way that the camera looks through and past people to
focus on something, like Katnisses leg while laid on the inspection table. This
symbolises the claustrophobia, discomfort and lack of freedom they experience
right before the games, it’s a tightly scheduled and compulsory process. While
the close ups reiterate the idea of close inspection as each tribute is
evaluated in different ways. Fear through competition is developed through the
violent/aggressive fighting skills scene. We see Katnisses enemy tributes show
off their abilities, which excites viewers while also it allows them to fear
for Katniss, due to the emotional attachment that begins to grow. This again
achieves the purpose to entertain through the building of tension. Also in
these scenes, the high key artificial lighting helps portray districts ones
high quality technology and almost futuristic lifestyle that isn't evident in
district 12 and it shows how the characters are changing, ready for the Games.
This lighting can also suggest that they are becoming something they are not
(trained killers) which is unnatural, hence the lack of natural lighting.
After this montage of physical preparation, the pace slows
again to show how the main characters Katniss and Peeta are also mentally
preparing. Peeta says ' I just keep wishing I could think of a way to show them
they don't own me' and Katniss replies in a reverse shot 'I just can't afford
to think like that' which helps give the audience an insight into the minds of
the characters. The two shot of them both, mixed with the low key lighting in
this scene the idea that their minds are becoming darker and more emotionally
disturbed with stress. Because they are so close to death now; the sun has set,
as the day ends, so might their lives. As well as bringing the audience and
characters closer, it again emotionally involves the viewer with worry for
them.
Working up to the climax, copy is generically used to
communicate a final message or keywords. This trailer has 'The games' 'Will
change' 'Everyone', which is impacting in the way that this one declarative
sentence is broken into three parts to help emphasise each word 'games'
'change' 'everyone', including the viewers through the last word 'everyone'
again connecting them. This means the climax will have a fuller effect.
The final stage in the three act structure within trailers
captures the tributes entering the arena before the games being. This climax is
heightened with the five second non diegetic dialogue count down; it is the
most exciting and intense point in the trailer. The sound and obtrusive edits
match it perfectly, especially when the Games officially begin and a surge of
sound reflects the tributes running for their life in snappy cuts. Each second
interval swaps to another person or group watching the Games, which is
emotionally effective as the reaction shots display how people who aren't in
the games feel for them. for example the close up of Primroses face and the
long shot of Gale with an expression of sadness while sat in the place he did
with Katniss at the beginning of the trailer, triggering the audience to feel
for them also. The trailer so cleverly ends as the Hunger Games begin, this
cliff hanger pins the thriller/action genre, making the viewer definitely want
to watch the film to see what happens to the characters and fulfils the purpose
to entertain. It’s a very effective ending which is even used in the sequel
'Catching Fire'.
As the Games appear to be set in a forest, it can represent
how their behaviour will reflect the nature of survival and wild growth.
Survival of the fittest is the theme of the Hunger Games, and connotes the
primitive and atavistic behaviour that's needed to survive. Throughout the
trailer the endless fast camera movements and increasing pace is linked to the
tight frames and claustrophobia, as it can represent the constant and desperate
urge to escape and search for freedom, for space to breathe since the
compositions shows there is none.
The convention of presenting the film title and release date
is used right at the end, so the viewer knows what to see and when they can.
This is important so people actually see the film.
I am inspired to use:
- Hand held camera shots to immerse the viewer emotionally
- High and low angle shots to show power
- Non diegetic sound that corresponds with the image and editing
- Character dialogue helps to indirectly explain the story
- The best selling novel idea as a USP
- Vast settings for establishing shots
- The Government disrupt the equilibrium
- Woodland/Forest locations for battles
- No sound for more thrilling speech
- Protective older sibling does anything to save younger sibling
- Teenagers fight (rivalry)
- Survival of the fittest
- Copy used towards the end
- Male and female protagonists
- Point of view shots
- Snappy running shots
- Hand holding to show relationship and trust
- Characterisation and expressions to attach the audience to characters
- Use of violence to create fear
- Intensity and increasing pace
- A countdown at the end
- Film title and release date shown at the end
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