In the acclaimed feature "The Hunger Games" carefully directed by Gary Ross, film techniques are used effectively throughout the picture. The key techniques like music, angles/shots, lighting and others are shown and deployed well around its critical aspects.
Paragraph 1 - The Reaping
In the movie “The Hunger Games” directed by Gary Ross, a scene is in District 12 where the tributes are being chosen for the games.
In the Hunger Games, the lack of music when Primrose is being reaped as a volunteer for the Hunger Games, and Katniss' intervention with the decision is impacted dramatically. For instance, music doesn't appear until the end of the scene, making this an effective scene and another establishing moment for Katniss. This shows that she is willing to sacrifice her personal safety for the better of those she cares about. The purpose of this was to present a decision that was going to forever impact her life and the lives of those around her. The combination of an extreme long-shot and a low angle causes her to seem powerless, forcing her to make a snap decision lest her sister be sent to certain death. Likewise, this reminds me of the ending scene, where at that time, she holds power over the authorities of the Capitol.
These parts of the story hold quite well in tandem with each other, and the techniques used make it a powerful scene, especially with Katniss’ decision.
Paragraph 2 - Shooting the Apple
Next in the movie, after Katniss and Peeta are chosen, they are brought directly to the Capitol. Many moments after they arrive, Katniss is tested for her archery and skills. At this moment, angles and diegetic music are used to substantial effect. The lack of music makes it seem uninteresting, almost completely normal and bland as if we were looking through the perspectives of the committee. The angles on top make Katniss seem small and insignificant; worthless to the point of being undeserving of their attention. It shows that the committee is completely apathetic to her situation and skillset. This causes Katniss to shoot an apple in a roasted pig’s mouth to merely obtain their collective attention. The director executed this to showcase that Katniss is not joking and is also not unworthy of nothing, and to show the authorities of the Capitol do not care for their struggles. Combined with the medium shots and close-up angles and shots make this very effective, as we perceive the emotions of shock and surprise from the committee and Katniss’ validation. These aspects can be juxtaposed to the reaping back at District 12, where she turns the tides with the voluntary volunteer of worry, and one out of impulse and frustration.
Katniss’ frustration and the apathy of the citizens of the Capitol are shown wondrously, and the techniques here make it very impactful to the audience’s perspective on the Capitol.
Paragraph 3 - Rue’s Death
After the training scene, the tributes of 13 districts are then sent to the arena, where they gradually get killed off.
During the Hunger Games, Rue is killed, leaving Katniss in severe grief and mourning. In that scene, angles and shots, music and symbolism are used efficiently at this moment. For example, the music is gentle and subtle, minor, and eventually swells up after she is delivered the closest equivalent of a burial in the arena. And also pictured above is a wide shot, showing the solemnity of Katniss’ sadness and the loneliness in the arena. This helps us acknowledge that the Hunger Games, while glorious and a testament to some, are horrific places full of death and anguish to others. This was created to show a moment of humanity amidst the darkness and gore of the movie’s thesis. Coinciding with this was the symbolism of white flowers placed on Rue’s body, representing her innocence and purity, and the lullaby that Katniss sings to her before she passes, reminding us that though she is forced to win a dangerous game, she was, nevertheless, a child. This is contrasted by the initial moments in the film back at District 12, where Katniss sings to her younger sister, Primrose.
All of these techniques develop the scene to be a depressing moment, including with what happens after she is buried.
Paragraph 4 - The Three-Finger Salute
The three-finger salute recurs in the movie with its prominent symbolism.
It is first seen in District 12 when Katniss volunteers, and once again when Rue is buried after her death, and Katniss performs it to a camera, prompting a similar response from the citizens of District 11 and indirectly causing a riot. This helps the audience understand the salute acquires a significant meaning behind it, symbolizing a power shift; rebellion, pride and liberation. It is also demonstrated as a recognition of respect for those who have done something honorable and admirable. The purpose of this was to show us that despite their problems and situation, they nevertheless maintain a considerable amount of hope for more fortunate days. Coinciding with this was its effect on both scenarios when it was displayed, showing the ways that the salute is used; in honor, respect and rebellion. This aspect is similar to the previous instance from when the salute was first seen, although the reactions and the situations were different.
The reactions of the people of District 11 are understood by the audience because one of theirs, especially a child, had recently been killed. Following their rebellion and forced shutdown cause this to be a very passionate scene.
All the way through the flick, multiple movie methods are used effectively to present emotions, exhibit the mood of a scene and invoke our responses. Among the prominent techniques would be music, lighting and shots and angles. Of the three methods presented, the most important would represent music because of its use in certain scenes. Often, it is quiet and insignificant in most scenes. But when truly emotional and tense moments come up, it becomes noticeable. The mood becomes triumphant or depressing, and this is operated to substantial effect. The Hunger Games utilizes these techniques astoundingly and its music and volume make up a significant part of it.
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