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The Hunger Games Companions
The Hunger Games: Official Illustrated Movie Companion
Go behind the scenes of the making of The Hunger Games with exclusive images and interviews. From the screenwriting process to the casting decisions to the elaborate sets and costumes to the actors' performances and directors' vision, this is the definitive companion to the breathtaking film.
160 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
August 4, 2019
3 A game of Life and Death ★'s
“This is a girl who starts a revolution. This is a girl who changes the world!” ―Jennifer Lawrence
I absolutely love The Hunger Games books and the movies were brilliantly done! Phenomenal!!! (Think I may have to do a reread soon). I have seen all 4 movies over a dozen times... seriously no joke. I really liked getting a "behind-the-scenes" look at The Hunger Games movie! I enjoyed all of the information, the pictures, the actors/actresses thoughts and the step by step of what all went into it. It had all the information I wanted to know about the director, what parts Suzanne Collins was involved in, the casting, etc... It was a quick easy read, all of the photos and illustrations were all so great. This would make a great addition for any Hunger Games fans collection.
Rebellion. Revenge. Tragic loss.
“This is a girl who starts a revolution. This is a girl who changes the world!” ―Jennifer Lawrence
I absolutely love The Hunger Games books and the movies were brilliantly done! Phenomenal!!! (Think I may have to do a reread soon). I have seen all 4 movies over a dozen times... seriously no joke. I really liked getting a "behind-the-scenes" look at The Hunger Games movie! I enjoyed all of the information, the pictures, the actors/actresses thoughts and the step by step of what all went into it. It had all the information I wanted to know about the director, what parts Suzanne Collins was involved in, the casting, etc... It was a quick easy read, all of the photos and illustrations were all so great. This would make a great addition for any Hunger Games fans collection.
Rebellion. Revenge. Tragic loss.
August 28, 2012
I read this at Walmart (talk about being thrifty) when my mom was shopping for groceries. Oh you don't know how long it takes for her to just get meat, think about the milk, eggs, etc. Seriously, I could just die of boredom if this book wasn't there.
So anyway, I read this and it really helped me a lot to remember the characters names and who's playing who (I still don't remember most of them, only Katniss, Peeta, Gale, and Prim). The pictures just made me want to watch the movie more!
So anyway, I read this and it really helped me a lot to remember the characters names and who's playing who (I still don't remember most of them, only Katniss, Peeta, Gale, and Prim). The pictures just made me want to watch the movie more!
March 6, 2012
"...I think a book adaptation doesn't have to be just like the book, it has to feel like the book. That's what you want. You want to get the feeling from the movie that you got from the book, and you want the characters to evoke the characters that you fell in love with."
-Nina Jacobson (producer), pg. 20
I can't even begin to describe how many worries and fears about the making of the movie, this book put to rest. Just reading about the careful decisions that were made through every step of the process, and about exactly how much each person involved cares about keeping the integrity of the series, was well worth the cost of this book. Reasons for why certain elements of the book were changed for the movie are explained in a way that make me feel very confident that those in charge have the reader's/viewer's best interests at heart.
Just reading quotes from Gary Ross (the director) talking about Katniss, made me smile. I can tell that he truly *gets* Katniss; that he understands her enough to portray her story in a true and faithful adaptation. For me, that's what is important. I chose that quote at the top there, because I agree with it wholeheartedly; I can deal with different hair color, missing characters, and other changes...as long as the characters are the same ones I fell in love with, and as long as the movie makes me feel that same powerful way that the book did.
*Clears throat* Moving on....It was nice getting to see how things work behind the scenes. For someone who doesn't know a lot about what goes into making a movie, I appreciate the fact that each step of the process is explained; from Suzanne Collins' experience with getting the book published, to why the production company/director/cast was chosen, the thought that went into the costumes, the food, and the locations, and all the way to what it was like on set. I loved learning all these things I didn't know before. There is a wealth of information that did not allow me to put the book down. Each time I tried, I learned something new and interesting.
"The book--and now the film--captures themes and concerns that seem timely.
But its real strength, in the end, is that it's timeless. It speaks to us today, and it will speak--even more powerfully--tomorrow."
-Kate Egan, pg. 154
As far as pictures, the companion includes a large amount of brand new pics of the cast, the set, early digital renderings of scenes, and various pics behind-the-scenes, along with some pics that have been around for a while. Although some have recently been released in various places online, there are still many pics hat I have yet to see anywhere but in this companion.
The only drawback I can see, is that I felt like maybe this was a bit too much information for me...at least right now. I'm one who likes to be completely surprised in a movie, and so the less I know going in, the better. But now I know SO many things about the movie, that I'm hoping I won't be concentrating on recognizing the details this companion mentions, instead of just enjoying the movie.
Overall, I think this is a strong movie companion, and definitely something you will want to add to your collection. This book put my fears about the movie to rest, and secured my trust that no one else on Earth could have been involved, who would have been more true to the series. It pumped me up, and made me extremely excited for the movie (didn't think I could get more excited, did ya?). And it will do the same to you.
This review was originally published on my blog. See the full review at: The Reading Fever.
May 28, 2022
It was interesting to see how a film was brought together and made but The Hunger Games was one of my least favourite series of 2020 lol, don't hate me.
May 6, 2012
After reading this book, I just saw how much every crew member of The Hunger Games worked hard for the movie. You could see their perseverance to do it, to make it a great movie to make the fans happy- which didn't fail. I am so glad that the Hunger Games was a blockbuster for the makers of it really deserved it. Everyone prepared for it, the cast and crew and especially the director. They encountered lots and lots of obstacles like shooting while raining and many others. They also try their best to make it still just like the book even if they removed some of the characters like the Undersees and the back story for the Avox girl.
Over all, I really enjoyed it. And I must say, the makers of the Hunger Games satisfied THG fans and totally deserved to be one of the blockbusters of all time.
Over all, I really enjoyed it. And I must say, the makers of the Hunger Games satisfied THG fans and totally deserved to be one of the blockbusters of all time.
February 26, 2012
This book was really interesting! I am really disappointed that for the movies, they are getting rid of the character Madge. They said it was because they could deal without her and that she really wasn't that important. All around, I believe that in the long run, Madge is the most important character. She gives Katniss the Mockingjay pin. That's the start of the whole rebellion! And, her mom was Maisyilee, Katniss' mom's best friend, who also fought in the Hunger Games with Haymitch. So, I think it draws a nice line for a best friend for Katniss and it connects people that you don't think would ever get along. Getting rid of Madge was the stupidest decision that they could have made!
May 26, 2012
I am a sucker for these movies guides because I love all the glimpses behind the scenes. I love seeing how things work and how movies get made. When it comes to rating them, that's a little harder because it's not a story. So I figured 3 stars would be sum it up perfectly.
February 16, 2012
En lisant ce guide avant de voir le film, on en comprend mieux l'univers et on ne pourra que l'apprécier davantage!!! Il n'y a pas à dire, je suis fan et je suis très impatiente. Ce film a droit à tout le succès qu'il mérite et je pense que tous les fans seront ravis de cette adaptation!
Ma review complète: http://ceresu.canalblog.com/archives/...
Ma review complète: http://ceresu.canalblog.com/archives/...
January 5, 2013
For fans of The Hunger Games, particularly those with an interest in film-making, this book is immensely satisfying. I've read many articles on the upcoming movie, and I was happy to see that most of the photos, if not all, have not been previously published. Quotes were included from all of the actors, as well the producers, director, and various crew.
The book includes six parts:
Part 1: "The History of The Hunger Games" details the film industry's immediate interest following the publication of the book, Suzanne Collins's selection of a producer for the film, and the hiring of Gary Ross as director.
Part 2: "The Cast of The Hunger Games" focuses heavily on the casting of Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson as Katniss and Peeta. The book also, ahem, pays tribute to the actors playing the other main tributes, as well as to the casting of major Capitol characters including Cinna, Effie, and President Snow.
Part 3: "The Look of The Hunger Games: Places and Props" details the areas in North Carolina used in the film and has many photos of various sets in District 12, the Arena, and the Capitol. One of the photos shows all of the tributes seated in the hovercraft, on the way to the Arena, and another shows the construction of the cornucopia.
Part 4: "The Look of The Hunger Games: People" shows Capitol residents in their garish clothing and makeup, along with the much more subdued residents of District 12. This section has photos of perhaps all of Katniss's outfits and costumes, from her drab District 12 duds to her "Girl on Fire" dress.
Part 5: "The Filming of The Hunger Games" details the challenges of filming in the summer heat and rain in the North Carolina forest. Particular attention is paid to the fireball scene.
Part 6: "The Legacy of The Hunger Games" sets the stage for the filming of the sequel, "Catching Fire."
The book includes six parts:
Part 1: "The History of The Hunger Games" details the film industry's immediate interest following the publication of the book, Suzanne Collins's selection of a producer for the film, and the hiring of Gary Ross as director.
Part 2: "The Cast of The Hunger Games" focuses heavily on the casting of Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson as Katniss and Peeta. The book also, ahem, pays tribute to the actors playing the other main tributes, as well as to the casting of major Capitol characters including Cinna, Effie, and President Snow.
Part 3: "The Look of The Hunger Games: Places and Props" details the areas in North Carolina used in the film and has many photos of various sets in District 12, the Arena, and the Capitol. One of the photos shows all of the tributes seated in the hovercraft, on the way to the Arena, and another shows the construction of the cornucopia.
Part 4: "The Look of The Hunger Games: People" shows Capitol residents in their garish clothing and makeup, along with the much more subdued residents of District 12. This section has photos of perhaps all of Katniss's outfits and costumes, from her drab District 12 duds to her "Girl on Fire" dress.
Part 5: "The Filming of The Hunger Games" details the challenges of filming in the summer heat and rain in the North Carolina forest. Particular attention is paid to the fireball scene.
Part 6: "The Legacy of The Hunger Games" sets the stage for the filming of the sequel, "Catching Fire."
April 13, 2012
4.5/5 stars
If you've seen the movie and love the book then this is a nice companion to the Hunger Games movie.
The Illustrated Movie Companion has lots of pictures and is divided into sections. They focus on the book, the casting, the places, the costumes and more.
As someone who loved the books and enjoyed the movie it was nice to see how everything transpired.
I especially loved hearing about Suzanne Collins (the author of the series) and things that happened with the Hunger Games book (and her involvement with the movie).
I loved hearing info about the Hunger Games book. For example the original title for the first book was, The Tribute of District Twelve. And the Hunger Games was originally going to be 3rd person in the past tense.
I really enjoyed reading about the casting. Although instead of just focusing on the cast they chose and why they were perfect for the roles i would have liked to read about the process of who was in the running for each role and ultimately why they were/weren't chosen (but I do understand why they just focused on those cast). I just think as a reader it would have been fascinating.
Overall, this Movie Companion was a fun read. And if you are a fan of the movie then it is definitely a must read.
If you've seen the movie and love the book then this is a nice companion to the Hunger Games movie.
The Illustrated Movie Companion has lots of pictures and is divided into sections. They focus on the book, the casting, the places, the costumes and more.
As someone who loved the books and enjoyed the movie it was nice to see how everything transpired.
I especially loved hearing about Suzanne Collins (the author of the series) and things that happened with the Hunger Games book (and her involvement with the movie).
I loved hearing info about the Hunger Games book. For example the original title for the first book was, The Tribute of District Twelve. And the Hunger Games was originally going to be 3rd person in the past tense.
I really enjoyed reading about the casting. Although instead of just focusing on the cast they chose and why they were perfect for the roles i would have liked to read about the process of who was in the running for each role and ultimately why they were/weren't chosen (but I do understand why they just focused on those cast). I just think as a reader it would have been fascinating.
Overall, this Movie Companion was a fun read. And if you are a fan of the movie then it is definitely a must read.
February 6, 2012
Since I really enjoyed the Hunger Games books, I've naturally been excited for the upcoming movie. My mama surprised me by giving me this movie companion and, while it was an easy read, all of the photographs and illustrations were incredible. This is going to be a visually stunning movie; from the food, to the set of the area, to the fashions and makeup of the Capitol.
Even though I'm not yet sure that I'll be seeing the film in March when it comes out, the book was well-worth the read to not only give me a peek into the making of the Hunger Games film, but also fuel my love and interest in the general movie-making process.
Even though I'm not yet sure that I'll be seeing the film in March when it comes out, the book was well-worth the read to not only give me a peek into the making of the Hunger Games film, but also fuel my love and interest in the general movie-making process.
February 14, 2012
Très complet, exactement ce que j'attendais de ce guide. On en apprend beaucoup sur les coulisses, les choix qui ont été fait,... Aucun vrai spoiler pour les personnes n'ayant pas encore pas lu les romans. Quelques nouveaux Stills.
March 10, 2015
I really loved all of the information and the pictures in this companion! It's exactly the information I wanted to know about the director, what parts Suzanne Collins is in, casting, etc.... made me even more excited for this movie! I can't wait to see it!
May 4, 2019
Actual rating- 3.75/5 stars
February 23, 2016
More like a 3.5.
I enjoyed reading this. Unlike the other tribute guide (Ugh) I was pleased by how this was written. This was interesting, and gave me insight to the behind the scenes aspects of the film.
The interviews with Gary Ross and Nina Jacobson were precisely why I wanted to read it. I wanted to know why they chose to deviate from the books and why they went in certain directions. It threw me when Lenny Kravitz and Josh Hutcherson were cast, but I feel like this gives the audience a better idea. I may not agree with the choices, but I understand it. They alerted everyone to the malicious President Snow whereas the books foreshadow more than anything. Yet, their choices make sense cinematically.
Furthermore, this book drives home the fact that people behind the scenes were essentially obsessed with doing this right. They wanted the film to reflect and portray what we read in the books. They wanted the fans to be happy. Looking to the past to create the future? Wanting the capitol to look avant-garde, and completely unattainable, to the audience? Wanting the cast members physically doing the stunt work? This makes me a fan of the movie all the more.
Loved the interviews with the cast. The characters of Cato, Clove, Glimmer, foxface, and Rue gave great information about the filming process. Learning about how they were selected makes me appreciate them. Stoked Isabelle Fuhrman is such a fan of the series and I adore Amandla Stenberg. Her audition story made me laugh.
While I enjoyed the pictures I would have preferred more shooting shots. I did like the art work, but I think seeing more things actually being filmed would have made this book better. Plus, I think there was a lot of focus on Jack Quaid (Marvel) who wasn't a huge fixture in the movie. I get his parents are famous, but I would have preferred more information on Dayo Okeniyi (Thresh) who had a more significant role.
I also wanted elaboration on other choices. They mentioned the District 11 bread but not why the cut it. Suzanne Collins said she chose to eliminate Madge, but not why. These key elements differed from screen to movie and while the movie still proved entertaining, I would like to know why they changed those in the script.
I recommend it to all fans of the books and movie.
I enjoyed reading this. Unlike the other tribute guide (Ugh) I was pleased by how this was written. This was interesting, and gave me insight to the behind the scenes aspects of the film.
The interviews with Gary Ross and Nina Jacobson were precisely why I wanted to read it. I wanted to know why they chose to deviate from the books and why they went in certain directions. It threw me when Lenny Kravitz and Josh Hutcherson were cast, but I feel like this gives the audience a better idea. I may not agree with the choices, but I understand it. They alerted everyone to the malicious President Snow whereas the books foreshadow more than anything. Yet, their choices make sense cinematically.
Furthermore, this book drives home the fact that people behind the scenes were essentially obsessed with doing this right. They wanted the film to reflect and portray what we read in the books. They wanted the fans to be happy. Looking to the past to create the future? Wanting the capitol to look avant-garde, and completely unattainable, to the audience? Wanting the cast members physically doing the stunt work? This makes me a fan of the movie all the more.
Loved the interviews with the cast. The characters of Cato, Clove, Glimmer, foxface, and Rue gave great information about the filming process. Learning about how they were selected makes me appreciate them. Stoked Isabelle Fuhrman is such a fan of the series and I adore Amandla Stenberg. Her audition story made me laugh.
While I enjoyed the pictures I would have preferred more shooting shots. I did like the art work, but I think seeing more things actually being filmed would have made this book better. Plus, I think there was a lot of focus on Jack Quaid (Marvel) who wasn't a huge fixture in the movie. I get his parents are famous, but I would have preferred more information on Dayo Okeniyi (Thresh) who had a more significant role.
I also wanted elaboration on other choices. They mentioned the District 11 bread but not why the cut it. Suzanne Collins said she chose to eliminate Madge, but not why. These key elements differed from screen to movie and while the movie still proved entertaining, I would like to know why they changed those in the script.
I recommend it to all fans of the books and movie.
March 5, 2012
I am one of those crazy people/obsessive fans that has a meltdown everytime it is announced that one of my favourite books is going to be made into a movie. Indeed after I found out that The Hunger Games movie is not just a rumour but is actually happening... well lets just say you wouldn't have wanted to be sharing brain space with me at that exact moment.
So for months and months all these scenarios have been running through my head on why I am not going to like this movie.
* The actors won't match the characters
* Vital scenes are going to get cut from the script
* Small details are going to get cut, which will make the movie lose some of the books original magic.
And I really didn't think my fears were unfounded. After seeing other book to movie conversions that were epic epic fails, I was seriously praying for a miracle. (Eg. of epic epic fails: Twilight series, parts of the Harry Potter series - but especially movie #5, & the True Blood TV series [Sookie Stackhouse])
So when THG: Official Illustrated Movie Companion released I was eager to get my hands on it. But only because it was about the Hunger Games. I had no idea that it was all about the production of the film and how it all started. Obviously I don't pay too close attention to book titles.
I am so glad I read THG: Official Illustrated Movie Companion. It actually took away all my fears and insecurities for the coming movie. This book proved to me that it is going to be made by the very best. All the people working on The Hunger Games movies creation have put a lot of thought and effort into ALL aspects of the movie, from the actors to the sets, to the overall essence of just what the hunger games are. And I must say that it was a massive relief for me to read that Suzanne Collins played a large part in the writing of the script.
THG: Official Illustrated Movie Companion has finally made me excited to see the movie.
So for months and months all these scenarios have been running through my head on why I am not going to like this movie.
* The actors won't match the characters
* Vital scenes are going to get cut from the script
* Small details are going to get cut, which will make the movie lose some of the books original magic.
And I really didn't think my fears were unfounded. After seeing other book to movie conversions that were epic epic fails, I was seriously praying for a miracle. (Eg. of epic epic fails: Twilight series, parts of the Harry Potter series - but especially movie #5, & the True Blood TV series [Sookie Stackhouse])
So when THG: Official Illustrated Movie Companion released I was eager to get my hands on it. But only because it was about the Hunger Games. I had no idea that it was all about the production of the film and how it all started. Obviously I don't pay too close attention to book titles.
I am so glad I read THG: Official Illustrated Movie Companion. It actually took away all my fears and insecurities for the coming movie. This book proved to me that it is going to be made by the very best. All the people working on The Hunger Games movies creation have put a lot of thought and effort into ALL aspects of the movie, from the actors to the sets, to the overall essence of just what the hunger games are. And I must say that it was a massive relief for me to read that Suzanne Collins played a large part in the writing of the script.
THG: Official Illustrated Movie Companion has finally made me excited to see the movie.
April 6, 2018
"This is a girl who starts a revolution. This is a girl who changes the world."
I feel like reading The Hunger Games and watching The Hunger Games movies all over again in order to re-live my experiences and emotions while reading and watching The Hunger Games. The nostalgia is real!
This movie companion reads like a magazine. It's full of stunning graphics, pull-out quotes and vibrant colours which makes it easy to browse through and enjoy.
The Hunger Games:Official Illustrated Movie Companion made me understand and appreciate the effort that went into creating the Hunger Games movies. All the people who worked to create the Hunger Games movies, from the director, to the cast and designers, had a passion and love for the original work,wanted to draw inspiration from it and give it the respect that it deserves. Many of The Hunger Games movie-making secrets are revealed. I learnt about the extra attention to detail that was paid to every single thing, such as the food and style, and admired the happiness, friendship and family-nature of the team. That's definitely AMAZING!
The Hunger Games:Official Illustrated Movie Companion not only gave me an insider view into the process of making a movie, but it also made me appreciate the Hunger Games movies and the team that brought it to life. Definitely recommend it for fans of The Hunger Games
"In future films, this mockingjay will soar."
March 25, 2012
I enjoy reading about all that went into making the movies. I didn't read it before the movie because I really didn't want a lot of spoilers. I liked the parts in which Suzanne Collins is quoted the best. Since it is the author's story I like to hear what the author has to say the most. i.e.
"If Josh had been bright purple and had had six foot wings and have that audition, I'd have been like 'Cast him! We an work around the wings!' He was that good."
and her thoughts about what she wants people - especially young people - to get out of the books.
"It's crucial that young readers are considering scenarios about humanity's future, because the challenges are about to land in their laps. I hope they question how elements of the book might be relevant in their own lives. About global warming, about our mistreatment of the environment, but also questions like: How do you feel about the fact that she people take their next meal for granted when so many other people are starving in the world? What do you think about choices your government, past and present, or other governments around the world make? What's your relationship to reality TV versus your relationship to the news? Was there any thing in the book that disturbed you because it reflected aspects of your own life, and if there was, what can you do about it? Because you know what? Even if they're not of your making, these issues and how to deal with them will become your responsibility."
"If Josh had been bright purple and had had six foot wings and have that audition, I'd have been like 'Cast him! We an work around the wings!' He was that good."
and her thoughts about what she wants people - especially young people - to get out of the books.
"It's crucial that young readers are considering scenarios about humanity's future, because the challenges are about to land in their laps. I hope they question how elements of the book might be relevant in their own lives. About global warming, about our mistreatment of the environment, but also questions like: How do you feel about the fact that she people take their next meal for granted when so many other people are starving in the world? What do you think about choices your government, past and present, or other governments around the world make? What's your relationship to reality TV versus your relationship to the news? Was there any thing in the book that disturbed you because it reflected aspects of your own life, and if there was, what can you do about it? Because you know what? Even if they're not of your making, these issues and how to deal with them will become your responsibility."
February 24, 2012
I thought this Movie Companion would be like the Twilight Saga one's and in some ways it was, it had pictures from the film and the book talked through the film and how it was made, but it didn't really give a lot of insight, I knew pretty much everything that was in there already, for example the Twilight Eclipse companion told about how they created the whole snow scene and filmed it indoors, that was a shock because it looks so real, there was nothing like that in this.
The pictures were good, but again there were only a few new ones, most of them i'd already seen.
The pictures were good, but again there were only a few new ones, most of them i'd already seen.
Read
December 4, 2011It was heart racing, exciting and the most adventurous books i have ever read in my life. The narrating was so good i was at the edge of my seat all the time! It was very realistic too. About the wars. About the conclusion of our generations. I truly believe that as time goes on it's a possibility that nations will fight for land. In overall it's definately worth reading.
September 1, 2015
Truely the best selling novel..
November 28, 2019
A fun look into the process of creating the Hunger Games movie, including conversations with Suzanne Collins, Gary Ross and Nina Jacobsen, the director and producer, and then others such as Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, the set designers, costume designers, food stylists and a host of other people.
I definitely recommend it to anyone else obsessed with the movie series :)
I definitely recommend it to anyone else obsessed with the movie series :)
February 13, 2019
This book is really good it’s about this girl named Katniss and she has to do this battle to the death was between like 24 other people.
February 28, 2020
Test test
March 11, 2020
Incredible for someone who's a film fan and loyal fan to the Hunger Games. Highly recommend this was both entertaining and informative.
January 28, 2017
It all a game white district but Peter love
June 3, 2020
I've watched each movie over a dozen times each (easy with Netflix). But I loved reading this "making of" book. A short but sweet experience.
November 16, 2014
Book Review by Sharon Powers.
QUICK BOOK REVIEW OF THE OFFICIAL ILLUSTRATED MOVIE COMPANION
(THE HUNGER GAMES).
The Hunger Games: Official Illustrated
Movie Companion, by Kate Egan is 160 pages;
it sells for $9.99 to about $18.99, of course,
depending on where you buy your book.
[15]
The Movie Companion is divided into six parts, as follows:
(1) The History of The Hunger Games;
(2) The Cast of The Hunger Games;
(3) The Look of The Hunger Games: Places and Props;
(4) The Look of The Hunger Games: People;
(5) The Filming of The Hunger Games; and,
(6) The Legacy of The Hunger Games.
The first section on the history of The Hunger Games covers the history of Hunger Games. It also deals with violence and the "challenge of how to present the violence while still maintaining a PG-13 rating" so the intended audience can view the movie (as well as read the book). (p.14) [15] I found this section very interesting and of great interest in examining how the violence was handled in the book and movie.
One page showing beautiful glossy photographs of actors,
Woody Harrelson, as Haymitch, and Lenny Kravitz, as Cinna.
Obviously, one of the big draws of the book is to talk about the major stars of the film. This section discusses how actors were selected, gives us comments from the actors, views of the director, producers, and others, and shows us amazing glossy, beautiful photographs of the actors.
Section three is an extensive section that relates concepts like how locations portray "power and might and authority" (p.49) or how a forest area was selected because it had hardwood trees instead of coniferous trees, to convey the feeling of a "uniquely American" location. (p.59) Also, considerations of colors, for example, the Capitol, food and clothes, to be vibrant in "Blues, oranges, greens...but not any pastels, not any earth tones, Nothing brown." (p.81) This is a huge section of the book that covers a lot of material, and the importance of some themes in the movie--like food. Everything from how several pigs were roasted and how the apple was placed in its mouth for Katniss to shoot, to the importance of bread and the types of different rolls, their color, and symbolism.
Section Four, not only shows photographs of the costumes of the actors, but actually goes into how the "look of the characters," came about. (p.88) Makeup artists, colorists, and costume designers had their work cut out for them.
Personally, I found Section Five to be the most interesting section in the book. The author states that one of the very most important things about adapting the book into a movie is "to convey the immediacy, the first-person point of view that the book has." The author, Kate Egan, explains that in adapting the book to the movie, they wanted to make sure that wherever possible, they kept Katniss Everdeen's point of view--as did the book! (p. 138)
The final section, although the shortest, covers some of the most important material. The author speaks to the timeliness of the book's/movie's themes, and Director Gary Ross explains how people were manipulated into participation in The Hunger Games. He says that by getting people involved in that horrendous contest, they become invested in the contestants. They begin "rooting for their favorites,"
which is more effective than attempting to subjugate them. The end result is people participate "in our system." (p.154).
One page from Kate Egan's book shows the beginning
of a scene. This is pages 66 & 67 in the book. This scene
shows Peeta and Katniss (actors Jennifer Lawrence and
Josh Hutcherson.). Thank you to my husband, Carl, for
holding the book for me while I took the picture.
Reiterating part of Section Five, the author, again, speaks to the importance of addressing controversial themes, but takes that notion a step further, addressing the importance of readers questioning the relevance of elements of books in their own lives. I agree with this idea and have addressed this concept in other blog posts. Books are so very important and can expand a person's thinking and reasoning skills if the reader asks pertinent questions about the book.
CONCLUSION OF MOVIE GUIDE:
[16]
I really enjoyed this movie companion to The Hunger Games. The background information on the actors was fun, but more important was how the book was adapted to fit the big screen and still keep the integrity of the book. It is always a dicey thing to adapt a book to another media, such as big screen, so I enjoyed looking at how the movie makers approached this huge task. I also really enjoyed the discussions about the controversial themes, and how the author and movie makers addressed this big problem. I give this guide 4.0 stars out of 5.
QUICK BOOK REVIEW OF THE OFFICIAL ILLUSTRATED MOVIE COMPANION
(THE HUNGER GAMES).
The Hunger Games: Official Illustrated
Movie Companion, by Kate Egan is 160 pages;
it sells for $9.99 to about $18.99, of course,
depending on where you buy your book.
[15]
The Movie Companion is divided into six parts, as follows:
(1) The History of The Hunger Games;
(2) The Cast of The Hunger Games;
(3) The Look of The Hunger Games: Places and Props;
(4) The Look of The Hunger Games: People;
(5) The Filming of The Hunger Games; and,
(6) The Legacy of The Hunger Games.
The first section on the history of The Hunger Games covers the history of Hunger Games. It also deals with violence and the "challenge of how to present the violence while still maintaining a PG-13 rating" so the intended audience can view the movie (as well as read the book). (p.14) [15] I found this section very interesting and of great interest in examining how the violence was handled in the book and movie.
One page showing beautiful glossy photographs of actors,
Woody Harrelson, as Haymitch, and Lenny Kravitz, as Cinna.
Obviously, one of the big draws of the book is to talk about the major stars of the film. This section discusses how actors were selected, gives us comments from the actors, views of the director, producers, and others, and shows us amazing glossy, beautiful photographs of the actors.
Section three is an extensive section that relates concepts like how locations portray "power and might and authority" (p.49) or how a forest area was selected because it had hardwood trees instead of coniferous trees, to convey the feeling of a "uniquely American" location. (p.59) Also, considerations of colors, for example, the Capitol, food and clothes, to be vibrant in "Blues, oranges, greens...but not any pastels, not any earth tones, Nothing brown." (p.81) This is a huge section of the book that covers a lot of material, and the importance of some themes in the movie--like food. Everything from how several pigs were roasted and how the apple was placed in its mouth for Katniss to shoot, to the importance of bread and the types of different rolls, their color, and symbolism.
Section Four, not only shows photographs of the costumes of the actors, but actually goes into how the "look of the characters," came about. (p.88) Makeup artists, colorists, and costume designers had their work cut out for them.
Personally, I found Section Five to be the most interesting section in the book. The author states that one of the very most important things about adapting the book into a movie is "to convey the immediacy, the first-person point of view that the book has." The author, Kate Egan, explains that in adapting the book to the movie, they wanted to make sure that wherever possible, they kept Katniss Everdeen's point of view--as did the book! (p. 138)
The final section, although the shortest, covers some of the most important material. The author speaks to the timeliness of the book's/movie's themes, and Director Gary Ross explains how people were manipulated into participation in The Hunger Games. He says that by getting people involved in that horrendous contest, they become invested in the contestants. They begin "rooting for their favorites,"
which is more effective than attempting to subjugate them. The end result is people participate "in our system." (p.154).
One page from Kate Egan's book shows the beginning
of a scene. This is pages 66 & 67 in the book. This scene
shows Peeta and Katniss (actors Jennifer Lawrence and
Josh Hutcherson.). Thank you to my husband, Carl, for
holding the book for me while I took the picture.
Reiterating part of Section Five, the author, again, speaks to the importance of addressing controversial themes, but takes that notion a step further, addressing the importance of readers questioning the relevance of elements of books in their own lives. I agree with this idea and have addressed this concept in other blog posts. Books are so very important and can expand a person's thinking and reasoning skills if the reader asks pertinent questions about the book.
CONCLUSION OF MOVIE GUIDE:
[16]
I really enjoyed this movie companion to The Hunger Games. The background information on the actors was fun, but more important was how the book was adapted to fit the big screen and still keep the integrity of the book. It is always a dicey thing to adapt a book to another media, such as big screen, so I enjoyed looking at how the movie makers approached this huge task. I also really enjoyed the discussions about the controversial themes, and how the author and movie makers addressed this big problem. I give this guide 4.0 stars out of 5.
October 10, 2021
Fajny dodatek. Dużo można się dowiedzieć o procesie tworzenia filmu. Nie dla wszystkich jest obowiązkowy, ale dla fanów filmu polecam.
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May 19, 2020Good book
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