Hunger Games

To be honest I didn’t know anything about this story prior to the release of the book (written by Suzanne Collins).  As soon as production on the movie was in full swing the public took to the “blog-o-sphere”, and even uploaded amateur videos/ websites in anticipation of the release. Not holding back their true feelings about the upcoming movie, devotees are keeping close tabs on every decision Hollywood is making.  Most rejoice, but others announce their disapproval (ex: casting the heroine, Jennifer Lawrence was a wrong decision).

The story takes place in a futuristic world called Panem, which used to be North America. Penem is divided into 12 Districts- all severely ruled by a harsh government; The Capitol. We learn that 74 years prior to the beginning of the book, Panem rebelled against the Capitol. As an example to the other citizens never to undermine or rebel, District 13 was completely obliterated.  The “Hunger Games” is an annual televised event, where one girl and one boy from every district are chosen compete into an outdoor arena – literally battling for their lives.  And as a result, whoever is the last one standing receives fame, fortune, and their district gets privileges rained upon them for the next year.  (So wait…all that effort to stay alive and the rewards are only good for one year?...What a rip-off!)

Collin creates an interesting blend of two worlds.  The whole notion of people fighting to the death for the sake of entertainment is barbaric --dating back to the early days of Rome and the Gladiators fighting in the coliseums – except this time adolescent children are being used as pawns in this ruthless game.  Now for the twist, all of this is being broadcasted the audience via television– adding a modern and futuristic component to the story.  It’s like a game show, yet it’s disturbing that “entertainment” has succumbed to the demoralization of human lives.

The contextual ideas and themes in this story aren’t necessarily the most original creations.  A couple stories that immediately came to mind were “The Gladiator” and “Battle Royale”.  All contained similar underlying concepts, but I liked how she was able to produce her own uniqueness.  After reading this book, I’m definitely curious to see the movie and whether it fell short or remained true to the novel.

Metropolis

First and foremost…wow, what a cool movie!  I typically am not a fan of silent flicks because I tend to get too distracted noticing the way actors heavily dramatize themselves in each scene; I completely become disengaged with the storyline altogether.  But with Metropolis, I instantly became involved with the plot and the “overdoing” was not “overdid” this time.

This conception of Fritz Lang was simply a visually stunning film to watch.  For it’s time (released in 1927) the imaginative architectural backdrops were so grandeur.  It’s interesting, though, to note that there are two dramatically different styles of architecture being used.  One referenced a mythic and medieval style.  The other pushed ideas of envisioning a modernist and ultra-industrialized Utopia.  It’s interesting that the idea of total reliance of technology is not only feared by people presently, but even those 80 years ago felt the same way, too.  I’m a huge fan of architecture – the immense underground factory was especially visually appealing.

The Bible heavily influenced Lang’s creative motives, as well.  For example, the social progress of the citizens was diminished to heavy imagery of enslavement (just like the epic and grueling engineering of the construction of the Tower of Babel)- the city being Babel or course.  Also, Lang was greatly ambitious to take on the ever-debatable themes of capitol and labor issues, and political manipulation.

Encircled by all this drama was a blooming love between Freder and Maria. Freder is the son of the city’s ruler and Maria is the “prophetess” who speaks about a future,in which a mediator will unite the hands of the workers and the brains of the rulers- eventually ensuing a revolt.   Although, we quickly learn that the “evil” scientist, Rotwang has perfected a mechanical man that can look like anyone he chooses. He assures Joh (the city’s ruler/ Freder’s father) that this will replace the Workers and become the perfect slave of tomorrow.  Unfortunately Maria becomes the mold from which the robot takes her appearance, to be his forever. 

Regardless of the 2 hour run time, this film is filled with drama from beginning to end.  It’s certainly made its mark in film history.

Time Bandits

Conceived from the wacky and twisted humor of British director, Terry Gilliam, Time Bandits certainly retains the same outlandish appeal as his other film Monty Python, which I feel best, represents his work.  This film is intended not only for children, but also for teens and adults alike.

The story begins with introducing us to Kevin, who spends the majority of his time expanding his imagination- reading and playing with his toys- in order to escape his drum home-life.  His rather neglectful and uncaring parents aren’t the loveliest of all people either; opting to watch T.V. instead of spend time with him.  

One night Kevin is fast asleep and suddenly gets jolted awake to find six time-traveling little people crowding his room.  They’ve stolen a map of the universe from God and have schemed to travel back through different time periods in history in order to steal treasure.  Kevin quickly decides that this is the kind of adventure he’s been waiting for and jumps through the time hole with the rest of the gang.  It’s easy to see how Gilliam’s imagination ran wild- exploring the diverse, yet unconventional, settings of the time periods. 

The evil parts of the movie kind of freaked me out though.  Evil Genius and his dimwitted associates really helped to emphasize their antagonistic role- living in a nightmarishly dark fortress complete with twisted stone columns and the whole nine yards, all situated on a menacing cliff.  Creepy.          

Something else I thought was interesting was the idea that technology was being used as an aid to carryout evil doings.  Gilliam cleverly inserted this underlying notion that society is increasingly becoming over-reliant on technology.  (I guess it’s only a matter of time when the machines will revolt and take over the world.) Case in point, computers and smart devices are quickly replacing tangible books (but that’s a different argument for another time).  Nonetheless, in the end good prevailed and all was right in the universe.

Overall, I enjoyed this movie.  The story-line wasn’t great, but it was decent. Although, it kind of surprised me that Kevin’s parents ended up getting obliterated at the very end- he was now an orphan.  I guess that was also another attempt to mock the typical “happily ever after” conclusion.

The Wonderful Wizard of OZ

Written by L. Frank Baum, this fantasy children’s story is considered to be one of the most beloved and iconic stories in American pop-culture.  So much so that not only has it been revised and reprinted numerous times, but adaptations have also been seen in films and on the Broadway stage as well.  I’m willing to bet that it asked, it almost seems like every American child would be able to recite the story of Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, Lion, and Tin-man (of course Toto, too) as they venture to the great land of Oz. 

When I was young, Baum’s use of descriptive adjectives for the characters and different environments in which they transitioned in and out of throughout the story helped me to really feel like I was a part of it.  I still love it to this day- It’s such a fun story!

Although, with that said, as I look back now from a grown-up perspective, I’ve been able to examine beyond just the superficial context of the story.  It’s interesting to note the contradictions Baum repeatedly somewhat highlights in the primary character’s actions.  Case in point, the Scarecrow so badly wants a brain in order to feel like a true man, yet he seems to do a lot of thinking and problem solving for a guy that only has straw for brains.  Here’s another example, the Tin Woodman is suppose to be heartless (literally), yet he’s as emotional and sensitive as a woman with raging estrogen levels.  You know what I mean?  I find it quite amusing actually.

Okay okay, I’ll restrain myself from further nit-picking Baum’s children’s tale because in the end…it’s just that.  Children love it for the colorful and highly imaginative literature, and adults embrace it for the values and lessons that can be taken away from it.  One, “there’s no place like home” and two, the ability to accomplish or be anything lies within- you just have to believe it for yourself.