Movie Analysis Blog #7

Movie Analysis:

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

1.

    (0:59 - 1:02)

In this scene from Catching Fire, the camera angles and editing used powerfully convey the fear and brutality of the Capitol as Cinna, Katniss Everdeen’s stylist, is swung violently away by the Peacekeepers. The high camera angle shows Cinna from above, dwarfing him and making him appear meek and powerless. This is symbolic of how one is crushed by the authority of the Capitol; whether one is an official or serves the Capitol, even those who serve it are in danger. The guards are also all dressed alike in their rigid white uniforms, and their demeanor emphasizes their absolute authority over everyone present and their dehumanization. An over-the-shoulder shot from Katniss’s point of view intensifies the emotional impact. The audience sees what is before Katniss, but Katniss’s attitude of helplessness is emphasized, for the figure taken is that of Cinna, and in this over-the-shoulder shot, one sees not only her point of view, but also the suffering of Cinna, which brings to the audience the feeling of the shock and anger and horror of Katniss.

2.

(1:17 - 1:20)

In this shot, Katniss stands near the entrance of the 75th Hunger Games arena, a moment before the games begin. At the time of filming, the camera was positioned using a medium rear shot with the water in front of Katniss and the Cornucopia (the point where many players first clash) in the background as a visual reminder of the dangers and unknowns she faces. Using a medium rear shot helps to convey Katniss's sense of isolation and resolve, while also making it clear that even though she has gained fame for her participation in previous Hunger Games, she remains just one person, up against insurmountable odds. The fast-paced, tense editing used here will create an increased level of anticipation and fear as the audience waits to see what happens next. This combination of camera angle and pacing creates a feeling of apprehension in the viewer, and it makes the viewer share both her fear and her courage prior to the start of the chaos.

3.

(2:25 - 2:27)

In this sequence from Catching Fire, the camera movement used, which is trucking, and quick cuts edit the action to a point of urgency as we see the tributes run towards the Cornucopia. The quick cuts of Katniss’ intensity and focused face, edited with the chaos of the action scenes, heighten the tension and confusion of the moment. Low-angle shots create the space of power, but they also serve to show their vulnerability as they are caught in the throes of a desperation for survival. 

4.

(2:36 - 2:45)

This scene from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire uses a shot reverse shot technique between Katniss and Finnick as they first meet in the arena. The editing alternates between shots of Katniss with her bow drawn and Finnick’s calm but intense face, creating an atmosphere of suspense and mistrust. Each edit increases the suspense and forces the audience to deliberate on whether Katniss will fire the arrow or whether Finnick represents a potential threat. The tight framing allows us to almost encroach upon the two characters, forcing us to study them through minute movement before the camera-character's depth is rapidly reversed. The use of editing in this scene accentuates the dramatic and emotional uncertainty, forcing the audience to become nervous and curious regarding the attributes of characters within their environment.

5.

(3:43 - 3:45)

In this shot, it shows a close-up angle shot of Katniss just after Peeta emerges from his fight with the other tribute in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, where she can't believe it when she sees that he has made it out. As Katniss gets over her fear to realize that he is still alive, you can visually see all the emotions on her face melt into relief and then love, creating an incredibly strong and deep connection. With the camera shot being so close up, we are able to see every single expression and feeling on her face as her fear melts away, creating a strong visual representation of how much Katniss cares for him and the relationship they share. The editing of this scene is extremely slow and stays on Katniss's reactions for a long time, which creates an even stronger visual effect of her strong feelings and bond to Peeta.