Late last year a librarian friend recommended I read Suzanne Collins’ new novel “The Hunger Games”. Coming from the woman who also recommended the “His Dark Materials” trilogy I figured I couldn’t go wrong and thankfully, Collins’ novel didn’t disappoint.
The story takes place in the near future in a society guarded by a dictatorship referred to as Capitol. Capitol is surrounded by and controls twelve outlying districts each of which is saddled with the job of producing a specific good, the majority of which is shuttled back to the city leaving the residents of the districts hungry, overworked and fed up. To keep them in line, every year Capitol runs a televised event called “The Hunger Games” in which a boy and a girl from each District is randomly chosen to represent their district in a fight to bitter end where there can only be one survivor.
It’s a fascinating story and though her novel has been well received by many, including Stephenie Meyer (likely a reason for the attention), Collins’ work is of a much higher calibre. Her writing is challenging, her story layered and nuanced and though targeted at a teen demographic, it’s a dark tale which encourages discussions on the importance of family, friendship and morality.
It’s difficult to read the description and not immediately think of Battle Royale (or to an even lesser extent, The Condemned) and though I’ve always considered that film an action packed gore film wading through shallow waters, Collins’ story is definitely trying to get at the issues floating under the surface; whether those will come out in the recently announced film adaptation is yet to be seen.
According to Coming Soon, Lionsgate has picked up the rights to the novel and has hired Collins to adapt the novel for film. It could be argued that it’s not a good idea to have writers adapt their own work since they’re too close to the source material but I’m hopeful that Collins’ experience writing for television will help her in adapting the story from the page to the screen. At this point, there are no other news on the production though I expect we’ll be seeing a director and cast announcement in the coming weeks.
This could potentially be a fantastic film. Sure, the novel is aimed at a teen audience but Collins doesn’t shy away from the action and violence. There is enough material for a dark, dramatic film infused with action but it’s anyone’s guess what direction Lionsgate will take. I assume the announcement of the director will be a good indication. Here’s hoping for the best.
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Comment by Shannon the Movie Moxie — March 18, 2009
Comment by Marina Antunes — March 18, 2009
The way you referenced Battle Royale made me think you were commenting on the movie version which was far far inferior to Battle Royale the book. Plus BR the book gives you a handy checklist at the front so you can cross of the students who don’t quite make it.
Comment by Joe — April 14, 2009
Comment by Marina Antunes — April 15, 2009
Comment by Shelby — August 3, 2009
Comment by Marina — August 4, 2009
Comment by Shannon the Movie Moxie — August 4, 2009
Comment by Kurt — August 4, 2009
Comment by Randy — September 9, 2009