Comparing The Hunger Games, Directed By Gary Ross: Themes And Set Design

The 2011 dystopian thriller, The Hunger Games, directed by Gary Ross, cleverly displays the effects of totalitarian rule through the colours and set design. This being displayed through the important places of the film, reinforcing the message that it is too dangerous to allow one individual too much power as well as the lack of power against the hierarchy. One important place in the film is the ever-evolving arena where the games take place. Here, the tributes have been ‘wagered’ from their districts to fight to the death. To fabricate the arena, the Capitol’s ‘Game Makers’ have used futuristic technology. But in saying that, they are also very influential in determining the deaths of the tributes whilst making their deathsin the arena
Ross uses colour and set design to show both the confined expanse of the arena as well as the lack of power the tributes have against the hierarchy. These colours are a lush-green and sharp metallic tones which display a sense of beauty in death. The cornucopia, being the centre point and the very first ‘event’ in the arena, consists of an obnoxious silver, this colour being associated with steel and other instruments of pain, torture and death perfectly reflecting the blood bath that takes place at the very start of the games. Furthermore, the set design incorporates the lack of power people in general have against the hierarchy as tributes are like fish although instead of food, are fed a so-called hope for freedom inside a metaphorical fish bowl, this providing them a mindset of kill or be killed. This setting helps the audience understand as well as reinforces the idea that it is dangerous to allow one individual too much power. The games arena may be the central viewing point to the capitol and districts, however behind the scenes, one corrupt individual, being president snow is commanding his inferiors to create an appealing ‘game’ to fulfil his sadistic satisfaction for blood and others