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EDITOR'S PICK
'The
Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1' - mockingly tedious (IANS Movie Review)
Rating:
*1/2
Based on Suzanne Collins's third young adult novel on the futuristic dystopian
society of Panem in the 'Hunger Games' series, this film, 'Mockingjay - Part 1'
is a sequel to the 2013 released 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'.
But unlike its previous editions, 'Mockingjay - Part 1' lacks the zing of an
adventure film. During its entire run time, it just concentrates on creating a
setting for the next part.
Unfortunately, this science fiction adventure film will be understood only by
those who've read the book or have seen the previous editions of the series.
As the saga continues, the film begins with Katniss Everdeen, the winner of the
previous 'Hunger Games', being in an unsettling transitional period of her life.
Her moods swing as she battles to recover from the shock her body, mind, and
spirit have undergone in the past few months.
The games are over and there is a revolution in the offing. The man who devised
the sadistic competition, Plutarch Heavensbee reveals a new facet to his
character. His role as the Games' evil planner was just a cover-up for his
activities as a rebel agent. Now, as a rebel strategist, he is pressing Katniss
to become the poster-face of the rebellion against the Capitol, governed by
President Snow.
Katniss, who now lives in the underground District 13 with her sister, mother
and a few trusted friends, has her own issues. She is angry that her partner
during the Games, Peeta, who was thought to be dead, is now in the Capitol,
giving propaganda talks. This, according to her, seems to be manipulated. She
misses him and feels for him.
At the same time, she is still close to Gale Hawthorne, but her experiences have
taken her far away from their romantic moments as adolescents.
The film is about the state of affairs in Panem and Katniss' personal journey in
this political tale. But with the book being split into two film adaptations,
this edition lacks the three act structure.
Jennifer Lawrence, who has delivered remarkable performances in her earlier
films, finds it difficult to balance a fiery attitude along with frowning her
brows in sadness. Her performance in this film, as the heroine Katniss, lacks
energy, depth and luster; to galvanize a rebellion.
Hutcherson as Peeta, like in the previous editions, is wasted. Elizabeth Banks
as Effie Trinket sticks out as an odd rebel with an amusing hairstyle and
headgears. But unfortunately, her character does not take her anywhere in the
narration. The rest of the cast does not offer anything exceptional.
Visually, director Francis Lawerence fails to elevate the film. The high-drill
action sequences look staid and oft seen. Also, the carnage and destructions in
all the districts look uniformly alike. In addition, since a major part of the
film is shot in the dystopian society, the frames in monochromatic shades of
grey give a monotonous feel to the film.
But what stands apart is cinematographer Jo Willems's trailing camera work which
captures a few lengthy shots in the bunker rooms of District 13 and the vertical
staircase there.
Overall, the film is well-made and drab. It is not in the least entertaining or
satisfying. Yet it lures you to look forward to the concluding edition -- 'Mockingjay
Part 2' which is scheduled to release in 2015.