The Hunger Games (film)
The Hunger Games | |
---|---|
![]() Promotional poster | |
Directed by | Gary Ross |
Screenplay by | Suzanne Collins |
Produced by | Jon Kilik Nina Jacobson Suzanne Collins |
Starring | Jennifer Lawrence Josh Hutcherson Liam Hemsworth Woody Harrelson Elizabeth Banks Lenny Kravitz Stanley Tucci Donald Sutherland Willow Shields |
Cinematography | Tom Stern |
Music by | James Newton Howard T-Bone Burnett |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Lionsgate |
Release date |
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Country | Template:Film US |
Language | English |
Budget | $100 million[1] |
The Hunger Games is an upcoming science fiction action drama film directed by Gary Ross and is based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins. It stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, and Woody Harrelson.[2] It is scheduled to be released on March 23, 2012.[3]
Plot
In the ruins of what was once North America, the nation Panem randomly chooses one boy and girl, ages 12-18, from the 12 districts to risk their lives in the Hunger Games, a ruthless competition in which each contestant, or tribute, attempts to kill the others until only one remains. The winner receives honor, gifts, and enough food and supplies to never worry for anything material again. The Games, while entertainment for the Capitol's citizens, are a yearly reminder to the 12 districts of their unsuccessful rebellion 74 years ago. As a sign of the Capitol's strength and power, each of the districts must sacrifice two tributes each year.
In District 12, sixteen year-old Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has taken responsibility of taking care of her mother and sister Primrose "Prim" (Willow Shields) since her father died in a mine accident when she was 11. Since the age of 12, Katniss has put her name in the lottery, or reaping, more than once. In return, she receives extra grain and oil for her family. In addition, Katniss has been illegally hunting for food outside the gates of District 12 with her friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth), whose father died in the same mining accident as Katniss' and similarly cares for his family.
Prim, now age 12, has her name placed in the reaping for the first time—only once—and is, unluckily, chosen to compete in the Games. Katniss volunteers in replacement of her sister, taking it upon herself to risk her life and fight against other tributes, including highly trained "Career Tributes" who have prepared for the Games their entire lives, as well as Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), the boy tribute from District 12, who has secretly loved Katniss since childhood. With the help of their mentor, a drunk who is the only living of two former victors of District 12, Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), they must practice before the Games in order to make it out alive.
Cast
- Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen[4]
- Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark[5]
- Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy[6]
- Willow Shields as Primrose Everdeen[7]
- Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne[5]
- Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket[8]
- Lenny Kravitz as Cinna[9]
- Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen[10]
- Amandla Stenberg as Rue[11]
- Alexander Ludwig as Cato[12]
- Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh[11]
- Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove[12]
- Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface[13]
- Leven Rambin as Glimmer[14]
- Jack Quaid as Marvel[14]
- Donald Sutherland as President Snow[15]
- Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman[16]
- Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane[17]
- Latarsha Rose as Portia[18]
Casting
Lionsgate confirmed in March 2011 that about 30 actresses either met or read for the role of Katniss, including Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, Emma Roberts, Saoirse Ronan, Chloë Moretz, Lyndsy Fonseca, Emily Browning, Shailene Woodley, and Kaya Scodelario.[19] According to The Hollywood Reporter, contenders for the role of Peeta other than Hutcherson included Alexander Ludwig (who was later cast as Cato), Hunter Parrish, Lucas Till, and Evan Peters.[20] Other actors considered for the role of Gale included David Henrie, Drew Roy, and Robbie Amell.[21] In April 2011, John C. Reilly was in talks with Lionsgate to portray Haymitch Abernathy, former victor of a Hunger Games held years before and mentor to Katniss and Peeta.[22] The following month it was announced that the role went to Woody Harrelson.[6]
Production
Lionsgate Entertainment acquired worldwide distribution rights in March 2009 with Nina Jacobson's production company Color Force.[23][24] Collins adapted the novel for film herself,[24] and her script was revised by screenwriter Billy Ray.[25] Collins anticipates the film to have a PG-13 rating.[26] Alli Shearmur, Lionsgate President of Motion Picture Production, and Jim Miller, Lionsgate Senior Vice President of Motion Picture Production, are in charge of overseeing the production of the movie. Shearmur said:
"The Hunger Games is an incredible property and it is a thrill to bring it home to Lionsgate. This is exactly the kind of movie I came to Lionsgate to make: youthful, exciting, smart and edgy. We are looking forward to working with Nina and Suzanne to create a movie that satisfies audiences' hunger for high-quality entertainment."[27]
Gary Ross became the director in November 2010.[28][29] With an initial budget of $75 million,[30] principal photography began in Burke County, North Carolina in Western North Carolina in May 2011[31] and concluded on September 15, 2011 with a final budget of just under $100 million.[32][33]
Lawrence dyed her blond hair brown for the part of Katniss.[34] She also underwent extensive training to get in shape for the role, including archery, rock and tree climbing, combat, running, vaulting, and yoga.[35]
Music
Soundtrack
The first single from the film's soundtrack, "Safe & Sound" by Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars, was released on December 23, 2011[36] to mixed reception from critics and fans. The songs lyrical content was strongly praised, but Swift's vocals were criticized.[citation needed] It reached number one on the iTunes overall charts in 12 hours.[citation needed]
The Decemberists had written the song "One Engine" for the soundtrack
Arcade Fire members Win Butler and Regine Chassagne wrote a song with Burnett called "Horn of Plenty.
The film's star Jennifer Lawrence will also contribute to the soundtrack by singing "Rue's Lullaby".
It is rumored that the Academy Award winner Glen Hansard will write and perform a song for the film.
Score
It was originally announced that Academy Award nominee Danny Elfman and Academy Award winner T-Bone Burnett would score The Hunger Games, with Burnett also acting as the film's executive music producer to produce songs for the soundtrack.[37] However, due to scheduling conflicts, Elfman was later replaced by Academy Award nominee James Newton Howard.[38]
Sequel
On August 8, 2011, while still shooting the film, Lionsgate announced that a film adaptation of the second novel in The Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire, is scheduled to be released on November 22, 2013.[39] In November 2011, Lionsgate entered negotiations with Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours screenwriter Simon Beaufoy to adapt the novel for screen, since the post-production schedule for The Hunger Games is too crowded for Ross and Collins to adapt the next film as originally planned. Ross is still expected to return as director for the sequel.[40]
References
- ^ Ben Fritz (September 13, 2011). "'Hunger Games' seeking a broader audience as shooting wraps". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
- ^ Fleming, Mike (May 24, 2011). "Toby Jones In 'The Hunger Games'". Deadline.com. Mail.com Media. Retrieved May 24, 2011.
- ^ Valby, Karen (January 25, 2011). "'The Hunger Games' gets release date". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
- ^ Joshua L. Weinstein (March 16, 2011). "Exclusive: Jennifer Lawrence Gets Lead Role in 'The Hunger Games'". The Wrap. Retrieved March 17, 2011.
- ^ a b Sperling, Nicole (April 4, 2011). "'The Hunger Games': Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth complete the love triangle". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
- ^ a b Philiana Ng, Borys Kit (May 10, 2011). "Woody Harrelson Cast as Haymitch in 'Hunger Games'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
- ^ Valby, Karen (April 20, 2011). "Newcomer Willow Shields lands pivotal role of Prim in 'The Hunger Games'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
- ^ Donnelly, Matt (April 28, 2011). "Elizabeth Banks lands 'Hunger Games' role: Effie Trinket". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ Valby, Karen (May 24, 2011). "Lenny Kravitz will play Cinna in 'Hunger Games'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 24, 2011.
- ^ Franich, Darren (April 22, 2011). "'The Hunger Games': Paula Malcomson cast as Katniss Everdeen's mother". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
- ^ a b Ward, Kate (April 18, 2011). "'Hunger Games' casts Thresh and Rue -- Exclusive". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 18, 2011.
- ^ a b Schaefer, Sandy (May 11, 2011). "'The Hunger Games' Casts Its Cato & Clove". Screen Rant. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
- ^ Ng, Philiana (April 29, 2011). "'Hunger Games' Casts Its Foxface". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
- ^ a b Fleming, Mike (April 19, 2011). "'Hunger Games' Sets Leven Rambin For Glimmer Role". Deadline.com. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
- ^ Franich, Darren (May 31, 2011). "'Hunger Games': Donald Sutherland cast as President Snow". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 13, 2011.
{{cite news}}
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(help) - ^ Saad, Nardine (May 9, 2011). "Stanley Tucci cast in The Hunger Games". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
- ^ Ng, Philiana (May 5, 2011). "Wes Bently Lands Role of Seneca Crane in 'Hunger Games'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
- ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (May 19, 2011). "'The Hunger Games' Casts Portia, Octavia". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
- ^ Staskiewicz, Keith (March 3, 2011). "'Hunger Games': Jennifer Lawrence, Saoirse Ronan, Chloe Moretz, Emma Roberts, and more up for Katniss -- EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
- ^ Kit, Borys (March 25, 2011). "Lionsgate Testing Actors to Star in 'Hunger Games' Opposite Jennifer Lawrence (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ Kit, Borys (March 25, 2011). "Lionsgate Testing Actors to Star in 'Hunger Games' Opposite Jennifer Lawrence (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ Brodesser-Akner, Claude (April 22, 2011). "John C. Reilly Being Offered Role of Haymitch in The Hunger Games". New York. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
- ^ John A. Sellers (March 12, 2009). "Hungry? The Latest on 'The Hunger Games'". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
- ^ a b "Lionsgate picks up 'Hunger Games'". The Hollywood Reporter. March 17, 2009. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
{{cite news}}
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ignored (help) - ^ Springen, Karen (August 5, 2010). "Marketing 'Mockingjay'". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
- ^ Hopkinson, Deborah. "Suzanne Collins Interview-Catching Fire". BookPage. Retrieved April 6, 2010.
- ^ "Lionsgate Feasts on The Hunger Games". ComingSoon.net. CraveOnline Media. March 18, 2009. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
- ^ "The Changing Objective of the American Film Market". Baseline Intel. November 18, 2010. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
- ^ Valby, Karen (January 6, 2011). "'Hunger Games' exclusive: Why Gary Ross got the coveted job, and who suggested Megan Fox for the lead role". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
- ^ Kung, Michelle (April 25, 2011). "Movie Studios Smell Out Teen Spirits". The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
- ^ Lussier, Germain (May 27, 2011). "More 'Hunger Games' Casting: Lavinia the Avox, Venia and Flavius Played By Relative Unknowns". /Film. Retrieved May 27, 2011.
- ^ Ben Fritz (September 13, 2011). "'Hunger Games' seeking a broader audience as shooting wraps". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
- ^ "The Hunger Games Wraps Principal Photography". ComingSoon.net. CraveOnline. September 15, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2011.
- ^ Ayres, Tom (May 23, 2011). "Jennifer Lawrence 'unaware of Hunger Games hate'". Digital Spy. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
- ^ Still, Jennifer (May 26, 2011). "Jennifer Lawrence: 'Hunger Games training fun'". Digital Spy. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
- ^ Marc Hogan (2011-12-23). "Listen to Taylor Swift's 'Hunger Games' Ballad". Spin. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ Angie Han (2011-06-29). "Danny Elfman and T-Bone Burnett to Collaborate on Hunger Games Score". SlashFilm. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
- ^ Germain Lussier (2011-12-06). "Danny Elfman Out, James Newton Howard In For 'The Hunger Games'". SlashFilm. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
- ^ Weinstein, Joshua L (August 8, 2011). "The Hunger Games Sequel Set for 2013 Release". The Wrap. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
- ^ Schmitz, Greg Dan (November 18, 2011). "Weekly Ketchup: Doctor Who returns to the big screen". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved November 19, 2011.