Cinematography

Cinematography

Above is the opening sequence of the sci-fi adventure film, The Hunger Games. Following the opening credits/titles, is a scene where an interview style of conversation appears to be employed and this is made apparent particular by the camera framing in the scene. With not only shot reverse shots being used to convey the idea that two people are conversing with each other, but also over the shoulder shots particularly from the standpoint of the blue-haired character, the impression created is that an interview is being conducted here since these are shots we'd usually associate them with. This is further aided by the fact that medium close-up shots are used also capturing their formal attire, faces, as well as part of the setting, again similarly to interviews in the news, as oppose to something like a long shot where the full body is captured perhaps as a way of also establishing atmosphere to a film. By capturing the clothes of the subject though, at least in this scenario, it's evident that these characters appear to be quite upper-class and wealthy with their suits and with this being the first scene in the movie, what this helps to do is already develop the idea of the theme of disparity between individuals (in terms of wealth) which comes as part of the totalitarianism in the dystopia of the world of the film.

This is further evidenced however, with the fact that the next scene is a long shot of a setting that appears to be quite a far cry from what we saw in the interview. With it being shot from what looks like quite a low angle, with the trees almost 'reaching' the downcast sky, the notion is created that 'DISTRICT 12' is a dull and relatively run-down area in contrast to the vibrant and gaudy tones of the first scene. After this scene though, this next one shows two characters hugging each other with them appearing to be sisters. Just the very opening of this scene with the younger sister's hands around the older one after having a nightmare brings about more of a sense of relatability to the film, at least to a greater extent to the very first scene, which may also help the audience in becoming more sutured into the situation of both of the characters. This is helped by the use of close-up shots in the scene since this helps bring us as an audience, closer to the ongoing circumstances of it all and so immerse us as observers/onlookers of the whole thing as it unfolds. Lastly a tracking shot is implemented as the older sister leaves her younger one as she puts her jacket on to leave the house, perhaps as a way of effectively establishing the context of the next scene for the audience before it actually takes place.