The claustrophobic opening scene of THE MOCKINGJAY PART 1 is an indicator of the close-up story created by director Francis Lawrence in this third in the Hunger Games series. There is no preamble and no indication of what has gone before. This is no issue for the film as most viewers will be familiar with either the books by Suzanne Collins or the previous films. This franchise is a niche market. There is plenty for adults but the work is most accessible for teenagers and the 20 somethings who embraced the science fiction novels.
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has been rescued from the violent Quarter Quell Games after she defied President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and shot an arrow which destroyed the force field around the games. Her fellow Tribute, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) was left behind and his loss is the basis of the nightmares that are plaguing Katniss as she struggles to heal in the underground buildings below the ruined District 13. Her rescue from the Games was orchestrated by the District’s President, Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) and the former Game Designer for the Capital, Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman).
In rebelling against the status quo, Katniss has made herself a figurehead, however accidentally and reluctantly, for the rebellions happening in almost every district of Panem. Plutarch Heavensbee promised a girl on fire to fan the spark of rebellion but Katniss will not willingly don the costume and persona they have created for her. She is absent and it takes careful manipulation of her emotions and loyalties to create the icon she appears to accept as her destiny. Her journey is the heart of the story.
Visually, this film is unrelentingly grim. Using film stock which blends a small band grey and white with a washed out sepia, the florescent lit industrial world in which most of the film is set is evocative and appropriate. The battle hospital and broken District 12 are also successfully murky and formless without being dark. In addition, the costumes are battle inspired uniform green and grey jumpsuits which owe a lot to the Brave New World. While there are a few scenes in the regenerating forest of District 13, the monochromatic visual impression stays with the viewer.
The other image imprinted on the viewer is the face of Lawrence as Katniss. This is a film of long shots and close-ups. With such a stellar cast and box office success behind it, mid shots are few. Particularly effective are the almost still shots of Peeta as his decay into torturous, skeletal mania is observed by Katniss. Lawrence shows every emotion on her face and the viewer can see the decisions being made. Her close-ups propel the story. There is a vague impression that she might be getting a bit old to play Katniss but loyal fans don’t see that.
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch is outwardly gentle and soft spoken but he is the master manipulator and doesn’t shy from the tough side. This was one of his last films and the work is dedicated to him in the end credits.
Julianne Moore has little to do but does make an impression when she speaks about making speeches. Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket is a surprise character in the film as she does not appear in this particular novel. A suggestion from Suzanne Collins apparently. Stripped of her glamour, she still adds style in the form of creative headscarves.
Dull as the colours may be, the action sequences come straight towards the audience. Katniss has new arrows and her skill and courage are undiminished. The film is paced well to balance the introspection of the main character with her fighting spirit and impetuosity. In THE MOCKINGJAY Part 2, the story will widen but hopefully the viewer will still be pulled into the mind of the heroine.