The Hunger Games - Part 1

[Project862006]

edit

 

[zanos]

So you would you argue that Inception had bad marketing? Because that was one film where pretty much no one (certainly not the general audience) was sure what the film was going to be about. But it did pretty well. I think a lot of that was curiosity about it too.

The Inception trailers were confusing because of it's high concept, not because the editors, who put together the trailer, made a conscious effort to obscure important details from the viewer, thus compromising the film's selling points. Big difference. When Leo "narrates" in the trailer, he tells you what Inception is; the rest of the trailer is filled with various scenes in the dreamworld blended in with his dialogue describing a little of what the plot is about. If you omit the dreamworld sequences and Leo's narration the trailer falls apart and fails to deliver it's message to potential audiences.

 

[Infinity9999x]

The Inception trailers were confusing because of it's high concept, not because the editors, who put together the trailer, made a conscious effort to obscure important details from the viewer, thus compromising the film's selling points. Big difference. When Leo "narrates" in the trailer, he tells you what Inception is; the rest of the trailer is filled with various scenes in the dreamworld blended in with his dialogue describing a little of what the plot is about. If you omit the dreamworld sequences and Leo's narration the trailer falls apart and fails to deliver it's message to potential audiences.

Weather people were confused because of the concept or because of the editing it resulted in the same situation. They weren't sure what the movie was about. Even with the later trailers and Leo's narration, people were still not sure about what the movie was about going in.

But it didn't really hurt the films opening. In fact, in some ways I think the mystery surrounding the plot helped it.

And it certainly doesn't seem to be hurting The Hunger Games either.

 

[Project862006]

Hunger Games Ending credits Song

Arcade Fire - Abraham's Daughter

 

[Project862006]

Initial tracking for The Hunger Games -- the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel -- is so strong that box-office observers, along with exhibitors, believe the Lionsgate movie could approach $100 million in its domestic debut.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hunger-games-box-office-tracking-massive-100-million-296324

 

[zanos]

Weather people were confused because of the concept or because of the editing it resulted in the same situation. They weren't sure what the movie was about. Even with the later trailers and Leo's narration, people were still not sure about what the movie was about going in.

But it didn't really hurt the films opening. In fact, in some ways I think the mystery surrounding the plot helped it.

And it certainly doesn't seem to be hurting The Hunger Games either.

You're not recognizing the difference. One audience is confused because the trailers are being intentionally vague on story, another is simply confused because they don't quite grasp the concept of the film. The former is likely to induce emotions of irritation, annoyance and general apathy. The latter is the one more likely to be curious about the film enough to be interested in watching it. Let's not also forget that Inception had star power, a snazzy trailer, and plenty of mind bending special effects in their trailer. Inception was mysterious, Hunger Games is not. It's a fortunate thing they have so many book fans supporting the film.

 

[kickass]

You're not recognizing the difference. One audience is confused because the trailers are being intentionally vague on story and lack of actions scenes, another is simply confused because they don't quite grasp the concept of the film. The former is likely to produce emotions of irritation, annoyance and general apathy. The latter is the one more likely to be curious about the film enough to be interested in watching it. Let's not also forget that Inception also had star power, a snazzy trailer, and plenty of mind bending special effects in their trailer. Inception was mysterious, Hunger Games is not. It's a fortunate thing they have so many book fans supporting the film.

Let it go. Everyone knows what THG is about at this point. Books, trailers, merchandise, etc all have had a lending hand in shaping the identity of this property. No one needs to see the action in the movie until the movie comes out because we're told what's going to happen in the trailers.

Your argument against Inception doesn't help your opinion. On one hand you say Inception's plot was a mystery so ppl wanted to see it. But THG plot is well presented in its advertising but because they're keeping the action a mystery non-book fans aren't interested? That doesn't make any sense.

And like we've all said before, many non-book fans are starting to become fans NOW. Right before the film comes out. These are people who are going online to buy tickets right NOW. The film has given the books publicity for those who've never read them. Everyone's itching to see the Games. And that's the draw. That's the point. It's intentional. And, for the hundredth time, it's working.

People weren't born HG fans. Some became fans by reading the books. Some read the books by recommendation. Some saw the trailers and it sparked their interest. Some saw the trailers and started reading the books. Some love Jennifer Lawrence and have never read the books decided to now when they found out she was cast for the film. Same goes for Josh Hutcherson. It's like youre blaming the books for putting asses in seats and nothing else has anything to do with it.

Not everyone who sees Mission Impossible is the biggest Tom Cruise fan. Some people saw MI4 because they used to like him. Some want to watch a badass action flick. There is not just one single thing that entices people to get interested in a movie. There are many factors, because there are many people with many opinions. It's not just book lovers who are hyped for this film. Everyone knows this. We've experienced examples of this first hand in real life. What more is there to debate? Let it go.

 

[Angel_Faerie]

I think the trailers have made it fairly clear what's going on. I haven't read the books yet (though I intend to at some point) and I wasn't confused at all. Of course I already knew the premise prior to seeing the trailers, but friends I've gone to the movies with that the trailer has played before haven't expressed any confusion about it, and half of them didn't even know that the books existed. The other half knew they existed but nothing else.

 

[kickass]

EW has a great piece on THG this month and the producer of the film talks about the PG-13 rating plus 4 things from the book that didn't make the cut. Interesting read, have a look!

Spoiler

On the PG-13 rating – Nina Jacobson said, “When I first read the book, of course I asked myself ‘How can you do it?’” Gary Ross said, “You don’t need to be gratuitous in order to be honest and capture the intensity of the book … Is it violent? Yes. Do we back off from what it is? No, we don’t. But I’m not interested in violence for violence’s sake. This is a character’s story; it’s about Katniss’ journey.”

Josh and Jennifer’s*relationship*- The two actors lean on each other for support as they gear up for the movie’s release. Josh said “I’m constantly texting her, like ‘Oh boy, here we go.’ It’s kind of like we’re getting ready for our own Hunger Games.”

Jennifer and Woody’s first meeting – “I walked to his bus to introduce myself, muttering the whole way, ‘Hi, I’m Jen. Hi, I’m Jennifer. Should I go Jen or Jennifer? Should I say I’m Katniss? No, he probably already knows that.’ So I walk onto bus and the first words out of my mouth are ‘Hey Woo – is that a sex swing!?’ It was in fact a yoga swing hanging from the ceiling.”

Jennifer and Gary’s relationship – “When you’re working all day long every day for four months with an actress who’s in every frame of the movie, you’ve gone through a journey together that is almost different from the rest of the experience. I don’t know how to explain it, but next to my own kids … It’s a very very special relationship”

Nina Jacobson on splitting Mockingjay*into 2 films – “It’s too soon to say. I’m deeply committed to Suzanne, and she entrusted me with her books, and I’m never going to do anything to break that trust.”

Soundtrack tidbits – Taylor Swift said T-Bone Burnet wanted to make what future Americana and bluegrass music would sound like. They used vintage microphones, they were about 50 years old, for a ‘warm throwback feel’.

Sticking to the book*- Everyone involved with film stayed dedicated to the source material. Jacobson said “A really cheesy version of the movie would have aged up the characters or glamorized the violence. Or it would overplay the love triangle, when this book is about so much more than ‘Gee, which boy do I like?’”

4 things we won’t see in film – Here are a few things from the book that the article reveals didn’t make it into the movie:

Madge – Jacobson said, “You have so little time to establish these characters. So if Madge has to get thrown under the bus so you can make sure that an audience who hasn’t read the books understands the devotion between Katniss and Prim, then that’s what you do.”

More than glimpse of the Avoxes … – Gary Ross said “We have Avoxes, but we don’t digress in the film. I think it’s a wonderful way to populate the world, but there are just certain [cutbacks] that have to happen.”

… or the Prep Team – Katniss’ stylists will be introduced, but we will have to wait to get to really know them. Cinna is the focus in this film.

Capitol Gadgetry – Cool things, like pushing a button and food will appear, will not be in the movie. Jacobson said “We didn’t want the Capitol to appear too fanciful, It has to appear ominous and threatening. The Capitol has to be a mind-blowing experience, but it can’t be Whoville.”

Also, the writer from EW saw an early cut of the Cornucopia scene and said, “If the footage Ross just shared represents the tone of the entire film, rest assured that the movie will be every bit as raw and harrowing as the reading experience.”

 

[danoyse]

You're not recognizing the difference. One audience is confused because the trailers are being intentionally vague on story, another is simply confused because they don't quite grasp the concept of the film. The former is likely to induce emotions of irritation, annoyance and general apathy. The latter is the one more likely to be curious about the film enough to be interested in watching it. Let's not also forget that Inception had star power, a snazzy trailer, and plenty of mind bending special effects in their trailer. Inception was mysterious, Hunger Games is not. It's a fortunate thing they have so many book fans supporting the film.

Zanos, enough. You've made your point and you're just beating it into the ground now.

 

[xwolverine2]

not sure how this movie has such a huge following... the trailers look extremely bland.

but after twilight, davinci code, and eat pray love... anythings possible..

looks like a B movie rental to me.. like the above adaptations.

 

[craigdbfan]

Some really awesome fan art:

Daekazu

 

[Infinity9999x]

You're not recognizing the difference. One audience is confused because the trailers are being intentionally vague on story, another is simply confused because they don't quite grasp the concept of the film. The former is likely to induce emotions of irritation, annoyance and general apathy. The latter is the one more likely to be curious about the film enough to be interested in watching it. Let's not also forget that Inception had star power, a snazzy trailer, and plenty of mind bending special effects in their trailer. Inception was mysterious, Hunger Games is not. It's a fortunate thing they have so many book fans supporting the film.

I don't think you can make that call. I think that's how you feel the marketing has been, but I think that's just you. You seem to be in the large minority. Actually, just a few days ago I was talking to a girl who had no idea what the plot of the Hunger Games was and told me that trailer had her really interested in reading the books.

And honestly, I don't think there's much of difference. I don't think the general audience knew what the concept of Inception was other then it dealt with dreams. Hunger games is doing the same thing, it's keeping it generally vauge and it's obiviously got people curious.

Example, ALIEN. One of my favorite trailers ever. All you get from that trailer is that it's a horror movie in space. That's it. You don't even really know the concept, you just know the genre and the setting. But it did exactly what it needed to. It got people interested.

And the fact that the pre-sales have been huge also seem to indicate that the general public disagrees. I mean, you can go on about it as much as you want, but with this insane amount of pre-sales, I don't think the studious are going to agree with you. And why would they if they make a crap ton of money?

 

[Infinity9999x]

Oops, sorry Danoyse, I just saw your post. It's not really fair of me to keep replying when you've said the conversation is done with is it?

 

[carrrnuttt]

I'd just like to point out that zanos is absolutely wrong in his arguments.

Before the trailers, I've heard of The Hunger Games here and there, but never really knew the story behind it. BECAUSE the trailers seemed compelling, yet vague, I looked up the synopsis of THG. After that, I just HAD to buy the books. I finished all three volumes in one weekend, and am now excited for the movie. All of this happened just after the first trailers started popping up.

 

[DJ Kornphlake]

 

[rayc1971]

the trailer is kinda bland but it is tracking well john carter trailer better but the movie only tracking at 30 mill opening and has a 200mill budget go figure!

 

[ComicChick]

I heard its the most divisive out of the books but just not sure to what extent. Same situation for the last Twilight book but that hasn't effected anything.

revealing why most people hate parts of mockingjay would really spoil a lot for those who haven't read them all

 

[Drizzle]

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hunger-games-box-office-tracking-massive-100-million-296324

Would that set a record for Lionsgate? This could be an even bigger franchise than Saw for them.

 

[I SEE SPIDEY]

the trailer is kinda bland but it is tracking well john carter trailer better but the movie only tracking at 30 mill opening and has a 200mill budget go figure!

I don't love The Hunger Games trailer but it is certainly a great deal better than the bland John Carter trailers. John Carter's trailers aren't interesting and explain nothing about the movie's storyline which is why it will most likely tank.

 

[Hush]

Which is a shame because it looks amazing.

 

[I SEE SPIDEY]

Which is a shame because it looks amazing.

I think it looks mediocre.

 

[Blue Sugar]

Really looking forward to the trackerjacker scene in this movie. And all the cave stuff too of course.

 

[ComicChick]

Really looking forward to the trackerjacker scene in this movie. And all the cave stuff too of course.

i'm looking forward to, but also dreading the Rue scene

the cornucopia could be very interesting

 

[Raiden]

Which is a shame because it looks amazing.

I saw John Carter's trailer and it looks underwhelming. There's alot of spectacles in the trailer, but for some reason it lacks excitement. Perhaps they need another trailer to sell the movie to me, but both JC and Mirror Mirror just have mediocre trailers. Perhaps it is a reflection of their movies.