Katniss Everdeen is a participant in the Hunger Games.
In preparation for the televised competition, she is taken into custody by publicity professionals. Her body hair is waxed off. Her hair is styled. Her face is redesigned with make-up. Her body is dressed in a red, form-fitting dress that emits flames when she spins in a circle. She is paraded in front of spectators.
(photo compliments of mockingjay.net)
Jennifer Lawrence is an actress in The Hunger Games.
In preparation for the movie release, she is taken into custody by publicity professionals. Her body hair is waxed or airbrushed off. Her hair is styled. Her face is redesigned with make-up. Her body is dressed in a gold, low-cut shirt that emits sparkle when she presses her arms together to create visible cleavage. She is placed in front of check-out line guests.
A major theme in The Hunger Games movie is this idea of exploitation and objectification for ratings and viewership.
(photo compliments of hungergamesdwtc.net)
One of the strategies for winning The Hunger Games is to gain sponsorship by “being likeable.” This translates into prancing around in nice clothes and looking good in the pre-Games activities, while establishing a touching and personal connection to “lover” Peeta Mellark in front of the cameras.
One of the strategies for top postings at the Box Office is to gain fanship by “being accessible.” This translates into prancing around in skimpy clothes and looking good in the pre-release publicity, while establishing a down-to-earth rapport with readers and viewers through interviews.
The 24 child participants are objectified for the purposes of governmental control in a 1984-like world. Katniss and Peeta are just two of 24 contestants whose personalities are warped, exploited, and publicized for entertainment.
(photo compliments of hungergamesdwtc.net)
Tell me how that’s different from Jennifer Lawrence posing for Glamour (and every other publication for a month before the movie release) in scarce clothing, layers of make-up, airbrushing, and a pouty face. Scantily-clad, Jennifer is pictured adjacent to a one-dimensional series of interview questions.
I liked the movie. I liked Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in the movie. But some of the themes don’t fall under the fictional label like most of us would prefer. Sad.
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