I've been reading this relatively new trilogy, The Hunger Games, this week. I'm over halfway through the second book, which I started last night, and I find myself comparing it with (of all things) Twilight.
Now, let me explain: IN NO WAY does this mean The Hunger Games is bad. In no way. The Hunger Games is excellent, very well-written, and incredibly well-paced. However, there are a few similarities in plot that I want to comment upon, in The Hunger Games' favor. I have to write them down, so I can stop reading the book and thinking, "This woman should teach Stephenie Meyer how to write." (Honestly, Twilight would be what it should be if it had been in the hands of Suzanne Collins.)
It should be reiterated that I have not finished the trilogy, so spoilers for the very ending are nowhere to be found, HOWEVER, if you plan on reading the books, please stop reading my post right now. The romance is not the sole concern of these books, but it's also not a sub-plot; it is quite important to the story. If you really want to know my thoughts, please read at least the first two books before coming back to read them. My blog post will still be here, but if you keep reading, you'll have premeditated opinions on the book. I don't want that for you. I want you to read these books, and read them with a blank slate. I don't even want you to know the plot (you don't need to, you get into the plot within a few pages).
So click the back button, or type in a new URL (preferably to Amazon.com or some other book retailer so you can purchase these fantastic, fantastic books). Your fate concerning these books is off of my conscience now.
1. Katniss and Bella are both flawed heroines. The difference is, while Bella is SO flawed that you eventually find yourself wondering how the hell you're supposed to like this girl, Katniss valiantly wins the reader's affections despite her flaws. Her stubbornness, her somewhat tunnel-visioned view of the world, rather than deter the reader from enjoying her, opens her up. She's clearly a teenager, and we see that, despite the fact that she's taken roles in her life that bump up her maturity level. And one great thing about Katniss is that while she blames herself for a lot of the problems, she's doing it rightly. It is all her fault, but instead of wallowing in self-pity, she takes action. She decides to try, even if it might be in vain, to make things better for everyone, and her sense of duty to her loved ones emerges as her eyes are opened to the world around her.
2. The love triangle is a very clear similarity between Twilight and The Hunger Games. Our heroine finds herself torn between two equally attractive men and she struggles with this conflict. In Twilight, Bella is in love with Edward immediately after she spends a few hours' time with him. Jacob comes along, flirts a bit, then tries to take Edward's place after he disappears. Boo-hoo, poor Bella wallows in her struggle between these two wonderboys.
Katniss spends most of her teenage years with her best friend, Gale. She's very clear in the beginning that they're not together romantically, but when she's thrown into the Hunger Games with Peeta, she finally begins to wonder what things would be like if she was in love with Gale. On the other hand, Peeta is very clear about his feelings for Katniss during the Games. Katniss realizes that playing up the romance is the way to get out alive, and while she does this, she finds herself not altogether opposed to Peeta, but not exactly in love with him, either. Katniss's conflict does not come from her choice between these two men, but from the ability to make a choice. A controlling government watches Peeta and Katniss together, and forces them to stay together. Katniss' inability to choose between Peeta and Gale comes from not being able to step back from the situation. She's forced to be a part of it for the sake of her family, Gale, Gale's family, and Peeta. Lives are at stake, not just Katniss' happiness.
3. Both Twilight and The Hunger Games are written in the first-person from our heroine's point of view. In both books the reader is launched straight into the story. The obvious difference? Suzanne Collins can actually write. What amazes me is that even though the romance (while a crucial part of The Hunger Games) is not the focus of the story, she is able to write the romantic feelings. Bella feels Edward's icy, stoney lips and OMG hez lyk toats hawtt n shes in luuuuv. When Katniss is kissed by Gale, there's a thrill, and we feel that thrill for Katniss. And whenever Katniss and Peeta kiss (for themselves, not just for show), there's a real sweetness to it. It's romantic, satisfying, and in both cases, even heartbreaking.
I could go on even longer about how superior The Hunger Games is (I mean, it's not even a question), but I won't. These are the main points I wanted to address. I've done so, and now I have to get back to my book.
**If you didn't listen to me, and you read this whole post without reading the books, I hope I have compelled you to read them. Please, please do. I have talked mostly about the characters and relationships, but the plot (which I have remained vague about on purpose) is really what drives the story, and it's actually pretty important and relevant to today.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A Movie Rant.
A quick preface: I am 95% accurate about my movie-enjoying experiences from the first trailer to the end credits. Whenever I see a trailer and I think it looks great, I almost always enjoy the movie. There have only been a small handful of exceptions to this tendency of mine because I normally have no problems emotionally committing to a film.
So when The Social Network came out this past October, I thought that the trailer looked okay, but I wasn't that excited to see it. And then I got onto Facebook, and everyone started to just RAVE about it. I thought, "All right, then it must be a good movie, but I'm still not that motivated to see it, so I'll wait until the DVD comes out."
And then... all of this insane Oscar buzz started surrounding it. And I usually enjoy a good Oscar contender, so I thought that perhaps the trailer misled me. So this Tuesday, when it came out on DVD, I stopped by Family Video and I rented it so I could see what all of the hullabaloo was about.
The direction was clean and precise, the screenplay was well-written, the film was well-acted, but... I didn't enjoy myself. I felt like I was watching the product of a machine, and not a human director and human screenwriter. The movie has no heart. I'm not saying "Oh, it's not heart-warming," because I fully recognize that it's not supposed to be heartwarming. But it should be in possession of heart. I should hate the characterization of Mark Zuckerberg in this film. But I didn't. In fact, I didn't feel any sympathy for any of the characters.
And more importantly, I felt absolutely ZERO satisfaction at the end of the movie. Not the Oscar kind of satisfaction, not even The Invention of Lying kind of satisfaction (you know, the kind where you think "I wouldn't give this movie any awards, but I enjoyed myself watching it"). The movie ended, and all I could think was, "The movie is over... That was it?"
I felt like I'd been had. And I honestly don't get the hype. Normally if something like this happens, I'll at least see that while I didn't enjoy it that much, the film has merit. But I don't, and I am very upset that I don't see it. Especially compared to the other contenders this year: Black Swan, The Fighter, The King's Speech, Toy Story 3 (yes, Toy Story 3)... All of them were just so. Much. Better.
I wouldn't be upset if I could understand it, but I don't. And now I'm done ranting... Unless it wins Best Picture at the Oscars. You might see another (shorter) rant then.
So when The Social Network came out this past October, I thought that the trailer looked okay, but I wasn't that excited to see it. And then I got onto Facebook, and everyone started to just RAVE about it. I thought, "All right, then it must be a good movie, but I'm still not that motivated to see it, so I'll wait until the DVD comes out."
And then... all of this insane Oscar buzz started surrounding it. And I usually enjoy a good Oscar contender, so I thought that perhaps the trailer misled me. So this Tuesday, when it came out on DVD, I stopped by Family Video and I rented it so I could see what all of the hullabaloo was about.
The direction was clean and precise, the screenplay was well-written, the film was well-acted, but... I didn't enjoy myself. I felt like I was watching the product of a machine, and not a human director and human screenwriter. The movie has no heart. I'm not saying "Oh, it's not heart-warming," because I fully recognize that it's not supposed to be heartwarming. But it should be in possession of heart. I should hate the characterization of Mark Zuckerberg in this film. But I didn't. In fact, I didn't feel any sympathy for any of the characters.
And more importantly, I felt absolutely ZERO satisfaction at the end of the movie. Not the Oscar kind of satisfaction, not even The Invention of Lying kind of satisfaction (you know, the kind where you think "I wouldn't give this movie any awards, but I enjoyed myself watching it"). The movie ended, and all I could think was, "The movie is over... That was it?"
I felt like I'd been had. And I honestly don't get the hype. Normally if something like this happens, I'll at least see that while I didn't enjoy it that much, the film has merit. But I don't, and I am very upset that I don't see it. Especially compared to the other contenders this year: Black Swan, The Fighter, The King's Speech, Toy Story 3 (yes, Toy Story 3)... All of them were just so. Much. Better.
I wouldn't be upset if I could understand it, but I don't. And now I'm done ranting... Unless it wins Best Picture at the Oscars. You might see another (shorter) rant then.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Ah, the joys of financial responsibility.
I've been super productive with my funds. I bought my own car insurance, paid three bills, and today I bought my plane ticket to Chicago since I got my ITA audition confirmed... and then I discovered that it's not 30 headshots and resumes I have to send in, it's 60. I've been printing my pictures off at Walgreens, buuuuut now it's too expensive. Poopy. I'll figure it out though, I always do.
Beyond the ITAs, I've been trying to financially figure some stuff out. I need to save up money, because I'd like to move out this year. But I also want to take voice lessons, and I think I need to join a gym. If I hold myself financially responsible for a gym membership, I'll go. I started using the rec center at ESU far too late, but at least I appreciate it now. I miss the option of going and running on the treadmill for a while, regardless of how the weather is.
And while right now the gym membership is a higher priority, I have already been doing stuff on my own, even if it's not running. I've been making sure to stretch every night, and do a little yoga most nights. And I can totally run when the ground's not covered in snow, I just need to buy the right layering pieces (been doing some reading on safely working out in the cold... yeah, I'm pretty knowledgeable). But I can't train my voice by myself. And while I don't think my career's going to be focused on musical theatre, I know that having a more trained voice will give me the upper hand when it comes to finding jobs. I mean, last year I was denied a summer stock opportunity because I didn't sing at the audition.
And anyway, I love singing. I mean, I love singing, and I have an awesome range. I'm not even bragging, I have a 4.5 octave range, easily. My main problem is nerves. I get nervous singing in front of even my closest friends, which is DUMB of me, I know. I think voice lessons will help with that; singing with a stranger all the time and getting the confidence from knowing that I'm using the right technique will help me overcome my fears.
The question is... Which one do I need right now? For me.
Beyond the ITAs, I've been trying to financially figure some stuff out. I need to save up money, because I'd like to move out this year. But I also want to take voice lessons, and I think I need to join a gym. If I hold myself financially responsible for a gym membership, I'll go. I started using the rec center at ESU far too late, but at least I appreciate it now. I miss the option of going and running on the treadmill for a while, regardless of how the weather is.
And while right now the gym membership is a higher priority, I have already been doing stuff on my own, even if it's not running. I've been making sure to stretch every night, and do a little yoga most nights. And I can totally run when the ground's not covered in snow, I just need to buy the right layering pieces (been doing some reading on safely working out in the cold... yeah, I'm pretty knowledgeable). But I can't train my voice by myself. And while I don't think my career's going to be focused on musical theatre, I know that having a more trained voice will give me the upper hand when it comes to finding jobs. I mean, last year I was denied a summer stock opportunity because I didn't sing at the audition.
And anyway, I love singing. I mean, I love singing, and I have an awesome range. I'm not even bragging, I have a 4.5 octave range, easily. My main problem is nerves. I get nervous singing in front of even my closest friends, which is DUMB of me, I know. I think voice lessons will help with that; singing with a stranger all the time and getting the confidence from knowing that I'm using the right technique will help me overcome my fears.
The question is... Which one do I need right now? For me.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Just a few things.
Because I have a few updates, and none are related to each other, I'm going to put my thoughts into a list form.
1. In high school, I used to walk out of a movie theatre, and almost every time I did, I'd say "That's my favorite movie!" and it wouldn't be true for more than a few weeks. In college, I grew out of that, because I could no longer pinpoint one favorite movie. Instead, I made a top 5, and it hasn't really changed until this year, but those movies were never in any order anyway. A change has occurred. Ladies and gentlemen, Black Swan is now my favorite movie. It just... floored me. I've never felt more understood by a film before. I mean, I've been able to relate to films really easily, but I felt like Black Swan related to me (in an extreme form, I grant you). After it ended (and I surprised myself by this), I sobbed. I didn't cry, I mean I sobbed. If you haven't seen it, see it. ESPECIALLY if you are in the arts.
2. I say this every year, but this is the year it's going to happen because I'm not in the safety zone of college anymore, where I know I'll get cast because the directors know me and know what I can do: I'm going to lose weight this year. I need it for my health, yes, but I also need it for my career because I'm auditioning soon. And I'm doing it because I feel like it's for me now, and I feel like I have the time to devote to breaking down each day what I need to eat and what I need to do. And I have given myself a reward, which I have mentioned before: after I lose 35 pounds, I'm going to get a tattoo. It's something I want, but I don't want to get it unless I feel like I've earned it. I know not everyone likes tattoos. I don't like a lot of them, either. But I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I want to do it, and I know what I'm going to get, and it's going to be nice and small.
3. Even if I audition for ITAs in January and don't get anything, I think I'm going to move away from Omaha this year. Most likely it'll be to Chicago. If I don't get an acting job, I can more than likely transfer to another Banana Republic or a Gap store up there. I really need to be out of the safety net of my mom's house. I kind of hope I can live on my own, because I think I need it. Being responsible for myself will help me handle my money better and I'll more than likely clean a lot more because there is no one else I could blame, and no one else who could clean up after me. Also... I really want some privacy. I mean real privacy. I absolutely cherish my alone time, and I don't feel I get enough of it. I don't want to live alone forever, but I kind of can't stand the thought of not living alone, at least for a little while.
4. I'm going to start buying fresh ingredients all the time. Whenever I cook, I kind of rely on what my mom has--and don't get me wrong, she buys a lot of fresh foods, but there are some things that we both kind of cheat on because it's a little easier or a little cheaper.
5. I had some awesome Christmas presents this year. And I just have to share what a couple of them were. My mom got me a set of brand-new dishes! YAY! They're pretty cool, they kind of look like mosaics, but they're not... which is great, because it means there aren't any cracks in between little shards where food can get stuck in them. I won't be able to use them for a while, but I'm excited that I won't have to worry about buying dishes (except for a few glasses and silverware) when I move. My dad got me a new digital camera, and I am very, very happy because I've needed one for a while now. I haven't been able to take a lot of pictures yet, but I have tested it out. I love it. But the BEST present I got is my new Kindle from my older brother. I'm in love with this thing. I was a little worried that I wouldn't enjoy reading on the Kindle as much as I enjoy reading a real book, but I've found that I really don't mind it at all. It LOOKS like a real book on the screen, and it's actually a little more convenient. I don't need both hands to turn the page, which is nice for when I need a drink of water or something. Good job, family.
1. In high school, I used to walk out of a movie theatre, and almost every time I did, I'd say "That's my favorite movie!" and it wouldn't be true for more than a few weeks. In college, I grew out of that, because I could no longer pinpoint one favorite movie. Instead, I made a top 5, and it hasn't really changed until this year, but those movies were never in any order anyway. A change has occurred. Ladies and gentlemen, Black Swan is now my favorite movie. It just... floored me. I've never felt more understood by a film before. I mean, I've been able to relate to films really easily, but I felt like Black Swan related to me (in an extreme form, I grant you). After it ended (and I surprised myself by this), I sobbed. I didn't cry, I mean I sobbed. If you haven't seen it, see it. ESPECIALLY if you are in the arts.
2. I say this every year, but this is the year it's going to happen because I'm not in the safety zone of college anymore, where I know I'll get cast because the directors know me and know what I can do: I'm going to lose weight this year. I need it for my health, yes, but I also need it for my career because I'm auditioning soon. And I'm doing it because I feel like it's for me now, and I feel like I have the time to devote to breaking down each day what I need to eat and what I need to do. And I have given myself a reward, which I have mentioned before: after I lose 35 pounds, I'm going to get a tattoo. It's something I want, but I don't want to get it unless I feel like I've earned it. I know not everyone likes tattoos. I don't like a lot of them, either. But I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I want to do it, and I know what I'm going to get, and it's going to be nice and small.
3. Even if I audition for ITAs in January and don't get anything, I think I'm going to move away from Omaha this year. Most likely it'll be to Chicago. If I don't get an acting job, I can more than likely transfer to another Banana Republic or a Gap store up there. I really need to be out of the safety net of my mom's house. I kind of hope I can live on my own, because I think I need it. Being responsible for myself will help me handle my money better and I'll more than likely clean a lot more because there is no one else I could blame, and no one else who could clean up after me. Also... I really want some privacy. I mean real privacy. I absolutely cherish my alone time, and I don't feel I get enough of it. I don't want to live alone forever, but I kind of can't stand the thought of not living alone, at least for a little while.
4. I'm going to start buying fresh ingredients all the time. Whenever I cook, I kind of rely on what my mom has--and don't get me wrong, she buys a lot of fresh foods, but there are some things that we both kind of cheat on because it's a little easier or a little cheaper.
5. I had some awesome Christmas presents this year. And I just have to share what a couple of them were. My mom got me a set of brand-new dishes! YAY! They're pretty cool, they kind of look like mosaics, but they're not... which is great, because it means there aren't any cracks in between little shards where food can get stuck in them. I won't be able to use them for a while, but I'm excited that I won't have to worry about buying dishes (except for a few glasses and silverware) when I move. My dad got me a new digital camera, and I am very, very happy because I've needed one for a while now. I haven't been able to take a lot of pictures yet, but I have tested it out. I love it. But the BEST present I got is my new Kindle from my older brother. I'm in love with this thing. I was a little worried that I wouldn't enjoy reading on the Kindle as much as I enjoy reading a real book, but I've found that I really don't mind it at all. It LOOKS like a real book on the screen, and it's actually a little more convenient. I don't need both hands to turn the page, which is nice for when I need a drink of water or something. Good job, family.
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