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"Hunger Games" Author Approves Upcoming Adaptation

Jeremy Fuster |
March 2, 2012 | 2:24 a.m. PST

Staff Reporter

suzannecollinsbooks.com
suzannecollinsbooks.com

With the "Harry Potter" film saga complete and "Twilight" preparing to make its final bow, a new film adaptation of a young adult series prepares to step onto the silver screen.  It is "The Hunger Games," a story written by Suzanne Collins about a post-apocalyptic totalitarian state called Panem and the annual deathmatch it holds between 24 teens from the 12 enslaved districts it rules over.  The main character, Katniss Everdeen, takes the place of her sister when she is chosen to take part in the games, and she must rely on her hunting skills in order to be the last contestant alive.  

The link between author and adaptation isn't always smooth.  Look at graphic novel writer Alan Moore and his contempt for the recent adaption of "Watchmen."  But Collins has given the upcoming adaptation of "The Hunger Games" her seal of approval via an open letter on her Facebook page.  Here it is in its entirety:

Dear Readers,

I’ve just had the opportunity to see the finished film of The Hunger Games. I’m really happy with how it turned out. I feel like the book and the film are individual yet complementary pieces that enhance one another. The film opens up the world beyond Katniss’ point of view, allowing the audience access to the happenings of places like the Hunger Games control room and President Snow’s rose garden, thereby adding a new dimension to the story.

Director Gary Ross has created an adaptation that is faithful in both narrative and theme, but he’s also brought a rich and powerful vision of Panem, its brutality and excesses, to the film as well. His world building’s fantastic, whether it be the Seam or the Capitol. It’s amazing to see things that are suggested in the book fully developed and so brilliantly realized through the artistry of the designers.

And, my God, the actors. The cast, led by the extraordinary Jennifer Lawrence, is absolutely wonderful across the board. It’s such a pleasure to see how they’ve embodied the characters and brought them to life. 

So I’d like to sincerely thank all the many people who devoted their time and talents to the film, especially producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik, and the excellent teams at Color Force, Larger Than Life, and Lionsgate.

I hope you enjoy the film!

Suzanne Collins

"The Hunger Games" opens in theaters March 23.



 

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