Homework 2 (DYM): Film Still Analysis

This is a film still from the futuristic, action/adventure film ‘The Hunger Games’. This still is from the end of the film, however, and focuses less on the action/adventure themes, and more on some previously underlying themes in the film.

• This shot contains a lot of iconography; for example, the crown on Katniss’s (the girl’s) head, and the white rose on President Snow’s lapel. The crown suggests that the girl has achieved something, but her fearful facial expression suggests otherwise. White roses are usually a symbol of innocence and purity, but having watched the film, we know that Snow isn’t all that innocent and pure, so the rose actually juxtaposes his character.
• Interesting technical codes have been used; for example, the shot has Katniss and President Snow in focus, but Peeta out of focus. This creates a sense of distance between Katniss and Peeta, suggesting that she is quite alone and vulnerable at this moment in time.
• The lighting in the shot is mostly high-key, but the light is shining more on Katniss’s face, rather than President Snow’s. This implies that Katniss is the hero, or the protagonist in the narrative, whereas Snow might be the villain.