The upcoming March 2012 release The Hunger Games is, presumably, every movie studio’s dream because it arrives with a premade audience. Yet the marketing team at Lionsgate has been tasked with a hefty challenge; that is, how to reach the target demographic without, you know, making The Hunger Games seem like standard Twilight fare to those prospective audience members who haven’t yet read the trilogy by Suzanne Collins? The answer, unfortunately, is that both goals aren’t simultaneously possible because both franchises appeal to the same age group, which is primarily made up of tweens and young adults. Hence the teaser clip that aired last night on the VMAs, which is a move straight out of Summit Entertainment’s playbook. Still, those who have read Collins’ applicable works will realize that The Hunger Games is practically disseration-level material compared to Twilight. Instead of watching Bella fawn over a sparkly, weepy vampire and give up her entire world for him, no questions asked, the audience instead will (presumably) be treated to a brave heroine who can not only hunt and fend for herself but also (gasp!) think independently as well. Any romantic storylines are truly secondary to the fact that Katniss is fighting for her life and, in turn, sparking a revolution in the country of Panem. Right, so let’s get on with that teaser clip, which features Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) in the arena while dodging fireballs and a voiceover from Gale (Liam Hemsworth):
CB thinks this clip is a bit of a letdown and wishes that Lionsgate should’ve waited until the movie shoot was further along so that the teaser clip would’ve contained some actual plot. Mostly, I’m okay with the clip because I feel just “teased” enough to want more. For those looking for hidden additional clues, however, the very end of the clip reportedly features a few notes from “Rue’s Lullaby,” which will be sung in the movie (by Jennifer Lawrence herself) to her sister-like friend in the arena.
Oh, and a few more stills have also surfaced since the last time we covered the movie and witnessed Peeta at the bakery. Below, you can see Gale at the Reaping and Katniss with a sling full of arrows. Of course, these are arena-grade arrows and not the ones that she used to hunt with back in District 12, but the filmmakers have obviously abandoned the “tunic” that was to serve as arena-based uniforms for all of the tributes. I’m sure there will be more book-to-movie changes that will surface before the movie releases next March, but hopefully they’ll all be minor enough that we won’t complain too much.
Movie stills courtesy of AllMoviePhoto
When Jen L was announced, I thought she was a bit too old, but now I’m sold.
I don’t mind the teaser but I hope the trailer, when it eventually arrives, doesn’t go the way of many trailers and reveal too much.
Not enough, definitely. I haven’t read the books, but I get the premise, and this was just lame. It was just basically trees, music, a voice-over, and the logo. NOT acceptable. Just because it’s being revealed at the VMA’s doesn’t give them an excuse to slack off.
I hope the movie is much better than the trailer.
Thanks for the little spoiler about her friend dying in the arena. I guess I can just skip that part of the book when I get to it.
“CB thinks this clip is a bit of a letdown and wishes that Lionsgate should’ve waited until the movie shoot was further along so that the teaser clip would’ve contained some actual plot.”
That was my first reaction too, but at the same time I think that it was probably smart for Lionsgate to take advantage of this publicity opportunity however they could. The VMAs only happen once a year and I’m sure they figured they’d have to take it when they could get it. Even if it’s too early in the process of making the movie to be able to show us very much. The fact that they haven’t even finished filming yet means that there’s no way they could have given us a ton in the preview at this point.
And in a sense, I knew before watching it that there was no way I’d wind up NOT being disappointed, since I’ll always want to see more than what they’d show us.
The Twilight comparisons are driving me insane of course … but I also don’t think it’s a great idea for them to ONLY target teeny boppers on this. There are a ton of adults (probably mostly of the female variety) that are into this series too (I have to admit I’m in my 30’s and I got totally sucked into the series a couple months ago after seeing all the movie buzz about it on the internets). And in general I really hope they broaden their target market beyond the Twilight crowd, because beyond the “YA” thing, the two book series could not possibly be more different.
I hated it. At least some part of the plot should have been in the teaser since no one is going to have a freaking clue what this is about. If they don’t know what it’s about, or at least have SOME idea, then they aren’t going to want to wait for an actual trailer or see it. Could we have just a bit more, not just Katniss running from the firewall and firebombs? Don’t even get me started on the fact that this scene is suppose to take place at night or just before dawn. I understand the need to change things in the books but UGH!
umm RobN, she said nothing about anyone dying (unless it was edited by the time I saw it) , you said it. I see only that it is sung to a friend in the arena.
@RobN
I didn’t see a single thing where anyone’s death was mentioned.
That “clip” sucked.
Look, they are still filming it for goodness sakes. The release date is in 7 months and they have lots to do. (It’s filming about 2 hours away from my house ) I’d rather them focus on the movie. I enjoyed the teaser and look forward to the real trailer.
Bella is very brave. Some of her actions may be questionable but it’s ludicrous to suggest that she wasn’t extremely brave in my opinion.
It was obviously meant for people that have read the book. Since I haven’t, it left me out in the cold.
Oh yeah another comment here reminded me that I was also disappointed that we didn’t get to even see a glimpse of any other character. Even with the fact that the footage must be pretty raw right now, it seems like they would be able to give us at least a couple quick shots of other peeps. I’m betting people would be much happier in general if they had given us that.
But either way it’s not a huge deal, no reason to get all up in arms about it at this point. Again they are still FILMING this thing so we can’t expect that much at this point for a trailer. I just hope the finished product is good, that’s all I care about.
@Chris: That’s like saying a girl who chooses to date a convicted rapist is also ‘brave’. That’s not brave, that’s just stupid.
The teaser was very ‘meh’, but it does look good so far. I’m excited for what’s to come.
People, it’s a ‘teaser’ not a ‘trailer.’ They call it a teaser for a reason: it teases you with just a tiny taste and leaves you wanting more. So, apparently it was successful. Don’t worry–you’ll still get your trailers that will show too much and virtually ruin it eventually.
Ok The hunger games teaser SUCKED. The first glimpse is supposed to hook you, not underwhelm you. I hope its not reflection of the film. They need to step it up for the trailer. This was just katniss running in the woods then the logo. People who havent read the books wont get it or care.
A “teaser” is supposed to make you want more. So FAIL on that.
I can watch DVD’s of Tears of the Sun, Lost, Forrest Gump, Predator, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Flies, Lord of the Rings (1, 2 AND 3), Sniper, GI Jane, Congo, Rambo, Avatar, and even Blair Witch Project and see people running through trees.
And Bella is not brave, she’s a martyr. (Look up the meaning of the word.) She blames herself for EVERY SINGLE THING going on around her. It gets v-e-r-y tiresome. She doesn’t grow ovaries (read: balls) until she stands up to the Illuminati at the VERY END OF THE 4TH(!!!!) BOOK AND HER CHILD IS IN DANGER!
As someone who has read the books the teaser seems a bit pointless other than showing off the costumes and scenery. Which is ok, I guess. I’m more concerned about the final product. I’m glad to see they stayed true to the books and didn’t try to glam Katniss up too much in the arena.
@RobN – a cursory glance at the back cover of any of the books would reveal that the tradition of the Hunger Games is that everyone dies but the victor. That’s why they’re so barbaric – everyone in the country is glued to a reality TV show in which children try their best to kill each other in very brutal ways to ensure their own survival and more food for their district courtesy of the government, which hosts the games. I’m sure that part will be announced within the first 5 minutes of the movie. Or hell, the trailers. In any case, it’s not a huge secret or even much of a spoiler really.
Not having read any of the series, the trailer is incomprehensible to me because it is so brief.
If it matters, since there is a built-audience for this movie, this trailer will not effectively interest potential viewers not already familiar with the work.
I think it was the right amount of tease.
@Shannon, thanks, i hadn’t yet read any of the books, so that is a HUGE spoiler.
What I’m really sad about is that the ‘Bread’ scene has been changed. Instead of when Katniss and Peeta were little kids, it’s going to be current age. What is the point? The great thing about that scene from the book is that Katniss is a little kid at the end of her rope with no way to feed her family (BEFORE she starts hunting).
She then grows up around Peeta always looking at him secretly but never talking to him. If it’s going to be shot when they are already older what’s the point?
And LMAO @ someone saying Bella Swan is brave. Please.
I’m really praying they stay as true to the book as possible. And hope they dont include any Twilight crap either. ugh.
I think it’s the upshot of the tall trees that is reminding some people of Twilight. Also the cheesy voice-over of Gale. That is a mistake, they should keep the voice-overs only of Katniss.
JUST LAME!
I SMELL A STINKER!
Twilight – wether you like these movies or not – it was a huge sucess and it looked like nothing but – TWILIGHT!
They’ve created a distinctive imagery that other films are now compared to.
Harry Potter looked like Harry Potter and nothing else – not Twilight, not Lord of the Rings – just Harry Potter, as it should be.
“The Hunger Games” is supposed to create its own unique looking future set world and not look like a bad mix between Blair Witch Project, Robin Hood and Twilight.
And what about the other little copy-cat things like “Rue’s Lullaby”? Is that true?
Like “Bella’s Lullaby”?
Performed by the leading actress, because the songs sung by the leading actor in Twilight were such a sucess?
How original! NOT.
Can’t Lionsgate productions come up with something of their own?
Conan the Barbarian 2011 anyone?
The Hunger Games fans can be as angry as they want to be about all the Twilight comparisons, as long as the producers of THG keep copying elements of Twilight it won’t help!
(THG being a Battle Royale rip-off to begin with, but ok.)
Uncreative pack of losers.
But hey – the logo artwork look kinda fine.
So it’s supposed to be like a combination of The Running Man and Battle Royale? I haven’t read the books but that sounds like the general premise. And that teaser trailer was budget, to put it mildly.
Terrible. The cinematography here looks Twilight-esque, which is strange and not good in my point of view. I can’t believe I am about to defend Twilight, but at least sparkly, creepy, stalkerish, mormon Vampires with their passive, mary sue girlfriends are unique compared to Hunger Games, which is a complete rip off of Battle Royale.
I thought the teaser was good but I’ve read the books. I still think everything and everyone looks too clean. I think it will be a “twilighty” version of the books not the gritty darker image I had in my head but I have to say the main actress fits the part and seems to be able to act (no idea who she is) so I’m hopeful
Is this another tween thing?
Not impressed, by either the teaser or THG in general. It’s just a Battle Royale rip-off, and Battle Royale did it better, imo.
I was kind of frustrated by how short it was, but I guess that’s the point of a teaser trailer. I just hope they show Peeta in action soon!
BTW there’s actually a cool easter egg in the teaser too – if you watch to the end, there’s a hashtag for #WhatsMyDistrict. Try searching for it on Twitter – you’ll see a bunch of HG fans that have been tweeting it out like crazy along with a link to this weird site (http://thecapitol.pn) all day!
Heard lots of people talking about how good the books are.
Now that Jennifer Lawrence is cast, it seems even more promising.
I have read the books. Not sure (based only on this teaser) that I’ll want to see the movie. I mean, too early to tell, but I do NOT want this to go in a Twilighty direction.
Bedhead’s claim that HG is dissertation-level stuff compared to Twi-too-hard made me laugh: I’m a philosophy of religion professor (translation: giant geeky egghead nerd) and I find a ton of fascinating material in the HG books. Ethics, gender issues, political theory, and on and on. Twilight? Empty dreck.
Jennifer Lawrence looks so good
NOT ENOUGH!!!
I love her…
I still don’t know how to feel about this movie.. But she’s so pretty…..
p.s. AB – Did I tell you how happy I am you’re here? 🙂
Have you guys started using a clip provider that only works in America or is it just these VMA clips?
Not being able to watch the videos the posts talk about is sadness.
fyi – they don’t wear tunics in the arena – they wear pants, shirt and a jacket and this picture looks like that outfit. Katniss wore a tunic on the hovercraft ride from the training center to the area where she was prepped for launch and changed into the official uniform for those games.
if anyone hasn’t read the book, you should b/c its fantastic. even if the movie turns out to stink.
The plot sounds alot like Koushun Takami’s Battle Royal which is a great book.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-T7yPJVvXw See trailer for Movie with Takeshi Kitano.
Looks interesting.
I think THG is A HUGE battle royale rip off too, it humorous how so many THG fans want no comparisons to twilight, when it’s apparent the studio is ENCOURAGING such comparisons, and why not? it’s a blatant rip off of Battle Royale, why not rip off Twilight in terms of how to market it on top of it?
And Bella’s main problem is that she’s boring, like watching paint dry. She’s not all these dramatically horrible things though either like people try to make her out to be. She’s a classic gothic romantic character, overly melodramatic and willing to sacrifice her life, blah blah blah. That’s not unhealthy, that just a little too Bronte-ish for me.
@hibiscus 24: thank you. i thought i was the only one who saw the Battle royale/requiem rip off.
it must be so aggravating for those writers/film makers to see THG presented as original works.
or maybe because it’s in a different language, it can be presented as original work.
“The Hunger Games is practically disseration-level material compared to Twilight”
— uhmm, yes but this is also true of Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat and honestly, any third grade book report.
This teaser didn’t work. I showed it to a friend who knows nothing about HG and she thought it was a trailer for a movie about RObin Hood’s daughter.