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Leven Rambin & Alexander Ludwig Discuss Adapting ‘The Hunger Games’ for The Big Screen

3/2/2012CastTheresa

Leven Rambin and Alexander Ludwig recently spoke with E!Online about how The Hunger Games film both deviates and mirrors the book.

There’s some twists. There’s some additions,” Leven Rambin—who plays the gorgeous but ruthless tribute Glimmer in the flick—recently told us, promising that fans will definitely be surprised.

She continues, “There’s some small, like innuendos that I think people will be like ‘Oh, I didn’t catch that in the book’…because it wasn’t in the book.”

Fear not tributes for Alexander Ludwig (Cato) actually believes the film will surprise fans by how closely it sticks to the source material:

“I think it will surprise most fans because usually when you see a movie about a book it’s not really that true to the book,” he filled us in. “Or at least it varies a little. But Gary’s done an excellent job of making sure it stays very identical to the book.”

You can check out the full article out at E!Online.

Question of the Week #23: Changes from Page to Screen

2/28/2012Question of the WeekTheresa

Time for a new “Question of the Week!”

Transferring a book from page to screen is no easy task. Not only is there the issue of translating what makes for good reading to a visual medium, there is also the added pressure of a sometimes rabid fanbase who want to see a faithful adaption of their favorite books. In many cases changes are inevitable, sometimes to add more visual appeal or because things just don’t translate well, other times to increase the action or emotion of a moment, and then there is the simple fact that a literal translation would make the film hours and hours long (we know fans wouldn’t complain, but…).

Going in to The Hunger Games film, we know there will be changes to what we see on screen. Some we all ready know about, the absence of Madge, Katniss giving Prim the Mockingjay pin, going outside Katniss’ perspective, and what many of us spotted in yesterday’s TV spot, the age at which the pivotal bread scene takes place at. Now, not having seen all of these moments in the perspective of the film it is difficult to discuss whether or not they add or detract from the film, but it does bring up an interesting question we want to pose to you for this week’s discussion.

Can changes made for a film adaption end up being better than the book?

Now we aren’t talking about the entire film being better than the book (perish the thought), but individual changes to a book adaption that made us think “Hmm, I like what they did there.” Here are just a few examples where we believe the film adaption, trumps the original material in some way.

Harry’s ability to sense the Horcruxes (or Horcri, if you are a Leaky Cauldron reader ) in Deathly Hallows. Come on, even book purists have to admit this makes sense. These evil creations should be able to sense when another part of Voldemort’s soul is near.
The battle scene between Felix and Edward in Volterra at the end of New Moon. The Volturi are supposed to be “feared” yet in the Twilight books, they do little more than send idle threats or use their mind weapons. The change up to add a fight between these two characters not only adds action and tension to what is a basic conversation in the book, it also gives them a chance to showcase those vampire special effects moves.
Back to Harry Potter, we have to mention the whole Felix Felicis scene in Half Blood Prince. Between Daniel’s acting and the lines added…perfection!
Sticking with Half Blood Prince the memory scene with Professor Slughorn talking about the flower petal and Francis the Fish, such a beautiful addition, and a tear jerking moment for some (raises hand).

So, now the ball is in your court, are there moments in a book adaption that you felt were actually better than the original material?

To join in the discussion, just write your answer in the comments below. And feel free to respond to others answers too.

We look forward to reading your thoughts!

And be sure to check out all the previous QOTW questions in our archive.

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Have your own Question for a Question of the Week? Email us your ideas at downwiththecapitol@gmail.com or fill out the contact us form with the subject title, QOTW.