Extended Response: Hunger Games Director DRAMA

           I read an article about how Gary Ross will not be directing Catching Fire, the sequel to the world-famous book and movie The Hunger Games. I think this decision will have a bigger impact than might have been predicted by Ross. This article is important because Ross' decision affects not only how the movie will be changed in terms of cinematography, but also the perception by fans of the books, how accurately the movie will portray the book  Catching Fire, and the general popularity of Suzanne Collins' masterpieces.

           Collins' books caused a craze throughout the United States and overseas. The topic of post-apocalyptic child-killings stirs up the emotions of many people. The fact that the Hunger Games is told by a girl subjected to horror like that who completely detests the entire system is what makes the subject not only digestible but popular, because the writing is actually superb, and the plot is fascinating and completely original. This is why I think the impact of a new director on the next movie might affect the popularity itself. Says Ross, "I simply don't have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make..." (Rolling Stone, 'Gary Ross Will Not Direct "Hunger Games" Sequel'). Since the first movie was a big issue of staying true to the plot for may fans of the books, the fact that the directing for the sequel will be completely  different might be pushing the limits for some. When fans won't see the movie, the books' ratings could drop.

           No director can ever guarantee that they'll provide good ratings. It's difficult to stay true to the plot of a book when you're only allotted a specific amount of time. Fans of the Hunger Games books all have varying opinions of and levels of devotion to the new movie. How will they react to the new one, with a new director?  What will happen if it's less accurate than the last? There is definitely lots of pressure on the new director, once they come forward, to present a film worthy of Collins' books.

          Needless to say, the world is waiting with baited breath for Catching Fire. The movie is bound to be remarkable, and I can't wait. What awaits? We don't know, but whatever happens, whatever we see, the books remain very much intact, a living legend, and a symbol for peace and justice.