A film dedicated to the youth of the big bad guy from the previous four parts? The bet was bold, but The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes raised it beautifully. So much so that it is considered the best in the series.
Launched at the start of the pandemic, the book The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, by Suzanne Collins, tells the story of 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, who tries to reposition his family in the chessboard of the Capitol, still rebuilding after years of war against the districts. True to the novel, Michael Lesslie and Michael Arndt’s screenplay quickly reveals the main character’s ambition driven by despair. Played with vulnerability and conviction by Tom Blyth (the series Billy the Kid), Snow is for the moment far from the tyrannical president of Donald Sutherland.
The Hunger Games were established to remind the districts who is in power, but the popularity of these cruel games is waning. Thus, on the occasion of their 10e presentation, Coriolanus Snow and the other promising students of the Academy where he studies are each assigned a tribute so that they contribute to making the televised games a real spectacle. Snow is assigned Lucy Gray Baird of District 12, the same one where Katniss Everdeen will volunteer in her sister’s place 64 years later. Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) embodies the exuberant musician with strength and confidence.
The dynamic between the two actors is excellent: the initial unease, the power relationship which transforms into passion, the subsequent questions. The rest of the cast is equally convincing.
While some brilliant actors from previous films were underutilized, Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, and Jason Schwartzman all get a chance to showcase their talent.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LIONSGATE
The arena of 10are Hunger Games
Many twists and turns
The feature film by Francis Lawrence, who directed three of the four The Hunger Games previous, is divided into three distinct acts: the meeting between Coriolanus and Lucy Gray, the games and the meeting between the two in district 12. The last one stretches, but there is no lack of action to go there. The twists and turns are multiple and unexpected. We were dubious about some of them, but they all serve the story.
Another strong point of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is its ability to evoke the cruelty of the games and the totalitarian regime of the Capitol, although less heavy at this time in the story. Despite the violent premise of the series The Hunger Games, the films that star Jennifer Lawrence have never really managed to make her feel. We didn’t expect to show young people killing each other in “family” films, but The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes does it better with fewer brutal scenes. And those that are have more impact. However, we wonder why we still don’t show the citizens of Panem in front of their televisions watching the games.
Costumes, sets and special effects are all remarkable, as is James Newton Howard’s music. The version of The Hanging Tree by Rachel Zegler is a highlight – in fact, every time she sings is one.
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is not flawless. In addition to a few lengths, it takes itself very seriously and veers into theatricality. Despite all the time spent with Coriolanus and Lucy Gray, the feelings they have for each other at the end leave us perplexed. A sequel will certainly be announced if the film is a success.
Indoors
Adventure
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
(VF: Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Serpent and the Songbird)
Francis Lawrence
With Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Viola Davis
2:38 a.m.