The Capitol Strikes Back: First Look at Mockingjay Part 1

Although it’s now fashionable to make movie adaptations of books and split the plot over multiple film installments for the sake of suspense and profit, the movie adaptations of The Hunger Games trilogy make up for it by having overall stunning art direction. The aesthetics for the film franchise makes use of real-life propaganda to emulate the feeling of a totalitarian world where the wealthy few crush and manipulate the proletariat masses.

The first trailer for Mockingjay Part 1, the second-last film in the series, has dropped via the official Hunger Games Youtube channel. Making use of viral-style advertising, the trailer is framed as an address to the nation of Panem by President Snow (played by the majestic Donald Sutherland). In his speech, the President employs some subtle intimidation tactics in an attempt to contain the citizen uprising that’s been stirring since the events of the second installment, Catching Fire, in which we saw the Revolution against the Capitol begin with participants in the games sabotaging the arena in rebellion.

Although this trailer doesn’t feature the heroine Katniss, the President’s address is directed towards her and the rebels she now works with, a point also articulated by the silent presence of Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, now a hostage of the Capitol. The games are now over, and a real war is about to be waged.

Also included in the viral propaganda campaign for the film is a series of posters, providing a look into life in the various districts: