Sun. 9/6/26 notebook ramble on train after sleeping at 4ish:

I’m always shocked by how much of this film doesn’t even take place in the arena, but that first half is not dull in the slightest. In fact, I prefer many of those scenes to just like fight/escape scenes. The coldly industrial, militarized, and socially unstable depictions of the districts serve as a great juxtaposition to the ostentatious Capitol, where lavish overconsumption is always in fashion (the bulimia drinks I can never forget). They also did a really great job showing the community solidarity towards what Katniss stood for/against. (I’m very easily moved by those kinds of scenes). Great expository work in establishing the building tensions & fear (& hope) on both sides, especially that exciting flash of a red painted Mockingjay on the train.

One thing that pleasantly surprised me, however, is how beautiful some of the shots were, especially the (artificial) sunsets. Like Peeta telling Wiress to focus on the pretty colors, and when they’re at the lake at sundown. It’s so pretty it almost takes your breath away, and you remember it was meticulously programmed by Gamemakers. None of it is real. And it makes sense! The arena effectively functions as a film set. They want it to look pretty, a testament to how much more flamboyantly sensationalized the Games have become (compare to the 1st grimy, stone-y, ‘gray’ games).

Loved Sam Claflin as Finnick as always, tho you can def tell he’s British.