Film Journal 2023: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Film Journal 2023: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Directed by Francis Lawrence

Songbirds and Snakes might not have the same epic scope as the Hunger Games trilogy, but, like the book it is based on, it trades this for something intimate, self contained and distinct. It does of course fits within the same world, operating as an origins story for the franchises main villain (Snow), but its interests are not on progressing the story but rather on adding to it in terms of nuance and depth. And I think the film succeeds on this front.

The construction of the film allows the background of the story leading into the 10th annual Hunger Games, to be told succinctly and concisely. It sets the necessary backdrop for how the games came to be, affords us the context (the early fate of the games is hanging in the balance), and then provides us with the central character who’s future hangs in the balance (a young Snow). From there we dive into the games in the midst of all this uncertainty and chaos.

It’s a stark contrast to the ordered and established scenario we find in the Hunger Games. It’s also the perfect way for us to get to know Snow as a complex individual. We see the things in his past that have left him teetering precariously on the line between knowing and doing what’s right and what’s wrong. His world is flooded with notes of grey, and we gain a glimpse of someone who’s actions and choices can turn him in one direction or another, especially as the events of the film begin to unfold. It’s a glorious mash-up of allegiances and emotional pushes and pulls and desires, and in classic form to the series, much of it hinges on this larger discussion about human nature and its inherent need to survive. Given who we know Snow to be in the trilogy, this whole conversation carrys that much more weight.

The production values here are strong, leaning a good deal into practical set design, and the story spends time in multiple settings that each provide their own flavor to the film. More importantly, the film successfully helps to conceptualize Snow as a person and as a President. I do think it’s a great way to add to the subsequent films in a way that subtly recontextualizes them without losing their truth.

The film of course brings in music, and I think the casting of Songbird is pretty good. This isn’t perhaps jumping off the screen like it did with the iconic figures whom carry the trilogy, but the casting of Snow captures the necessary transformation, while the simplicity of the Songbird helps to anchor the basic struggle of those populating the districts. If it functions as a ballad about the two sides of our nature, I think it becomes a poignant part of the films thematic presence.

This is of course a stand alone story. I do hope it stays that way, as I think it’s a welcome addition and a nice way back into the world that captured many of us on both page and screen.