Anatomy of a Hit Movie: “The Hunger Games”
I have been meaning to jump-start a series I began years ago called “Anatomy of a Hit Movie.” For an example, you can see my analysis of Easy A here.
The idea is to consider a current movie from a screenwriting perspective and ask the fundamental question: Why is it a hit? What narrative elements exist in the story that contribute directly to the success of the movie? The idea being that if we can hone our instincts per what pops with the general populace, perhaps that can inform what we do in a helpful way with our own stories.
Right now as we speak, there is a remarkable phenomenon happening: The massive growing awareness of The Hunger Games which is set to premiere this weekend. For example, here is a THR article posted last night about the movie:
With the opening of the The Hunger Games only days away, interest in the Lionsgate movie is blowing Hollywood away.
Latest tracking data released on Monday boasted levels usually reserved for marquee sequels, including The Dark Knight, according to those who have seen the surveys.
Rival studios and other box office observers now believe Hunger Games could potentially gross $130 million to $140 million.
So with this unusual situation, we have an unusual opportunity: To dissect why a movie is a hit before it opens.
Put on your screenwriting hats. While you’re at it, put on your producer’s hat as well.
Why is The Hunger Games likely to break the record for biggest March opening for any domestic movie in history?
What narrative elements of the story can you see that are directly tied to the movie’s box office success?
I’ve got a whole list of suggestions. I’ll let you weigh in, then update this post so we can pull together this “Anatomy of a Hit Movie.”
Trailer #1
Trailer #2
Screenplay by Gary Ross and Suzanne Collins and Billy Ray, based on Collin’s novel
For more of the Hollywood Reporter article, go here.
For a great article on how Lionsgate has marketed the movie, check out this NYT article.
And Hollywood waits with baited breath to see if Lionsgate will change its frugal ways once all The Hunger Game coin rolls in.
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