Deconstruction of The Hunger Games Movie Poster

Illustrated interpretation of the Hunger Games Movie Poster

Introduction:

In the field of art history, the theories of iconology and deconstruction have emerged as influential approaches to explore the understanding and interpretation of visual culture.

In this post I will use the theory of deconstruction to critic the Hunger Games poster below.

An overview of Panofsky’s Method of Deconstruction

Erwin Panofsky's Theory of Iconology (1939) is a simple deconstructive method that distinguishes 3 separate stages to interpreting an image:

Level 1 - A simple description of the image’s basic elements, details, colour, and composition. You describe what you see at a simplistic level.

Level 2 - An ‘iconographical’ analysis of the theme; linking the simplified elements identified in Leevl 1 with meaning and significance. What you see on a conscious level.

Level 3 - An analysis of the underlying intrinsic meaning, what is the ideological meaning communicated on a sub-conscious level.

Deconstruction of ‘The Hunger Games’ Movie Poster

The Hunger Games Mocking Jay PART 2

“Katniss and a team of rebels from District 13 prepare for the final battle that will decide the fate of Panem” IMBD

“Will she be with her "Star-Crossed Lover," Peeta, or her long-time friend, Gale?” baileyyybroooks

Level 1

In this movie poster for The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2, we see a close-up view of Jennifer Lawrence wearing a full length skin-tight red outfit with military style matching embellishments. She holds a bow and arrow, with an arrow drawn and aimed to the Right. Her gaze is focused on the distance in the same direction. She looks to be floating in the air, with no ground beneath her feet and in a position that defies gravity. In the background a gold mocking jay broach is surrounded by fire, the bird’s size is enlarged and placed close behind Jennifer Lawrence so that the images overlap at their torsos giving the appearance of wings, fire extends wrapping her in flames. The fire looks bright in comparison to a black background. The Poster also has small text at the top of the poster which reads ‘Nothing can prepare you for the end’.

Level 2

In the conventional interpretation of the image, we see an image of the lead protagonist Katniss Everdeen, in a movie advertisement for the final science fiction dystopian adventure film, premiered in 2015, based on The Hunger Games trilogy of novels. The slogan, military style outfit, the weapon held with expertise and determination depict the character as the hero and a strong female role model. Further symbolism ‘the girl on fire’ represents her competitive edge and the mocking jay broach giving her wings represents her role as ‘a symbol of rebellion’ in the Movies. The red colour scheme, flames and poised arrow foretells explosive action and destruction. The fire allows the red romantic tones to go almost unnoticed but brought into focus by the body’s placement to simultaneously invoke images of cupid and visible outlines of her body to invoke feelings of desire.

Level 3

On an unconscious level, we also recognise the colour red, cupid and fire symbolise love, passion, and desire. This action movie poster also advertises the conclusion of a second story, a romance. For those that have followed the trilogy, the poster represents the final decision, where the female protagonist must decide between two competing men; the kind underdog or strong alpha male. In this version, the action slogan can be interpreted as the end of the battle, she will choose a lover and give her body to him. Her body is now seen as available, her breasts are raised, and she is reclined. Her body is turned towards the viewer, while her face looks away, she is a prize on display to be admired by the audience. While Katniss is considered a strong, fearless role model for young girls, her character still sends the message that youth, beauty and ‘sexiness’ is powerful. Katniss often survives thanks to one of her two male admirers, who are competing to win her ‘heart’.

 Conclusion

Using deconstruction methods allows us to focus on uncovering symbolic meanings within artworks, to expose the multiple interpretations within texts and imagery. Being conscious of iconology emphasises the importance of understanding an artwork's intended meaning and its broader cultural significance.

Further Reading:

The Power of Semiotics in Marketing

Understanding the language of visual communication

References

1. Panofsky, E. (1955). Meaning in the Visual Arts.

2. Erwin Panofsky: The Icon as Logos, Visual Resources, 1:2-3, 123-126, DOI: 10.1080/01973762.1980.9659030

3. IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1951266/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_stry_pl#synopsis

Image:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1951266/?ref_=ttpl_ov