Catching Fire Reaction Paper

From Star Wars to Transformers and Contagion to Cloud Atlas, there is no doubt that there is a wide variety of science fiction movies. From its name, we can say that science fiction movies are basically any type of movie which show scientific and technological advances that still do not exist in our current environment, thus giving a futuristic feel to it. Taking this into account, we can consider Catching Fire a science fiction movie since it depicts a society where new technological breakthroughs, such as force fields, holograms and genetically modified species, exist.

Considering the futuristic nature of science fiction, its narrative is not limited to future societies. As we are taken into the world of Panem in Catching Fire, we get a good glimpse of the inequality that exists between the Capitol and the 12 (or 13) districts. This kind of inequality can also be seen during medieval times when elite classes were first formed. And until now, this disparity is seen when we look at big capitalists and compare them to the people who live in poor countries, or in a more local sense, informal settlers.

Also, the concept of the “tributes” could have been inspired by the gladiators of ancient Rome during the 1st and 2nd century BCE. Both were taken, against their will, and were forced to fight each other to the death until they were the last one standing. And they did this all for the entertainment of others. The two ideas are actually very alike, the only difference is the technology involved.

Having said this, we see in the movie that people have greatly succeeded in the development of new scientific technologies. It is amazing to see these concepts, that are only in the minds of people today, come to life. But a problem presents itself when we examine how these people are using these technologies. Much scientific progress may have happened but the people who indulge themselves in watching the hunger games and find entertainment in seeing people kill people have returned to their barbarian ways.

Moreover, these technologies were used to benefit only those in the Capitol, the powerful and wealthy personalities, while the people who are less fortunate, those in the 13 districts, were left to suffer. Doing so was contrary to the entire purpose of the development of science and technology and to a certain extent, reduced the sense of humanity in these people which is why we can conclude that science and technology has greatly failed in this narrative.

Hasmin Gaile Gavica
2013-16603