It’s a common misconception that post-apocalyptic, neo-Roman death matches are simply about who can best slaughter one’s peers with impunity. Not so. In the case of The Hunger Games, appalling feats of savagery represent only a small part of the winning equation. Before the first drop of blood is spilled in the Arena, there are hours upon hours of behind-the-scenes work that must be done.
If a Tribute like Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen is to have any hope of prevailing in the Games, she’ll need to cajole corrupt politicians, curry sympathy with the bloodthirsty television audience, build alliances with opponents, and even fabricate the occasional sham romance, if need be. It’s not easy, let me tell you. If you thought prospect of certain death was unappealing, try public relations.
Fortunately for Katniss, she’s got a trio of aides to help whip her into shape before the Games commence: Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), her realpolitik advisor; Effie (Elizabeth Banks), her escort and media representative; and Cinna (Lenny Kravitz), her personal stylist and confidante.
I recently sat down for an exclusive interview with the eclectic trio of Kravitz, Banks, and Harrelson. Click below to watch Lenny dish on encountering Hunger Games groupies on tour, Elizabeth on enduring nearly three hours of makeup each day, and Woody on, well, whatever he feels like:
The Hunger Games opens everywhere this Friday, March 16, 2012.
Click here to watch our exclusive interview with The Hunger Games director Gary Ross!
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