Final Paper: Snowpiercer vs. The Hunger Games

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Snowpiercer vs. The Hunger Games
The Snowpiercer and The Hunger Games are two movies that share a lot in terms of the themes they explore. Snowpiercer is set in a dystopic future and starts by showcasing an environmental disaster that left the world frozen. Gullander-Drolet (6) writes that in a bid to counter the global warming crisis, the powers that be decided to use a chemical called CW-7. This chemical failed, and the repercussions were a cold and uninhabitable world. However, not everyone dies in the cold because of the genius of a man called Wilford. Wilford had built a train that could last until the frozen period is over, and this train circles the earth every year. In the train, a dystopian society is quite evident together with certain attributes like class and social status. In The Hunger Games movie, there is a complex society that is divided into districts with a central government called the Capitol. The Capitol houses the elite, with glimpses of the elite showcased through the eloquence and elegance of Effie Trinket, Caesar Flickerman, Seneca, and the president. However, the districts are poor and present a great contrast to the plenty that is showcased in the Capitol. Provided herein is a discussion of the theme of dystopia together with the attributes of dystopia as presented in both films. A discussion of class, centrality of governance, use of armies to ensure control, and survival will be discussed, among other elements to help enhance and showcase the theme of dystopia in both films.
The first and obvious attribute of dystopia presented in the films is the existence of a central government with little regard for the lower class citizens. Central governance greatly impacts the flow of the films and further enhances the theme being discussed. In The Hunger Games movie, Capitol controls everything, including the production activities of the films. As indicated by Jones (227), the Capitol maintains a hegemonic position in Panem, and they also “control the resources within the districts.” Aside from the above, it should be noted that the districts in Panem are isolated. None is allowed access to the other, and this ensures that people get to live “regulated lives, structured primarily by production of their district’s commercial market” (Jones, 227). The idea of a central government far removed from the issues and problems that plague their people is also evident in the Snowpiecer movie. Wilford assumes the role of the central government, and everything flows from him. Like the Capitol in The Hunger Games, he has assumed a hegemonic position, and there is a cult-like following and belief in his ideals. In both films, the central government mainly seeks to maintain the status quo. They are suppressive and only care to enhance their ideals. Aside from the above, the relationship between the people and their government is one of delineation where each section or district knows its place. Such an arrangement, as is evident in both films, is a way to ensure that order will be maintained since people live in accordance with the set rules.
Both films present a closed system that is complex and one that helps maintain order and balance in the train for Snowpiercer and the districts for The Hunger Games. In one instance of the Snowpiercer, Mason notes that the aquarium is “a closed ecological system [in which the total] number of units must be very closely, precisely controlled in order to maintain the proper sustainable balance” (Gullander-Drolet, 8). Balance appears to be an important aspect in both films, and as seen in the Snowpiercer, to maintain it, the central government was prepared to even use violence and manipulative strategies. In dystopian societies, the maintenance of order and balance are key in ensuring the success of the central government. Wilford and the Capitol appeared to be well aware of this fact and used it to their advantage. In The Hunger Games, The Capitol ensures that it maintains balance and order for the sole benefit of the upper classes. One way it does this is by using the Hunger Games themselves to keep the masses at bay. The citizens appear content with their ways of life as the Capitol continues to get richer at their expense. This was a way to ensure that they were docile and would not present any resistance to the existing structure. In both films, the phrase panem et circenses, which is translated to mean bread and circuses appears to fit perfectly. In the Snowpiercer, the tail-end of the train or the freeloaders are being given protein bars, which helps to keep them docile. The masses are given enough not to revolt, and this works in both films, further enhancing the tactics of a dystopian society and government.
Aside from the above, there is also the issue of class, which worked to the advantage of the central government. In the Snowpiercer, the people are divided into different classes, with the freeloaders being the ‘least important’ of the lot. In one instance, Mason addresses the freeloaders and makes it clear to them that they are indeed on different levels or classes. She says that “a shoe belongs on your foot. A hat belongs on your head.” She goes on to tell that she is a hat and the freeloaders are the shoes. The two cannot meet at any point, but subtly, her statement confirms that the freeloaders are serving a particular purpose, which becomes evident as the movie is about to end. Also, the freeloaders are mainly kept for the sole purpose of amusing those in the upper class. In one instance, the soldiers came looking for a violinist mainly because the upper decks craved entertainment. Whoever could do something was taken up to help ensure sustain or ensure continuity. In The Hunger Games, the same is evident as well. Social classes do exist, and District 12 was widely known to be the poorest of them all. The wealthy and affluent are showcased in bright colors, while Katniss and the members of the other districts are showcased in their raw poverty. As the games start, it is made quite evident that the poor exist for the sole purpose of amusing the rich. The games help to keep the rich entertained, and no ...