"Future Almost Lost"

This essay analyses the effects of technological and scientific developments. Dystopian films tend to portray technology as taking over social practices and issues such as materialism, military, science, and industrial based politics. Technology is beginning to reach into each of these areas and it is the prediction of dystopian fiction writers, that technology will be in control and dictate these subjects rather than allow the power to remain with the people. The essay poses the question, are these dystopias critical of technology? by offering criticism on current social, economic, and political practices. Or on the other hand, do these science fiction dystopian films offer solutions to the inevitable? In some ways, I believe that both can be true depending on the film: the technological take over is inevitable because of the current practices upheld by our society.

The Hunger Games

Fear is paralyzing; therefore, totalitarian governments such as that in Panem capitalize on fear in order to maintain control. I think that the best example to prove this is when Katniss steps into the tube that will bring her up to the arena. When she turns around and looks at Cinna, all sound goes away except for a piercing silence. The audience can see the panic in her face as she is elevated to her potential death. Paralyzed by fear of what is to come, Katniss does not regain control of herself until just before the starting bomb goes off. The audience experiences this fear through the director's use of sound. At first all is silent, then there is a piercing pitch, and then there is the muffled countdown. As Katniss looks around and assesses her situation, the countdown becomes left muffled and everything becomes clear. This representation of fear is used to show the dangers of the Hunger Games but also to show the dangers of living in Panem. The people in the districts are paralyzed by fear and forced to stay immobile by ruthless peacekeepers and strict borders.

Hope, on the other hand, is mobilizing. The salute the people give Katniss is a sign of respect and hope. It is a peace but defiant act that tells the government that society agrees with the unprecedented actions of Katniss. After Rue dies, Katniss, who is aware of the vast audience, shows this sign of hope to tell people that no matter what the circumstance or how brutal the Hunger Games are, she will not be changed. The people from Rue's district who are watching in the square, all salute back to the screen. This single act of kindness and humanity sparks the rebellion. After saluting, people begin to fight the peacekeepers and anarchy ensues.

I believe the most influential statement made in this movie is by President Snow when he explains the following to Seneca Crane: "Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous. Spark is fine, as long as it's contained". Presdient Snow is aware of the fragility of his power; therefore, he has created a system to ensures the regulation of fear and hope in order to maintain the obedience of the people.

Katniss disrupts this regulation because she is stubborn and will not give into the Captiol's demands. I think it is interesting how Haymitch always says that Katniss has issues getting along with others. The fact is, she does not get along with the people in the Captiol because she can see through their lies and recognize the corruption. Ironically, Haymitch and Katniss get along really well in the most important times because they all understand the gravity of the situations. The people, on the other hand, love Katniss because she is fearless. She maintains her morality even in the face of barbarism. She gives people the strength to do the same in their own districts and fight for what is right.

The Road

As the Earth crumbles so does human nature. The planet is no longer sustainable for both human life and human nature. The grayness and deterioration of the natural world, as represented by the falling tress, reflects the deterioration of mankind and the morals by which people live. Viggo Mortensen's character only assumes the worst in people because for the most part, that is all that is left. He does not have the luxury of giving people chances because he has his son to protect. In contrast, his son (played by Kodi Smit-McPhee) chooses to assume the best in people until proven otherwise. In a way Viggo Mortensen's character had the potential of being just as corrupt as the rest of mankind, but his son forces him to reevaluate and reflect. For example, when the man steals everything from Kodi Smit-McPhee's character when he is sleeping, Viggo Mortensen's response is barbaric and inhumane. Sadly, the man complies even though he knows he will die because what other choice does he have in this world. There is so much uncertainty in the post-apocalyptic future. I think that this is reflected in some of the plot when the characters do something but you never see the outcome. In the same situation with the thief, the boy forces his father to return the clothing. When they get back, however, the man is gone so the boy leaves the clothes along with some food. The audience never sees what happens to the man or his clothes. Does he pick them up? Did he die already? Does somebody else find it?

This film reminded me a lot of Children of Men in regards to the lack of children. When Viggo Mortensen's character and his son come across the old man, the old man is delighted to hear a young voice again. He never thought he would ever hear the sound of innocence and the sound of promise again. After watching The Road and Children of Men,  I realize that children are vital to the stability
of society because they represent the promise of a future. In such conditions shown in The Road, children give people hope that there is a chance that the future may be brighter and better. Like I said earlier, I believe Viggo Mortensen's character could have become just as barbaric as some others in this society. Due to his responsibility to his son, however, he teaches him how to be good and ethical. His son keeps him grounded just has children keep society grounded. There is an inherent responsibility to pass on the best of people in order to create a better future. People need to pass on "the fire": the inner capacity to be good in everything you do even despite the trying environment. At the end of the film, the audience is left relieved at the fact that the boy found another family. For all we know, they could be cannibals, but for some reason, the fact that they have children makes them trustworthy; of all people, they would best understand the importance of maintaining "the fire".