Viola Davis Says Highlight of Playing ‘Hunger Games’ Villain Was Making Tom Blyth “Squirm”
Viola Davis recently spoke about her experience playing the villainous head gamemaker in the prequel movie Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. In an interview, she shared that one of the highlights of her role was the enjoyment she derived from making her co-star, Tom Blyth, squirm. Davis expressed her absolute delight in poking and injecting him during certain scenes, indicating the thrill she experienced in playing a villainous character.
The Joy of Playing the Villain
Davis revealed that playing a villain provided her with a unique opportunity to explore a different side of her acting abilities. She expressed her love for the role, mentioning that seeing how many times she could make someone squirm was a source of immense joy for her. Tom Blyth, who portrays the character of Coriolanus Snow in his younger years, proved to be a receptive and talented acting partner, allowing Davis to fully embrace her wicked character.
Exploring New Territory in the Hunger Games Franchise
The prequel, Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, is set decades before Coriolanus Snow becomes the tyrannical president of Panem. The film follows the story of an 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow as he mentors Lucy Gray Baird from District 12 in the 10th annual Hunger Games. Davis was drawn to the Hunger Games franchise after reading Suzanne Collins’ book and desired to immerse herself in this captivating world. She expressed excitement and a slight trepidation about stepping into a new realm and challenging herself as an actor.
The Thrill of Creative Freedom
Jason Schwartzman, who plays Lucky Flickerman, also shared his thoughts on being part of the Hunger Games franchise. He expressed his admiration for the original films and the performance of Stanley Tucci, describing it as the epitome of greatness. Schwartzman discussed the freedom he had to shape his character and the weight of portraying an ancestor of such an iconic character. He emphasized the importance of being given creative space to bring something new to the franchise.
The Impact of Aspect Ratio on Filmmaking
The aspect ratio of a film plays a significant role in shaping the viewer’s experience. Different aspect ratios convey distinct messages and allow filmmakers to express their artistic intentions. For example, in the movie The Lighthouse, shot in an aspect ratio of 1.19, the director and cinematographer aimed to capture the look and feel of films from the 1890s. The box-shaped aspect ratio and large black bars create a vintage atmosphere and immerse the audience in the period setting.
Aspect Ratios as Aesthetic Choices
Aspect ratios are much more than technical specifications; they are deliberate aesthetic choices. Filmmakers often use specific aspect ratios to pay homage to certain film genres or directors, or to stand out in a crowded marketplace. For instance, shooting a film in an ultra-widescreen format can convey a sense of grandeur and spectacle, while a square aspect ratio may evoke a nostalgic or antique feel.
Personal Influences on Aspect Ratio Selection
Every filmmaker has unique influences and inspirations that inform their choice of aspect ratio. For example, Noah Baumbach’s preference for a format commonly seen in French cinema reflects his artistic connection to French filmmakers. Quentin Tarantino’s use of ultra-widescreen ratios may be attributed to his desire to compensate for something or create a specific visual impact. These personal influences shape the visual language of a film.
Conclusion
Playing a villain in the Hunger Games franchise was a highlight in Viola Davis’ career. She found great joy in making her co-star, Tom Blyth, “squirm” during their scenes together. The aspect ratio used in films can also play a significant role in conveying artistic intentions and setting the tone of the story. Filmmakers make deliberate choices when selecting aspect ratios, whether to pay homage, create visual impact, or evoke certain feelings. The creative freedom afforded to actors and filmmakers allows them to shape their characters and the overall cinematic experience.
FAQs
1. Are there any plans for a sequel to Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes?
As of now, there are no official announcements regarding a sequel to Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. However, if Suzanne Collins decides to continue the story and involve the character of Katniss again, it could lead to a potential sequel.
2. Did Viola Davis enjoy playing a villain in the Hunger Games franchise?
Yes, Viola Davis expressed her absolute delight in playing a villainous character in the Hunger Games prequel. She mentioned that one of the highlights of her role was the joy she experienced in making her co-star, Tom Blyth, “squirm” during certain scenes.
3. Who plays Coriolanus Snow in Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes?
Coriolanus Snow is portrayed by Tom Blyth in Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The film is set during Coriolanus Snow’s younger years, following his journey as he mentors Lucy Gray Baird in the Hunger Games.
4. How does aspect ratio impact the viewer’s experience?
The aspect ratio of a film can significantly influence the viewer’s experience. Different aspect ratios create specific visual moods and convey artistic intentions. For example, a square aspect ratio can evoke a nostalgic or antique feel, while an ultra-widescreen format can enhance the sense of grandeur and spectacle.
5. Why do filmmakers make deliberate choices in selecting aspect ratios?
Filmmakers choose aspect ratios based on their artistic vision and influences. They may pay homage to specific film genres or directors, create visual impact, or evoke certain feelings. The aspect ratio is an essential tool for shaping the visual language of a film.