With the recent news of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay being split into two parts, I noticed some criticism in the Hunger Games fandom over the decision. I personally think this is a great decision and came up with some ideas of how it could be achieved.
Why should Mockingjay be split?
Two parts afford the filmmakers an opportunity to convey a more in-depth and vast story line. After Peter Jackson confirmed that The Hobbit will be split into three films, one can only predict that Jackson will add story to the films that wasn’t in the book. I think Mockingjay could use some added story line to fill in some gaps that the book left. For example, what happened to Gale? We know he got a job in District 2, but fans would like to know more.
I felt that the end of the book was a bit rushed, and the films could make it seem like more of a satisfying ending. Also, with The Hunger Games going outside of Katniss’ point of view, Mockingjay could continue that trend and take advantage of the extra time.
We could see, say, Peeta being tortured in his cell, or President Snow plotting his evil plans. The split will also prevent the filmmakers from using the excuse “We didn’t have time.” You have two films based off of a 390-page book, that is plenty of time!
How should Mokingjay be split?
Mockingjay has great cliffhangers, and I think many of them could work for a splitting point between Mockingjay Part 1 and Mockingjay Part 2. One easy way would be to end Part 1 right when Peeta is brought to District 13 and he tries to strangle Katniss. Another Part 1 ending could be when Katniss gets shot in District 2. Or, when Katniss says “Let the 76th Hunger Games begin.” What the filmmakers would want to avoid is choosing an anti-climatic ending for Part 1.
Look at how Warner Brothers split Deathly Hallows. Filmmakers could have Part 1 be the background and story and Part 2 be the battle and conclusion. Any of these ideas could successfully work.
How do you think Mockingjay should be split? Do you think it should be split at all?