Blog Post: The Hunger Games Mockingjay – DTC 208 Introduction to Digital Cinema

The hospital bombing scene in District 8 illustrates the violent effects of the ongoing war in their area. The scene begins with a hollow mood inside the hospital, where Katniss Everdeen and others are waiting for an attack by the capital. The peace is suddenly broken by the sound of enemy aircraft, leading to a massive explosion that destroys the hospital and causes several injuries and deaths. The camera work in this scene plays a role in showing the chaos and impact of the bombing. Handheld and shaky camera movements made a feeling of nervousness and urgency, allowing the viewers to be connected to the scene (as they are placed in the middle). Close up shots of characters, especially Katniss, show the person’s fear and distress, emphasizing how scared and nervous they were. Wide shots show the extent of the destruction surrounding them, making a broader view of the damage while placing the close-ups that focus on individual reactions. The camera also directs the attention to the aftermath which was smoke, debris, and injured people. This showed the significant impact of the attack on both the people and their surroundings leaving them with a feeling of injustice.