Catching Science In Action: A Reaction and Analysis of Catching Fire as Science Fiction

by Christine Darla A. Bautista

Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games, is a perfect example of a science fiction film. Basically, science fiction is a classification for works on imaginary, futuristic scenarios involving science. Beyond amazing the audience with still non-existent technology, sci-fi films tackle philosophical ideas or critique society through the effects of innovations on the film’s characters.

Catching Fire was able to catch the attention of its audience by featuring an innovative scenario: as a Hunger Games sequel, it still tackles the idea of a dystopia, where the government reiterates its ferocity by taking children from the rebelling districts and bringing them into a high-tech arena to fight for survival. This concept is already fantastically futuristic and sci-fi, but Catching Fire elevates the story by presenting a plot twist. President Snow calls for the 3rd Quarter Quell, a special Hunger Games with past victors The high-tech arena embodies science fiction: shaped and working like a clock, the arena has divisions with astounding but deadly hourly surprises created by man—blood rain, crazy mutant monkeys, force fields, poisonous fog, giant wave, simulated lightning zone. To top it off, Panem was already very imaginary as advanced surveillance systems, long hologram videos, and hovercrafts, were utilized. Even the smallest details, like clothing, evoked a sci-fi vibe because Katniss’ gown of synthetic fire-creating fabric has yet to be created.

Beyond mere exhibition of future technologies, Catching Fire critiques future society. The film explores and deplores the abuse of technology by institutions. Although there were clearly several advancements in science, as shown by the power to manipulate nature in an arena, the technological developments were negatively correlated to societal progress because technology was used to hurt the people. As such, Catching Fire asks about future society: Will the evolution of cutting-edge technology lead to societal regression? If future man has the knowledge to invent such state-of-the-art technology, will he also hold the wisdom to use it properly? Nevertheless, can abuse of technology eventually backfire on its own manipulators? The Mockingjay as an inspiration for the people is critical because it is an image of the government’s downfall as caused by its own cruelty (“Historically,” jabberjays were government-created hidden recording machines that ended up annoying its creators by breeding with mockingbirds.).

Furthermore, the film also critiques the past and present. On a large scale, it critiques the extent of government’s desire to pacify the opposition and reiterate that it is above its people through creating fire. It is a reference to past dictatorships that eventually failed because futile attempts at instilling fear lead oppressed people to take up arms against government. It is a reference to current leaders, who enjoy almost effortlessly wealthy lifestyles, as their people toil tirelessly but remain in poverty. On a smaller scale, the film critiques human behaviour in survival scenarios: when faced with death as a consequence, can we resort to killing others, and can we maintain the personality “masks” of our daily lives?

             

Ultimately, Catching Fire shows the failure of technology and science. Although it has greatly improved, it was used against the lives of the innocent. With this kind of government abuse, science has failed to fulfill its goal of making life easier for others. As symbolically shown by Katniss’ arrow destroying the Clock Arena, it is only through taking a stand on technological abuse can science and society actually progress.