Philip Seymour Hoffman Halfway Through ‘Catching Fire’

i’m glad to hear he’s reading the book. so many actors nowadays don’t even bother.

I’m so glad he said the script is true to the book! That puts me at ease!

i read it in 1/2 days

Finally some news on the script. I hope he’s right.

I do find his comment about the script being so true to the book that he “ruined” himself before reading the original book, to be very encouraging. Also, kudos to him for his honesty in admitting he hadn’t read the books before; I must admit that I have doubts about the sincerity of some of the actors who have claimed to be great fans of the books.

And this is why I’m at ease with whomever Lionsgate casts for the remaining roles (including Finnick). They know how to pick serious actors who know what they’re doing.

I just realized that people might think I’m accusing particular actors of lying about being book fans, and I really didn’t have anyone particular in mind when I wrote that. Just that it seems so many actors, both those already cast and those still auditioning, have said that, that I do wonder if some have felt pressured from their agents to play up their interest in the series.

i just read the source article (i forgot to do that when i first saw the post), and i have to say, his little comment when he’s asked about the level of hype there is for the film is just priceless. “i don’t know what it will be like. but, you know, i’m not playing KATNISS.” LOL! oh, i wouldn’t be so sure, PSH– seneca’s beard pretty much took over the internet. never underestimate the craziness of fandom.

Am I the only one who doesn’t think that an actor hired to play a character in a movie-book adaptation reading that book is not impressive? I get the context of the article but still…..he’s just doing the bullet points in the job description….lol

rebecca34: I don’t think we need to be “impressed” exactly, but there are cases of actors NOT reading the books, like Richard Harris who played Dumbledore in the first 2 films. I think that’s what some people are thinking of.

Thats good news to hear about the script of how true it is to the book. Also I think the script is why we are getting all of these big name actors because it is written by Simon Beaufoy, who has written scripts for many oscar worthy films. Which will definitely improve the quality Catching fire. Plus add amazing actors such as Philip Seymour Hoffman could get Catching fire an oscar or a prestige award hopefully. CANT WAIT.

The script is true to the book? THANK GOD. That’s so good to hear. Thanks PSH.

@satsuma – I understood exactly what you meant in regards to actors reading the books I am sure there is a mix of HG actors who would have read them beforehand, and read them after securing the role. Heheh, an off topic thought, can you imagine the adaptation of 50 Shades of Grey and an actor saying they were a big fan of the book???

Really reassuring comments from PSH too in regards to the script, it’s the first we’ve heard in a little while about the state of it, so obviously it must be decent Phew!

I also liked his comment about Plutarch – “He’s somebody who’s part of the revolution, but you don’t know it. The idea that somebody would be risking themselves in such an extreme way to join something that’s that dangerous because he thinks it’s the future…that’s interesting stuff, you know?” I think that demonstrates PSH is really looking into all the elements of Plutarch as a character, and we’re not just going to get a one-dimensional oh he’s the bad guy who’s actually a good guy take on the role.

Tash, I actually really like that idea if the writers are actually planning to make him a good guy.

I never saw Plutarch as a bad guy, we were seeing him through Katniss’ eyes so the fivolity that comes with being born and raised in the Capitol was an obvious put off for her.

When you think about it, however, he is actually one of the most interesting characters. Plutarch could have continue to have it all and yet he supported a cause that would directly affect his way of life and those he grew up with and cared or loved. All for what? The books never delve much into this and Katniss never cares enough to try to undestand it.

@Vega – I definitely agree that he is one of the most interesting characters, I don’t mind if he is portrayed as a ‘good guy’, I just hope they make it clear why they do so. There are moments in Mockingjay where even though you know he is part of the rebellion he does a lot to further himself and ensure his future, but that doesn’t necessarily make a person ‘bad’ either.

You do raise a great point about his own loved ones though, I had never really thought too much about that. I guess complex is the best way to put it, Plutarch put me off a lot because it was all about him, I didn’t ever consider him as a baddie but I always, and still do, felt uneasy about him.

@Nightlock – It was also reportedly rewritten by Michael Arndt, which can’t have hurt.

I wonder if Plutarch’s character will be expanded at all. This might not be the case at all, but I find it kind of odd that an actor of such calibre would take on a relatively small role (he said he hasn’t read Mockingjay so he doesn’t know of the expansion of his character). But I’m not too familiar with PSH’s work (I know, shame on me, but I don’t watch many movies), so maybe this is the norm for him?

@savanah– well, he’ll definitely get more screentime in the movie than he did in the book, if seneca crane is any indication. i don’t know that they’ll “expand his character,” but i hope they do. thing is, i think if they DO decide to expand on him a little bit, we’re more likely to see it in the mockingjay movies, rather than in catching fire.

@tash– his own loved ones is something i’m very curious about, especially since we know gary ross encouraged wes bentley and the actors who played tributes to come up with backstories for their characters. i wonder if francis lawrence plans to go the same way with plutarch or if, PSH being the awesome actor that he is, he might already be creating a backstory for himself.

A lot of you all ready said it but here I go… SO GLAD THE SCRITP IS TRUE TO THE BOOK! Ok thats all.
The End

@carla – Very very true, Isabelle really impressed me with her take on Clove. I’m sure PSH has something up his sleeve Wahhh to still having 400+ days to go though

@tash– but just a couple(-ish) weeks until filming starts! at least that’s something.

@carla – That’s definitely something I am hanging out for shots of them in character! Plus I will have the bluray in my hands soon for repetitive viewing hahahaha

Thank God the script is true to the book! Hopefully the’ve kept all the nightmare scenes!!!!