Lionsgate is being extra generous tonight. Not only did we get the actors playing District 11 tributes, Rue and Thresh, but now Effie Trinket, too. Leading Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta into the 74th Hunger Games will be none other than Elizabeth Banks.
Once a year, each of Panem’s 12 districts selects two kids between the ages of 12 and 18 to send to the Capitol to compete in a fight to the death. The entire event is televised and that means appearance is important – even if you won’t live past your teens. Each district gets a trainer, a former Hunger Games victor, as well as an escort, which, for District 12 is Effie Trinket.
As described in Suzanne Collins’ book, Effie rocks pink locks, a “scary white grin” and is incredibly upbeat. She’s responsible for keeping her tributes well groomed, poised and camera-ready at all times. When everyone fears the worst, it’s on Effie’s shoulders to keep spirits high and everyone all nice and peppy for the upcoming death match. Great gig, huh?
Yes, Banks is a talented actress, but is she really Effie? From the very start I’ve pictured someone more along the lines of the early favorite for the role, Kristin Chenoweth. Not that Chenoweth isn’t pretty, but Banks is well, too perfect looking for the part. Having come from the Capitol where maintaining your appearance is top priority, Effie has to be somewhat attractive, but I always got the sense that the folks from the Capitol relied on tattoos, hair dyes and odd accessories to make up for what wasn’t naturally there.
Regardless, here, the top priority should be talent and in that department, Banks is a winner. Over the years, she’s proven she can handle just about anything from comedy to horror to action thrillers. While Effie seems as though she’d be a rather one-note character, when her mood swings, it swings hard. For example, Effie’s often perturbed by Haymitch’s drunken behavior and that’s got to show in a way that doesn’t come across as cartoonish, rather more subtle as though it’s really eating away at her. Can Banks pull it off? I say yes and more.
Looks like we’re three for three tonight!
By Perri Nemiroff (via Variety)
