Reflection on Philip Seymour-Hoffman

Rating: 10/10 (13 February 2014)

I thought this movie was even better than the first. I couldn't help but focus on the Plutarch Heavensbee character played by the late Philip Seymour-Hoffman. Particularly when he is first introduced to Katniss by Effie Trinket at the party.
(Movie Lines from their introduction)........................
Plutarch: So how do you like the party?
Katniss: It's a little... overwhelming.
Plutarch: It's appalling. Still if you abandon your moral judgment it can be fun.
Katniss: So are you having fun?
Plutarch: I'm Head Game Maker, fun is my job.
Katniss: I thought that's what happened to Seneca Crane, too much fun.
Plutarch: Seneca decided to... quit breathing.
Katniss: Decided?
Plutarch: It was that or poison berries. I think Head Game Maker's never been the most secure job in the world.
Katniss: And why are you here?
Plutarch: Same reason as you, I volunteered.
Katniss: Why?
Plutarch: Ambition, a chance to make the games mean something.
Katniss: The games don't mean anything, they only mean to scare us.
Plutarch: Well, maybe it's you who inspired me to come back.
I think its quite ironic that he suggests Seneca Crane gave up or could have taken poison berries after having "too much fun" in games where you were asked to "give up your moral judgment". Did Seymour-Hoffman give up by taking heroin (poison berries) because he was no longer having fun in the "games" of acting? After watching his earlier 60 Minutes interview it was plain he was tough on himself. Perhaps he contemplated on his lines a bit too long and decided to take them to heart. He didn't seem to ever want to be acknowledged for the great work he was doing. He wanted us to forget Philip and believe only in the character he was playing. Perhaps he felt too exposed and vulnerable. Regardless his death is a huge loss for Hollywood. He will be missed.