'Hunger Games' like '12 Years a Slave'? 'American Hustle' director David O. Russell compares Jennifer Lawrence's film commitment to 'slavery,' ready for trouble

Is the "Hunger Games" film franchise comparable to "12 Years a Slave?" According to "American Hustle" director David O. Russell, yes.

According to the New York Daily News, the award-winning screenwriter allegedly revealed to Confidenti@l at LA's Australian Academy's AACTA Awards on Friday (January 10):

"I personally think they should give her a bit of breathing room over there because they're printing money... But she's a very alive person. I'll tell you what it is about that girl - talk about 12 years of slavery, that's what the franchise is."

Oh my.

(Steve McQueen's film adaptation of Solomon Northup's "12 Years a Slave" memoir won the 2014 Golden Globe Award for "Best Picture Drama").

Russell also said that working on the "Hunger Games" is like keeping active on a "hamster wheel." He insists that Lawrence takes on more artistic roles as a "vacation" of sorts, but she needs to slow down before she burns out (again).

After all this he finally comments, "I'm going to get in so much trouble for saying that."

The highly-successful book-turned-film series has a total of four movies. "Catching Fire" was just released in 2013 (following the original 2012 film), and the two-part finale ("Mockingjay Part 1 and 2") hits theaters in 2014 and 2015.

What do Mstars fans think about Russell's rather controversial comments about J-Law's commitment to "The Hunger Games?"

FYI - Russell and Eric Warren Singer took home the AACTA International Award for Best Screenplay. Lawrence also snagged best actress.