Steven

Payne Avatar (2009) Dir. James Cameron

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Fig 1 Avatar Movie Poster

Avatar is known widely for its revolutionary visual special effects, having a hand in effectively rebooting 3D in cinemas. In terms of story, the film is not particularly renowned, as it truly is the stunning visuals that carry the film. The digitally created world meshes pretty much seamlessly with ordinary reality in an undoubtedly impressive way. But Cameron has always been a technical pioneer. Schwarzenegger's T1 robot chassis was a marvel of special effects. (Bradshaw, 2009) Taking around twelve years to go from concept to reality, Avatar is a typical Cameron movie in terms of spectacle and the masses of awards pushed in its direction confirm that, although not for the story. The film has revolutionized the way visual effects are integrated into movies, with Cameron waiting since the 1990s for filmmaking technology to advance and catch up with his vision. "Avatar" is more than a visual effects movie. It's also a rousing action film, a cautionary

eco-fable, a tale of clashing cultures, and a love story, all rolled into one. (Plath, 2010) The film has gone on to become the highest grossing film ever made (followed closely by another successful Cameron movie, Titanic) and has amassed around 70 different awards since its release. The film touches on several themes including the 9/11 attacks (through the destruction of the Home Tree), anti-Americanism and the war in Iraq, as well as themes of Fig 2 The Highly Detailed Facial Visual Effects religion, race and civilization. Even with his colorless dialogue, old-time storytelling and surprise-free plotting, Cameron is smart enough to layer in intriguing ideas about identity and the different ways avatars reflect the values of those that control them. (Meyers, 2009) Although Avatar isnt the most intriguing film in terms of story, its a compelling, visual marvel and in terms of social impact, it is on the same level as films such as Star Wars.

Steven Payne Bibliography

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Quotes Bradshaw, Peter. (2009) Avatar. In: theguardian.co.uk 17/12/09 [online] http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/dec/17/avatar-james-cameron-film-review (Accessed on 24/11/11) Plath, James. (2010) Avatar. In: dvdtown.com 07/12/10 [online] http://www.dvdtown.com/review/avatar/blu-ray/8665 (Accessed on 24/11/11) Meyers, Jeff. (2009) Native Tongue. In: metrotimes.com 23/12/09 [online] http://www2.metrotimes.com/screens/review.asp?rid=25860 (Accessed on 24/11/11) List of Illustrations Fig. 1. Avatar Movie Poster From: Avatar Directed by: James Cameron. [film poster] US: Twentieth Century Fox Fig. 2. The Highly Detailed Facial Visual Effects by: James Cameron. [film poster] US: Twentieth Century Fox