Considering my general affinity for all things geeky (film, games, gadgets, etc…), it took me a surprisingly long time to get caught up with what ‘Avatar‘ really was. I had heard that it was a huge project from James Cameron, whose work I thoroughly enjoy (Aliens, T2… come on). Still, for whatever reason, I didn’t religiously hunt down trailers or look up announcement or anything like that. I kind of just waited the whole thing out.
Weird, right?
So for a while, all I knew was the director, that it was huge and that it was supposed to be pretty exciting and crazy. Then about 2 or 3 weeks before it came out, I was witness to my first, full ‘Avatar’ trailer. I was immediately enticed, as this was the desired effect, and the seductive tendrils of bright colors, sparkling lights and violence captured me quickly. Still, there was just the slightest hint of uncertainty. This was supposed to be a huge hit and I had noticed an awful lot of CG going on… As I viewed more trailers, the idea of the movie became more evident and I was further drawn in. I was now genuinely excited for the release.
And what a release it was.
‘Avatar‘ is one of those movies that invades and propagates throughout the media network like a virus. Each plug, each ad, gives birth to a new cell of delivery and it spread like the plague. This movie was fucking everywhere. Seeing it at release just wasn’t in the cards for me, so I waited patiently while everyone else lavished seemingly impossible amounts of praise and accolade on the movie. People that were skeptical were beaming with positive reviews and the acclaim was palpable. It started to get to the point where I just didn’t think this movie could possibly be the finely crafted portrait that was being painted. Then there was the whole 3-D aspect. What? I would totally have to try that.
So alright, onto the movie. From the onset, and I mean that literally, this movie captures you. Perhaps it was the 3-D, in fact, I know that played into it. Either way, this is a film that captivates unlike any other film I have ever seen. I’m not saying that it’s the best movie I’ve seen, but I am saying that it held me suspended in a web of sheer awe for the entirety of its nearly 3 hour running time. That’s not easy to do. The whole thing is an unbelievable sensory experience. The focus of this film was clearly its presentation and distinct conceptual perspective on a rather common theme in filmmaking. The idea here is the age-old “white man is sent to invade/destroy a native/indigenous group of people, ends up sympathizing with their way of life, falls in love, shifts loyalties to the people he was sent to persecute. It’s been done before but I’ll say two things about that: 1. James Cameron wrote the framework for the film in 1994, earlier than most think; 2. Just because it’s been done before, that doesn’t at all dictate that it can’t be good. This is something that I’m a bit sensitive about because it kind of pisses me off. Too many people fancy themselves some kind of deep and complex individual who “truly” comprehends the nuances of film, narrative and scope. I’m not saying that I do, in every regard, but I am willing to be liberal when it comes to my conceptions about film (or many other things, for that matter). First off, writing a screenplay is not writing a book. Not at all. I don’t know much on the topic, and won’t claim to, but I know that much. Second of all, not every-goddamn-thing that is written, displayed or heard needs to be original. Get off your fucking high horse. If it’s done well and effectively and fluently translates the intended emotion and ideological core of the film, then there’s certainly merit there. If an intricate narrative is essential to your enjoyment in fim, then why are you bothering in the first place? The trailers certainly don’t convey an amazingly deep story behind its glossy exterior. No, you don’t have to like it. That’s how it goes. It’s art, and therefore an expression and ultimately subject to any type of criticism. That’s fine. But debasing something simply because one thinks that it’s not a novel concept or “has been done before” is, in my opinion, just not a good enough reason. For me, it borderlines on arrogance.
That being said, yes, the story isn’t the strong selling point here. It’s fine with me though and it’s a wonderful infrastructure for the true focus of the film. Once the audience is taken to Pandora, Cameron never stops illustrating the beauty, wonder and power of this world. I find that it’s a bit difficult to interpret the affair accurately, but one always feels as though they are on a sci-fi safari of sorts, observing the incredible ecology of something beyond our own habitat. Something wonderful and pure; derelict and dangerous as it may be. The colors are vibrant, the flora is illuminated, the wildlife glows. The entire world of Pandora brims with an organic elegance and it is lithely presented to the viewer. Though the “connection to nature” theme is also familiar, I absolutely loved the idea of the Na’vi physically connecting themselves to their world, both the land and the animals. For me, that brand of creativity is the essence of the film and is part of what animates and inspires the sigificance of ‘Avatar‘. There is a sense of mythology to the land itself and it resonates beautifully and powerfully with the characters and ultimately, out to the audience. There are plenty who will (have) take(n) issue with the “pro-nature” ideologies pervasive in the movie. Look people, this is entertainment. If Cameron wants to convey a point, well, he’s more than welcome to. Other than that, this isn’t a fucking religious scroll or parchment. By no means, does anyone have to consent to any philosophical interpretation present. Enjoyment is not synonymous with subscription. Personally, I feel like the message is pertinent, even if it is a bit trite. Call me a hippie if you’d like. Then promptly fuck off please.
The acting in the film was fine. I use that word intentionally because ‘Avatar‘ only had so much actual acting that needed to be done. What was there was good though and the performance capture influence on the animated characters was noticeable and very well done. Each Na’vi avatar looked and behaved like their human counterpart, which was cool to see. The characters were appropriate and I really never felt a strong sense of the performances feeling contrived, despite the ambitious ideals of the movie. The casting was also appropriate. Sam Worthington was a fantastic choice, as he generally leaves an impression of subdued strength and quiet prowess. I very much enjoy Sigourney in all respects and her role here is fitting. Smart, strong, bitchy. Stephen Lang is a legitimate badass, whose formidable physical presence is matched only by his violent inclinations and cunning villainy. Joel Moore, Giovanni Ribisi and Michelle Rodriguez are all good choices in their supporting roles, though I found their characters to be rather vanilla in a movie that was already rife with cliche elements. Last is Zoe Saldana who was another great choice in both voice and character and also happens to be rather easy on the eyes. It makes me super sad-face that we never get to see her as a human, as she is an actual Na’vi character.
I really would like to paint you a more vivid picture of the film, but let’s be real, you’ve probably already seen it and know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s just such an alluring piece of work and its ability to arrest then brilliantly arouse the audience’s sensory participation is impressive. The 3-D implementation is incredible and strongly recommended. If you’re even slightly considering this one, just go see it. The theatrical experience is undoubtedly worth it this time around. ‘Avatar‘ elevates movie-going to the next echelon and though it may not fall into your personal category of good film, it may be the most fun you’ve ever had while gazing at all those projected lights.
Overall Score (out of 10): 9.2
Story/Writing: Admittedly not the strong point of the film. Not bad though and provides an appropriate framework for the context and flow of the movie. Innovative expressions of some familiar elements provide a strong alleviation of thematic overexposure.
Acting/Cast: There really wasn’t a whole lot of traditional “acting” but what is there works just fine. ‘Avatar‘ uses a lot of performance capture and it works well to convey realistic movement, facial expressions and overall behaviors. The cast is well assigned from the supporting roles to the main roles.
Camera/Cinematography: This is where ‘Avatar‘ truly shines. Sure, a lot of movies can lull you in with special effects then leave you abandoned when it comes to full presentation. That’s just not the case here. The visuals are simply arresting and there is a consistent sense of awe and astonishment throughout. A legitimate tour de force in cinematic experiences.
Sound/Music: This is the full package when it comes to all things sensory and sound is part of that achievement. The whole movie is filled with incredible sound, particularly on the world of Pandora. The music is James Horner of Aliens and Titanic fame, among others.
Website: http://www.avatarmovie.com/
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