|
Article by Cameron Spink
After years on the Hollywood sidelines James Cameron has brought us what has been described as the revolutionary movie of the last decade. Perhaps not quite as impressive because it was released in the last fortnight of the decade described as the noughties. Regardless, this is a masterpiece that will redefine cinema as we know it, up to a point. The effects in this movie are sublime (thanks to Weta digital), the world is lush and the creatures seem to literally jump out at you from the screen, thanks in no small part for the 3D glasses provided to the viewer.
Avatar is a fun r ide which is the result of solid performances by the leads Sam Worthington and Zoë Saldana. Their romance, while not unexpected, occurs effortlessly and the audience finds themselves rooting for the mismatched couple. The se two were relative unknowns when filming occurred and both stepped up to the plate and delivered. They are ably supported by a cast with good depth; in particular, the performances of Sigourney Weaver and Michelle Rodriguez make the secondary characters just as important as the leads.
This movie is by no means perfect. Whilst the world of Pandora is visually breath-taking this does not mask the inadequacies in the storyline. One can’t help feeling that this movie has extensively borrowed from Pocahontas and other previous works when writing the script. The result of this is a predictability that is somewhat dulling for the viewer and the climax of the film seems inevitable about halfway through the film.
There are many worldviews incorporated in this movie. The Na’vi people (the indigenous population) assume a pantheistic religious belief. That is, they believe they, and nature, are connected, that there are spirits at work within themselves and the environment around them. Following from this the Na’vi believe in a cycle of energy, namely that energy is merely borrowed from the earth and must eventually be returned. In many ways adopting a Buddhist worldview. In contrast humans are shown as, in general, people more worried about the profitability of a place or species rather than the intrinsic value of life. A great battle is presented within humans between their greed and a thirst for knowledge and truth. The latter finally prevails but at great cost. There is also a heavy emphasis on the environment and several, not very subtle, comments are made during the film about humanity’s inability to look after their own planet. A relationship with the environment and tending to the world one lives in are continually highlighted. This movie certainly is not concerned with delving into areas of great contention and giving an opinion of its own.
Avatar goes for almost three hours but through-out it is very enjoyable. In 3D it is something to behold visually, the action sequences are riveting and the romance is natural. The only thing that lets down this movie, as previously mentioned, is the unoriginality of the story. It is lighthearted and takes the audience on a fun ride all the while presenting many worldviews as morally right or moral reprehensible. Be sure to not fall into the trap of merely accepting what James Cameron wishes to present without questioning the validity of such beliefs.
4/5 stars
Have your say on our forum.
|
