James Cameron is a visionary director, which is not to say Avatar was a flawless movie as much as I loved it. We use the word “visionary” because it’s not “sight”- “vision” was defined in the old days to mean a “sense of sight”, or the ability to see into the supernatural. To see the supernatural, one must see and understand the meaning behind the sight; the word “vision” may come from the Sanskrit veda- meaning “I know.”
MINOR SPOILERS!!!
Cameron does two things that are visionary. First, he foresees the future trend in movies, inspired by the VFX of his time, and risks over $300M on this vision inspired from what Peter Jackson’s Gollum hinted at- a complete replacement of the human actor’s physical self, yet a vessel for magnifying its performance, crafted into a movie where the virtual characters are more real than the real ones.
Secondly, in doing so, Cameron is not just having us see his vision, but teaching us moral lessons in seeing our world in a whole new way through the filter of his creation. Now, I grant you that the execution was a bit ham-handed, with villains more cartoony than the virtual actors, plot clichés by the pound, and eye-rolling predictability. But in the same way I love Luc Besson’s work, that’s the charm, that bravado of motion picture, not film. We’re here to see a moving picture of something real, not a medium called film. This is entertainment, not art. …
So when his characters say to each other the Na’vi phrase of “I see you”, meaning not superficial sight but seeing deeply into someone, in other words it’s “vision,” and his characters of made of it and filled with it. From the great tree whose spiraling innards evoke the DNA of our existence, to the neural connections of the trees that allude to the Gaia hypothesis of sentient planets, one can’t help but feel how alive their virtual planet is. When we leave the theater and enter our cars, sit in front of our computers to read dry blog posts like this, we lose that feeling quickly, and that’s what Cameron wants to drag us kicking and screaming away from.
Now I’ve been very reluctant to jump at every thump of the global warming bandwagon, but this is the way to do it, not by cowering to rationalized human fear tactics from Al Gore, but to develop a true sensitivity to a world (hopefully ours) and to understand. His wild-eyed giants don’t depend on their eyes to understand, but use their tendrils to connect directly their holy tree. The message is that the purpose in life is to thrive along with the whimsy of nature. As Neytiri tells Jake, “All energy is only borrowed… You have to give it back.” We are constantly in states of recycled energy, as spirits, plants, animals, or people. These connections are literally important to survival, such as for riding an alien horse or choosing a Banshee.
The movie is called Avatar because that is what we become as we watch, experiencing Jake’s adventure vicariously. The word “avatar” also comes from Sanskrit, ava– “down” + tarati “(he) crosses over.” To cross over to Cameron’s world, one must have “vision” as a sense, just as Jake does not “see” Neytiri’s world until his makeshift torch is put out.
Jake’s name comes from Jacob, the “supplanter” (same as Jack as I’ve mentioned in my Bioshock article). I find it interesting his last name is Sully, to “dirty”. It’s intentionally ambiguous- who does he ultimately supplant, and is he dirtying himself by mingling with savages, or becoming one with nature? I get lots of comments about reading too much into names, so let me just put it this way:
- Dr. Grace Augustine = voice of good, “grace” for her sensitive beauty, “Augustine” as a holy name which is ironic for a scientist, who in the movie discovers spirituality. St. Augustine was the saint who premised the City of God , arguing that it is the spirituality of Christianity, and not its earthly politics, that ultimately triumphs.
- Miles Quartich = military-sounding name evoking an arduous life (Miles) and Quartich evoking words like “quarry” and “quarrel”
- Parker Selfridge = greedy corporate head, last name evokes “selfish”
We are fortunate that VFX has evolved to the point where we can do this believably. And while I’m split on Cameron’s films, loving some and hating others, I have to appreciate his vision that after all the magic has been made and money has been spent, some of us will have learned the sense of sight, and his borrowed energy will be recycled in our actions. We may become heroic avatars for his Avatar.
:heart:I was here . . . .
……oooO………….
……(….)…………..
……)../….Oooo…..
…..(_/…..(…./……
…………..)../……..
………….(_/………
….oooO……………
…..(….)……………
……)../….Oooo…..
…..(_/…..(….)……
……………)../…….
…………..(_/……..
….oooO……………
…..(….)……………
……)../….Oooo…..
…..(_/…..(….)……
……………)../……..
…………..(_/………
TJ writes:
^ What?
D. Renaissance writes:
I'm curious; what authority has granted you the ability to define what art is and isn't? And your claim states that entertainment cannot be art and art is not entertaining….
Do you not see your error?
The same authority that granted you the ability to attack my opinion without reading carefully… I did not say art and entertainment are exclusive. I said that this picture is entertainment, not art.
That doesn't mean there isn't art in it, or that it wasn't made by artists, but I am simply sharing Cameron's own opinion that this movie was first and foremost an effort to entertain audiences. If you read his interviews you'll understand this.
If anything, I completely agree with him that for people to see the art in something, it must be first entertaining. Not mutually exclusive at all, sir. This is why the Na'vi have boobs 🙂
prazosin 5 mg capsules
I blog frequently and I really appreciate your information. Your article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.
Excellent article. I am facing some of these issues as well..
Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to revisit once again since I book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.
Hello there, I do think your web site could possibly be having web browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, excellent blog!
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Many thanks! Where are your contact details though?
Having read this I believed it was extremely informative. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this information together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Howdy I am so thrilled I found your blog, I really found you by error, while I was looking on Digg for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a fantastic post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the fantastic jo.|
Very good post. I am dealing with a few of these issues as well..
Very good write-up. I certainly love this site. Keep it up!
I was able to find good advice from your blog articles.
I seriously love your website.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you develop this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my own site and would love to know where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Kudos!
I couldn’t resist commenting. Well written!
There is certainly a lot to know about this topic. I really like all the points you have made.
When I initially commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service? Many thanks!
You should be a part of a contest for one of the most useful sites on the internet. I will highly recommend this site!
Generally I don’t learn article on blogs, but I would want to point out that this write-up
very forced me to look into and do it! Your
writing style is surprised me. Thanks, very nice post.
Here is my website – ToddYDilallo
Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Finding the time and actual effort to produce a good article?but what can I say?I put things off a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thanks, However I am having troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anybody else having similar RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Hi there! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for the excellent info you have here on this post. I am coming back to your website for more soon.
That is a very good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate information?Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read article!
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it won’t fail me just as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I truly thought you would have something useful to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you could fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.
Hi! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the excellent info you’ve got here on this post. I am returning to your site for more soon.
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to return once again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
This is the right site for anybody who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that’s been discussed for decades. Great stuff, just wonderful!
You are so cool! I do not believe I have read through anything like this before. So great to discover another person with unique thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This site is one thing that is needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!
You’re so awesome! I don’t think I have read through something like that before. So great to discover somebody with a few genuine thoughts on this subject. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is something that’s needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I came across this during my search for something relating to this.
I want to to thank you for this very good read!! I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it. I have got you bookmarked to look at new stuff you post?
Great web site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find good quality writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
It’s awesome to visit this website and reading the views of all friends concerning this article, while I am also keen of getting know-how.|
Genuinely no matter if someone doesn’t understand afterward its up to other visitors that they will assist, so here it happens.|
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea|
It’s amazing to visit this site and reading the views of all friends on the topic of this paragraph, while I am also keen of getting knowledge.|
Can I just say what a comfort to uncover an individual who genuinely understands what they’re talking about over the internet. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people need to look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular given that you surely have the gift.
It’s hard to come by educated people on this topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
My partner and I stumbled oveг here from a ⅾifferent pɑge and thought I migһt check things oսt.
Ӏ likе what I see ѕo noᴡ i’m follօwing you.
Look forward tօ looking into your web page yet again.
Ꭺlso visit mｙ web-site :: football boots online (Leticia)
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this post plus the rest of the website is extremely good.
I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I stumbled across this in my search for something regarding this.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be helpful to read content from other authors and use a little something from other web sites.
Үоur style іs really uniue compared tо othｅr people Ӏ have rеad stuhff from.
Thɑnks for posting when уou һave thе opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark tһis web site.
Аlso visit my web site – laser hair removal – Niklas,
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be useful to read through articles from other writers and use something from other websites.
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe this web site needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the information!
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it won’t fail me as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I genuinely thought you’d have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something you could fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that too few people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I came across this in my hunt for something relating to this.
I used to be able to find good info from your blog posts.
I love looking through an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
This website definitely has all the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Hi there! This article could not be written any better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I will forward this information to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. Many thanks for sharing!
I was pretty pleased to discover this great site. I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely savored every part of it and I have you book marked to check out new things in your web site.
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe that this web site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been conducting a little research on this. And he actually ordered me dinner because I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to discuss this topic here on your internet site.
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something which helped me. Appreciate it!
It’s hard to find experienced people in this particular subject, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
This is a good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate info?Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
Howdy! I simply would like to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you have here on this post. I will be returning to your site for more soon.
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before but after looking at some of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m certainly happy I came across it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!
Spot on with this write-up, I really believe that this website needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more, thanks for the info!
I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your information. Your article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your Feed too.
I was very pleased to discover this page. I need to to thank you for your time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely really liked every little bit of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to look at new things on your site.
Good site you have here.. It’s difficult to find high-quality writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate people like you! Take care!!