Seeing Blue: Why 'Avatar' remains on top of the worldwide box office
- Ethan Fletcher
- Mar 31, 2024
- 2 min read
A movie from 2009 beating out every film that has been released since then? How could this be possible? Let's take a deep look and find out together.
James Cameron crafted a seemingly simple story into a science fiction masterpiece in 2009, and the film containing that story was none other than “Avatar”. Cameron’s groundbreaking film brought about serious changes to Hollywood’s mentality when it came to filming motion pictures.
What Made the Film Special?
Motion capture technology was extensively used in the filming of “Avatar”, and paved the way for this technology to be utilized and enhanced in other projects. The technology and innovation behind the creation of the film played a large role in its commercial success. The film was visually breathtaking, and showcased 3D animation in a way that it had not been utilized before. You can read more about what technological components made “Avatar” such a success here.
The film also has a rich cultural message at its heart that, while disconnected from our reality, has a striking resemblance to our past. This almost subconscious connection makes the story much more interesting for the watcher. The film takes a look at the harmful effects of colonialism and negative racial relations. It also shines a light on the negative impact of greed and the destruction of nature for financial gain.
These ideas are, whether we want to admit it or not, things that humans have struggled with in the past and continue to struggle with currently and most likely well into the future.
The only unrealistic (or realistic, depending on your viewpoint) aspect of the film is that those being suppressed and harmed decide to rise up and revolt against the greedy humans. This is where the ‘fiction’ component of ‘science fiction’ comes into play, and Cameron does an amazing job of portraying it accurately and effectively.
The Legacy of the Film
“Avatar” changed what science fiction could be, with the help of Cameron’s vision and the technological advancements that helped it become possible. Before filming the sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water” Cameron wanted to engineer a solution to use motion capture technology on actors that were underwater.
He also traveled to the Mariana Trench after the first “Avatar” movie released. He is a director that is immensely dedicated to his craft, and it shows in his work.
As always, take care and safe travels!
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-Ethan Fletcher, signing off
It's definitely at the top of its class, great movie!!