James Cameron’s Avatar may be no air-bender, but it is surely a mind one. A movie, 15 years in the making, left me absolutely drenched in awe after I finished watching the three-hour, modern day Odyssey. It had everything I ever wanted to see in a film, and then some. It took all the Hollywood cliches, combined them into something meaningful, which is very rare to see these days, to produce a mind-blowing experience that I haven’t completely enjoyed since the 90s. Just when I was beginning to doubt Hollywood’s ability to produce true “blockbusters,” James Cameron emerged from the caves to save the day.
The movie had so many great themes, it’s hard to just choose one to talk about. However, if I were to choose just one, it would have to be the theme of spirit and energy. This is a very important subject, in my own personal life, which has helped me to understand more about myself over the past couple of years. And if you ever have the time, I suggest you learn more about it yourself – for knowledge will do you many wonders!
The tie between energy and humans is a strong one, simply because it is us. Whenever it was talked about, or presented, I felt all goose-bumpey (if that’s even a word?). From the seamless transitions between “dreamworld” and reality, to the chantings around the Tree of Souls, the presence of universal energy is something that resonated (for me) throughout the film. (I don’t mean to sound all “New Age” but this is my honest opinion.) It’s not very often that you get to see a movie, of this magnitude and budget, with a great story to fit, but this is what has been done.
The CG in Avatar was also really well-executed. As a digital artist, I can appreciate, just a bit more, the amount of work that went on in this film. When people can’t tell the difference between virtual and live-action, you (digital artists) know you’ve done a good job. So, to the seemingly millions of staff who worked to bring this project together – thank you and congratulations. You should all be very proud of yourselves!
Whatever the case, this film is a must-see for both young and old. There was not one moment where I wasn’t hooked in by the story and visual beauty. Ah, too much to rave about!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
George
How right you are! I have seen this film twice already, both times in 3D. What a wonderful experience. I'm betting that James Cameron himself is unaware of how this film will touch so many people on so many levels. There is the tie-in with Eywa and Gaia being the mother goddess of the Pandoran's/Humans respectively and the devestation caused to Pandora in reflection of the devestation being levelled on our own world. The deeply spiritual bond between the Na'Vi and there surroundings. It is all there to see.
Your comment about us being all energy is encapsulated in my article: Perception is Reality where I say: "Modern physics has also postulated that DNA may function as a type of holographic projector which translates low vibrational state energy into ‘physical patterns’." or as Yoda would say, "Yes, luminous beings are we. Not this crude matter."
Timberwolf
I most certainly loved the tie-in of Eywa/Gaia, and especially the group "meditations" they did around Eywa. Something about it just gave me goosebumps all over; I hope more people see the significance of these underlying messages.
Thanks for your article mention – they are always a delightful read, and very enlightening. My understanding of scientific relationships is still a bit crude but, in time, I hope to learn more. Thanks again Scott. (Yoda is one of my favorite characters
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