AVATARva

Posted by: Tony – Dec 18, 2009

The clank of heavy boot-falls on metal a patented James Cameron sound effect that with other hallmarks are reminders of how Avatar is not just a 2009 movie but part of a larger body of work with consistent themes and ideas. He shows maturity of the evolved artist who has found clarity, a grander palette, deeper resources, and a more awesome adventure. I will not go into plot as it is what it is and parable speaks to those who can make connections. The irony and juxtaposition of watching this film such a passionate plea for not just environmental awareness and responsible energy usage but also the horrors of genocide, it is interesting that the film is distributed by News Corps' 20 Century Fox, this is a type of film that statements "this film does not represent the views of the parent company" are made for. To my mind the message of this film does not fit with it's News Station's personalities, but so is the genius and gift to the Fox share holders to cater to all and walk away with everyones money.

It is a joy to see an artist working with all resources available to him make something intelligent, emotional, with every confidence and certainty of their craft. The look of the film was exquisite, the emotional connection to characters existent, the editing graceful, and the performances solid. Epic, funny, classic, and classy in a first viewing. I do look forward to discussing scenes, connections and themes in-depth but I feel that the movie should be experienced cleanly first and it is worth experiencing.

For us here in Richmond it should serve as a special reminder to where we are and what city we live in. The property I live at is roughly where men got off of ships in a new world and this land took on a new direction. The story of human conquest and resource rape is multi cultural and multi generational it does not hurt to repeat it. Cameron's use of the term Avatar pulling on both its digital online virtual context and the Hindu idea of those who communicate to God is something that the people of this world of media over-stimulation could use as we play video games and so many watch Reality Television without finding their own adventures with passion in love or life. The communal act of going to a movie may also one day be a vanished tradition and one of the reasons for the spectacle of Cameron's vision in 3D is to keep life in theaters. Now that means something to those that make money off of the theaters but it means something to us as an audience too. The tribal stories our civilization needs to try to make sense of our world seen together is more joyous than watching something in high definition in our separate pods alone chatting about it online.

James Cameron's understanding of movie construction is such a relief, the stability of his camera and his use of flair and flourish when needed is so welcome. I sat in a contingent of Richmond filmmakers from all varied departments and the censuses afterward was that the film was epic and had delivered. A hard to please group was satisfied and enthused. Even when he ramps around with different shot speeds it feels functional and not just because they can. The shots all tell and support the story, everything is a VFX shot nothing stands out as false. All the artists involved in the project need be thanked for whatever they added to the film because the world they created was gorgeous and one I want to return to. The connection to that wonder and awe is echoed in the film and calls to our own dream worlds. I was moved deeply many times during the late night screening and wish I could personally thank James Cameron for making Avatar.

Todd Raviotta teaches film studies at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies and is an Adjunct Professor in the VCU Photography and Film Department.

Words: Todd Raviotta