Charming Classic - “Avatar”

"There comes a time in life where you have to wake up, and open your eyes" - Jake Sulley

A unique and coherent mythology is never wasted on me. I believe that the creation of a fictitious World, history, people's and enduring message, is creative thinking at its most...creative! And if anything can be said of filmmaker James Cameron, it's that he is most definitely creative.

Why did 'Avatar' (2009) become the highest grossing film of all time? What is it that this film delivers, which distinguishes it from a host of comparable films that came before it? I'll offer some suggestions that may have some credence.

James Cameron has a gift. Not just in his special effects wizardry, but in his inimitable ability to transport an audience into a cinematic World, regardless of how outlandish the premise of that World may be; (murderous cyborgs, communicative H2O, and a tuxedo-suave Schwarzenegger, as examples). Cameron understands better than most, that characters and a coherent narrative are what drives films, not special effects. In many a modern day 'blockbuster', CGI, along with the overused and underwhelming 3D, are no longer viewed as a tool of privilege to serve narrative, but have become a gimmicky focal point. For all his technical guile, Cameron never presumes to utilize the extras, without first having in place the basics. This is what sets his films apart.

Avatar delivers an awe inspiring sci-fi experience, but remains accessible to non sci-fi enthusiasts. It is a piece of work that is more of a project, than a film. One which you feel Cameron had been unconsciously working toward, with each cinematic success, for almost thirty years prior to its release.

The general premise of the film has been grappled with before however; A subjective colonial group, seeks to usurp the resources belonging to an 'Other', but is revealed as iniquitous and ultimately combated by a one time member of that very colonial group, (think 'Dances with Wolves' (1990) by way of, 'The New World' (2005)). But unlike the figurative title of the latter example, Avatar quite literally takes us to a new World, and it is one unlike anything I, along with many, many others, has ever witnessed before.

It's very clever that the moon world we are transported to is named 'Pandora'. Pandora of course, is the eponymous princess of Ancient Greek mythology who was given a 'box' by the Gods, and told never to open it. But, giving in to curiosity, she does just that, and releases evil upon the world. However, one crucial aspect that many forget in their retelling of this myth, is that Pandora managed to close the box in time, to leave one thing remaining,...the spirit of hope. And it is hope that is the lasting message of Avatar.

After all is said and done, after witnessing floating mountains, gigantic flying reptiles and other impressive flora and fauna, the message of Avatar is simple and full of optimism; a better understanding of difference and of nature, leaves no option but to "open your eyes".

It would have been quite easy to leave this film feeling overburdened with tree-hugger philosophies. There's a thin line between propaganda and objective promotion and Cameron treads the line perfectly...Avatar, after all, is a masterpiece.

Watch the trailer here: Avatar Trailer