“In learning the art of storytelling by animation, I have discovered that language has an anatomy. ”
So here I am, trying to harness everything I’m thinking and feeling at this moment into text on a blog. I have just returned home from the movie theater. The film that I saw tonight has made quite an impact on me. I was not expecting this. That’s the first good sign right there. When a film’s hype machine fails to detract from what you take away from said film, somebody did something right. Mr. James “EPICWIN” Cameron has done a whole lotta right. AVATAR is a masterpiece. It is, in the most basic analysis, absolutely beautiful. When I had first heard about this film about two years ago, I had no idea what it was about. At the time, nothing about it really struck my interest. How quickly that all changed once I started hearing so much more about it. I had heard both praise and criticism. My expectations were tainted with negativity. Well, more like uncertainty than negativity. While I still believed I would enjoy the film, I couldn’t even begin to fathom just how much.
Avatar is a revolutionary film. So much of the story is told through visuals and cinematography. Like any good story, there is a basic structure, and multiple supporting, yet unique side stories. However, with Avatar these side stories start somewhat elusive to perception. This is what I think may unfortunately turn some people off from the film. They just don’t get it. They’re used to the same old storytelling process that’s explained right out in front of them. I’m not saying that Avatar is hard to follow, it’s not at all. Just about everybody will be able to figure out that basic story structure of absolute power corrupts absolutely. But those who don’t get the full picture, for lack of a better term, fail to pick up on Cameron’s ingenious form of storytelling. Words may help paint pictures, but pictures are worth a thousand words. This more than delightful picture was worth not only a thousand words, but $77.3 million as well.
Cameron is both monetarily, and spiritually rich. Avatar is so full of spirituality. Everything is connected, in some way. We all share something so special, and sacred. Life. Sorry to burst Parker Selfridge’s (Giovanni Ribisi) bubble, but life is indeed the greatest treasure of all. It’s the smallest things that hold the greatest influence. I’m sure if you’re reading this, you understand just what I’m talking about. If this is the case, then it is you who I highly suggest Avatar to. Sure, I think everyone should go out and see this most amazing film, and currently my favorite film of the decade. But to those of you who see the points I’m trying to get across in this review, well… I see you.
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