It took ages before James Cameron could produce Avatar in 2009. It is said that Cameron had the script and the idea with him – since 1994 – but the technology to produce that magic was not present. The 3D camera with the augmented-reality view, which transformed the human actors into 3D versions of fiction in real-time, was the secret component Cameron was waiting for. The result of his patience and creative brilliance produced one of the most breathtaking movies in recent years. The Simulcam System which captured live-action performances with CGI elements embedded in them was once itself a science fiction concept.
Set in 2154, the movie itself is a science fiction story where the Earth’s natural resources are almost ended. The RDA or the Resources Development Administration is trying to extract and preserve the unobtanium from Pandora, which is a moon located in the star system Alpha Centauri. The Na’vi species, which are almost 10 feet tall, are the inhabitants. They are humanoids that speak the Na’vi language. To bring originality to the alien species, the Na’vi language along with its dialectics and linguistics was developed from scratch by Paul Frommer, a professor at the USC Marshall School of Business.
The protagonist Corporal Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), is a disabled Marine who is chosen to be a part of the RDA’s project. He is placed in a capsule whereby his mind is connected to the genetically engineered body of a Na’vi body. While Sully is unconscious in the capsule, his mind is transferred into the Na’vi’s body where he can perform all actions. This science fiction concept refers to mind uploading or can be seen as virtual reality.
“Everything is backwards now, like out there is the true world, and in here is the dream.”
SAM WORTHINGTON AS Jake Sully (AVATAR – 2009)
Avatar comprises various social themes as well. These include the foremost concept of environmentalism. Humans have exploited the resources on Earth and they are doing the same on Pandora. There are also hints of colonialism as how superior powers take over peace-loving nations. The arrival of humans to Pandora and the threat to the very existence of the Na’vi species explore colonialism.
Where there is colonialism, there has to be some form of corporate greed. The RDA is portrayed as a company that is working for its interests without showing any concern for the Na’vi population
Avatar also touches upon the important aspect of cross-cultural communication. The humans and the Na’vi cannot co-exist because the humans do not see the blue aliens as living beings but as obstacles in their way of acquiring unobtanium. The RDA does not make an effort in understanding the Na’vi’s culture and faces retaliation. The impact of using technology without any limitations is also discussed when humans turn into Na’vi and exercise their control.
Scifiers explores science fiction narratives that enliven our imagination and compel us to think about the “what-ifs” of creative world-building. It is on a mission to discuss ideas about sci-fi in its various forms that keep the genre in a state of continuous expansion.
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Image Sourc:e: Slash Film