There has been much hype around the movie and the technology. 60% of the movie is computer generated (CG). It is said that James Cameron (JC) waited for ten years for this technology to develop, before initiating work on the movie.3D is not just a gimmick and is genuinely and beautifully used. Even the minutest expressions are well captured. JC used new-tech stereoscopic 3D cameras for the shoot; the movie is edited in 3D as well. Imagine the editors wearing 3D glasses at work, and editing two images for every frame, one for each eye.
The action was recorded on a sound stage called “The Volume”. This stage had motion censors on the ceiling which captured every motion of the actors. Filming and editing spanned three continents. The rushes contained only the actors with a chroma background, everything else including the tall-blue Na’vi’s are CG. JC had visualized to the very detail, the background and props in every frame. Every secne was made is low resolution and once detailed by JC it was worked in hi-def. The movie has, in many ways changed production behind the camera.
Don’t think that graphics over shadow the script; JC has splendidly used technology for story telling. One must remember that, the movie is made to push the boundaries of technology, and written only to pursue it. The 3D primitive forest as techno-Eden imagery is so potent, cool and “visionary” that it overpowers any plea for bold, fresh, and original narrative.
Is the investment in the movie worth? I would hear only laughter, if I told investors that I need Rs. 1440 Crores, ($ 300 mn) to make a movie. But it is not the first time JC has been in this position. Investors would believe his vision, and his creation. The movie grossed $ 233 mn globally at the opening weekend itself.
Is Avatar the tipping point of next-gen tech-led movies? Will the 19th century cinema evolve to more such movies? Will our kids grow up on 3D Hi-def movies?
I would end with a quote from the movie: “There are no answers, only messages”
P.S. It was indeed good to see the Na’vi to be more humans than humans.
