I just watched Avatar in 3D, and I thought it was absolutely brilliant.
Some might think aspects of the plot are just average, perhaps predictable and even unoriginal, but I would have to disagree. I found the story to be beautiful. In it we see two contrasting insights into human nature. We see a future where the evil traits of our past still persist. Some might call the bad guys in this film a bit one dimensional, but I think they embody an all-too-real aspect of mankind. The protagonists, on the other hand, show an attitude and way of acting that we should aspire to. They recognise evil and are completely self-sacrificing in their efforts to overthrow it. In Avatar these simple but enduring ideas have been brought to a new dimension (forgive the intentional pun), resulting in a film that touches the heart.
Much of the hype surrounding the film, however, has been due to its special effects and the use of 3D. Well it deserves every bit of that hype. The effects are stunning, and the film sets a very high precedent for future films to live up to. I’ve watched other films praised for their special effects and been able to criticise some aspect of the graphics as not realistic enough and not quite there. I certainly found that with The Lord of the Rings and, I dare say, the modern Star Wars films. The effects in Avatar, on the other hand, seemed beyond criticism. Today’s technology and artistry have reached a level of photorealism, and indeed awesomeness, that I can scarcely imagine where it might be improved. Once I realised how flawless I thought the special effects were I went on the lookout for effects that weren’t quite good enough. The best I could suggest was certain water and fire simulations (those good old tricky things to do in CG), but saying that requires me to be exceptionally picky. If you wanted to be even more picky you could perhaps maintain that a higher level of photorealism can yet be achieved, that the animation was just a tiny tad cartoony, but I personally hold no such grudges against Avatar. The film was simply visually superb, so close to flawless that any major advances in film-making from here will be impressive indeed. I can imagine that the process of producing such remarkable effects could be made infinitely more efficient, but (unlike a few years ago) I am not creative enough to imagine the next significant advance in the field, unless perhaps it be some sort of holographic 3D (which still seems like a faraway dream, one that could prove rather disappointing if it turned out to be no better a medium for telling a good story).
The director, James Cameron, certainly waited until the time was right to finally make this masterpiece. I have to wonder if comparable upcoming films (such as Tintin and The Hobbit) will be able to compete. In the two aforementioned cases, Weta Digital (responsible also for the brilliant effects in Avatar) surely won’t disappoint.
If you get the chance, or even if you don’t, you should definitely watch Avatar in 3D. I firmly believe that 3D has gone beyond gimmickry, and now legitimately adds to the cinematic experience. It adds an extra dimension (forgive me for using the same pun twice) to the visual impressiveness of an already impressive film.
Once upon a time I thought having something in 3D in front of the screen truncated at the screen’s borders completely unnatural, and capable of ruining it all. Now I feel that it’s not an issue at all. It’s as natural as anything else truncated at the edge of the screen.
The film’s subtitles were put out from the screen in 3D to allow other elements to pop out a bit without interference. On one occasion, however, I did notice a stray ponytail pop out further than the subtitles yet still remain underneath them. I’d have missed it if I wasn’t looking out for that sort of thing, but regardless it wasn’t irreparably unnatural.
The film has a few interesting religious parallels, such as being born again, having a single tangible deity, and being able to “connect” to that deity. My friend sitting next to me was reminded of Acts 2:39 (talking about the promise of the Holy Spirit being available to everyone) when the saying “children’s children” was used. I doubt that parallels to being born again and receiving the Holy Spirit were particularly intended, but it’s still interesting to think about.
Well, I suppose that’s enough incoherent rambling about this particular film. I’ve shared my inconsequential opinion with the world. Now, if you haven’t yet seen Avatar in 3D, make sure you don’t miss out!
Update (2009-12-20 UTC, 21st in NZ):
An afterthought: I suppose it’s easier to pass something off as photorealistic in a fantasy set in a colourful jungle like nothing we know here on Earth. If, on the other hand, the animations regularly dealt with animals, humans and plants that we’re more familiar with we might still think the effects left a little extra something to be desired.
I also think the resemblance of some of the jungle to New Zealand bush is worthy of mention. The design of certain plants was clearly based on native New Zealand bush, albeit on a bigger scale. You can trust Weta to put a little bit of home in its creation! I suppose New Zealand bush is that little bit more alien to most of the world, thus suiting the film quite nicely.
Also, I neglected to mention how lovable and dynamic the characters are in Avatar. Just another fantastically developed part of this charming tale.
