James Cameron’s philosophy when making “Avatar” : If you want to see it, chances are others do too.

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#MasterClass #avatar #jamescameron #avatar2 #avatarwayofwater

[@Jcmasado]

“To sustain a feeling” that’s exactly what a lot of movie creators completely forget about nowadays.

[@POPDATA]

Exactly I wanna see more in those short love scenes

[@craigo5030]

Disagree, lots want to do that, the money don’t wanna see it though

[@pargisis]

A lot want to , but like James said...gotta fight with the studio exec

[@BlueCollar80]

most films today feels overly quick paced

[@countryboyri]

Agree. Also, spending time invested in those scenes gets you invested in the grandeur of the world, so that when the burning of Home Tree is truly tragic and horrifying; you grieve its loss with the characters. You don't want Pandora or any living creature on it to be destroyed.

[@deew2005]

Don’t let someone tell u how to do ur vision

[@DeanTheDoctor]

@Your Real Daddy In the same boat haha. We just have to be brave and push through it. Eyes on our goals! 😊🌎✨

[@willb295]

Be open to criticism if it’s constructive, regardless of what your vision is

[@whengrapespop5728]

Thats not how filmmaking works. The director brings the creative vision, but the producer has to figure out the practical side of it. It’s not a one man job, there are plenty of people working on a movie, and a director doesn’t ‘have it all’. So yes, be open to someone affecting your vision if you’re a director, because there are people who have to hold you accountable for security, executability, law, marketing, contracting, budget, professionalism, and (speaking from experience) directors tend to dream themselves away so they _want_ to be held accountable by others if they’re taking their job seriously, which is why directors often work with the same producers and certain crew members. Directing is not like drawing a picture, there are many people involved and many people affected by your vision.

[@kazuthesamurai7346]

Studios don't get it especially Disney and Warner

[@Fluffadoodle]

@@Dr.Knowledge101 but they”re already spent so much time filming and creating the world, they still have to deal with their loss if he changes his mind

[@TheLoneAlbino]

Those scenes literally gave you the feeling of living within the story. It felt as if you are in Pandora. And I love those scenes.

[@bikramarora1819]

@@wzore6480 all movies are art. It’s however you wanna interpret it.

[@SpandauJerry]

same❣

[@jaybanks3463]

Exactly guess the most iconic scene of Jurassic park. You got that right. The scene when he says “welcome to Jurassic park” that music plays and we just sit and experience the wonder of live walking dinosaurs. Some of the most powerful scenes is just pure visuals and wonder. My favorite scene of Avatar is when Jake says “shut up and fly straight” and we get this sense of calm, that music starts playing, and Jake is finally flying. We feel what Jake feel in that moment because we been on this journey with him and also we all dream of flying.

[@cal5754]

I'm fully behind James Cameron here but your example I wouldn't say is the best. That scene in Jurassic Park served a massive purpose. It introduced the characters and the audience to the dinosaurs in a larger than life way and I think ultimately was intended to pull you right into that world

[@victorsamsung2921]

True! That moment when Doc saw the Sauropods for the 1st time ... that was golden.

[@lucasvanpassel3662]

This perfectly defines avatar 2. The story is just an excuse , the purpose is to see the beautiful world of Pandora and feel like you are there, and for this reason I loved the movie. So immersive

[@johnnysheen8155]

ahh no, I more focused in the story lol

[@andregordon2599]

@@johnnysheen8155 art is not a competition and both perspectives are allowed

[@johnnysheen8155]

@@andregordon2599 I don't understand his perspective though, the way he approach the movie is very Simple minded. Why would he call it an excuse??

[@zarrowthehorse]

THATS WHAT IM SAYING

[@mitchliam974]

The story is what drives a film. Beautiful shots of an imaginary world is getting giving theme park vibes ngl

[@thereseember2800]

The flying scenes were profoundly exhilarating-every child’s dream to be flying.

[@stoheha]

Plus, something to take into consideration is that these scenes actually visually convey Jake's relative mastery of flying. By racing with Neytiri in the end you see that he can fly on par with her, which is important considering it wouldn't make much sense that he's able to ride a Toruk later in the movie. Plus, I recall these scenes are probably the most fun that you see Jake and Neytiri have together, which is important if you actually want to have a convincing romance. Were they the only scenes we could've got that from? No, but the movie also noticeably lacked fun scenes between Jake and Neytiri, and a scene to show Jake's flying skill and understanding of flight formations, so I believe the movie benefits from the flying.

[@pradeepkurapati1997]

399 -> 400

[@zee9709]

Yeah, when i see as kids, omg. Dragon ridersssss

[@vikash23641]

"When u have a great idea, don't let any fool stop u from doing it" - Stanley

[@Darth_Mom_2]

I’m a big fan of Avatar not just because of the story but because of the details in the world building that Cameron has done. I love just love being immersed in all the creatures, nature and beautiful wonder of Pandora.

[@Exen88]

Yea that’s exactly my thoughts!

[@MilldreamProductions]

Studio was VERY WORNG. This is a work of art, it’s a painting. It’s film like we don’t see film amongst most other creators. It isn’t Netflix, just something for you consume and move on. It’s to leave an impact and an imprint of the world of avatar in your brain. The story is basic yes, but it’s human. It’s basic to us because we have become familiarised and therefore overlooked the beauty of the human nature. This story is retelling of humanity in another universe and it’s beautiful! 🥺😩

[@IAmSarlosCantana]

THANK YOU! People love this movie but even the fans don’t realize how deep and hard it really goes. It’s about us, humans.

[@saranogueira5211]

So well said 👏🏼👏🏼

[@Dylunic]

Beautifully worded!

[@Dessydd]

The 2nd film is too long. It's bloated and a bit dull to be fair. It's his vision but he went to far in the sequel.

[@bobbyjonas2323]

Worng

[@Littogaming1146]

Now it's the same with swimming scenes.

[@SOLIDSNAKE.]

Lol Jim's a boss man

[@ddss7272]

I'm going to see it for the 3rd time just because of the swimming scenes.

[@megamatt1915]

@@ddss7272 just did so myself!

[@tristanyang3135]

yeah people are complaining about that which they don't understand about the swimming scene.

[@pixxelwizzard]

Yes! I loved the swimming scenes but wondered if they'd bore me upon multiple viewings. Nope! 5 viewings later and I still have a huge grin on my face when I watch 'em. :D

[@mers88cm]

That scene made me feel an incredible emotion I've never felt again. It was so powerful and beautiful. James Cameron has an artist mind and vision ✨

[@sohamchivukulae6235]

James cameron’s work is truly wonderful! ❤ It’s something else.. you’re the best 🙌❤️❤️

[@iramaloneofficial]

This is why I love Cameron; he knows his craft. He did this with Titanic, Aliens, and Avatar.

[@laserblaster]

This is gold. Everyone nitpicks everything these days like crazy but the movies are about the spectacle sometimes. Seeing something amazing you’d never see in real life. Cameron knows this and somehow so few other filmmakers do too

[@marathiboi96]

James Cameron is a genius when it comes to telling simple stories in a extravagant manner, he's a genius cause we're in a age where every cliche is known to movie marks and he still manages to bring fresheness to them

[@dwsel]

It's indeed like the knowledge of the inner workings had stripped away almost all the magic from the whole life. Yet this movie is capable of delivering that feeling.

[@bikramarora1819]

It’s the exact reason I love Titanic. That movie just sweeps you off your feet once you check your cynicism at the door.

[@bachmanity_]

The flying scene infact was one of the most heartwarming scenes , specially with the soundtrack. JIM has such an amazing foresight, absolutely based. What a legend.

[@erinlaboricua]

I saw Avatar when my father brought the DVD home, and I was 10 at the time. Something that fascinated me (and still does) was the simplicity of the brief scene just after the flying, when Jake and Neytiri are reliving the flight by retelling the event to each other like they were telling it to people who weren't there. It's childlike, in the sense that it was the purest demonstration of joy, and it's the smallest moment that I have the most fondness for.

[@wattsnottaken1]

When I was 12 my parents brought home Avatar on dvd and I’ll never forget watching it with them. Such a good movie that gets better everytime you re watch it

[@ethanholgate2512]

Similar to my experience my dad was a huge Jim Cameron fan so when Avatar 1 was coming out he brought me to see it in 3D and it was one of the most amazing films I ever witnessed that was my introduction to Jim Cameron then dad bought both versions on bluray including the extended version

[@jaymesscott9327]

Imagine understanding storytelling the way he does. So simple, so beautiful.

[@fabioalvesshow]

I love Avatar, watched on IMAX was incredible and was the first Blu-ray that i bought. ❤

[@maiam4691]

I had a friend whose mom passed away and I found out only then that the mom had actually been a pilot earlier in her life. I learned to fly a few years ago. My friend told me her mom's favorite movie was avatar because it was the truest depiction of the feeling of flight she had ever seen. I started thinking about it and realized she was right. That instant feeling of knowing you're meant for flight, the connection you feel to people who love it too, even the idea that you're one with the thing you're flying.

[@Flaxxxen]

Thank you for this. I’m crying reading it. I’m not a pilot, but somehow, my heart knows the feeling you’re describing.

[@arvincabugnason6728]

Sometimes its not just the movement of the story, sometimes if the moment is so good you just want to sustain it, the human connection.

[@shoranhimura]

It's called immersion and suspension of disbelief. Something that many movies forgot nowadays and it's super important to get the feel of the situation around the scene.

[@dandandan18]

YES! A lot of moviegoers understandably are critical of plot and visual quality but the art of watching isn't just those two. It also includes just enjoying, being in awe, wondering. You spoil that by trying to define or forcing what the movie is; you just enjoy what is being served and try not to put it into a definite box that will limit you on how you experience the movie.

[@brennonlewis]

Avatar is the perfect example of how even a simple story can be amazing with how it's delivered. I understand when people say it's an unoriginal or basic story but try to find a movie that has an "original" story that immerses you as much or a movie with such great acting

[@lmgutier]

I feel so much when watching these movies-the scenes are not just some plot point. You are meant to visit Pandora and feel it’s magic.

[@ЕлизаветаТерловая]

Yes. That is why when you are watching an Avatar you have a feeling that you are on Pandora too. This movie is like a beautiful dream.

[@sohamchivukulae6235]

Your vision is something else james! ❤

[@frederickbarbarossa7961]

“Why did you do this scene?” “Cause it’s cool af”

[@kennedytaylor4783]

When I think of the first Avatar movie, the first thing that comes to me are the flying scenes.

[@mialiang1601]

I can never get enough of simply watching Na’vies daily life, just them living in the beautiful Pandora. Because nI feel like I’m with them, I feel like Pandora is real. Just literally entering a new world in cinema

[@Nanaa188]

💯💯💯💯 so glad james put it through the eyes of the people that watch the movie

[@Jammineyeonline]

James is a director that has my respect.

[@NoWayJose3456]

Those were some of my favorite scenes. So carefree and fun! Made you forget about all of your life’s worries be was a great way to immerse you into their world. Really took you to another place. So glad he kept it in. Never gets old!

[@daveinpublic]

James Cameron is good at wording his defenses to his creative decisions. That’s why he’s able to keep more of his vision in tact, and get better movies out the door.

[@sarangsharma5346]

Flying scenes were the best for me

[@acopp6891]

Absolutely 100% agreed.

[@veteransforequality7347]

Yep, also agree

[@victorsamsung2921]

Same for Titanic with Jack & Rose.

[@sarathharidas8781]

He is absolutely on point. I am ready to watch 3 hours of just them flying or spending time in water exploring the habitat.

[@Emariess]

It’s those flying scenes that made me walk right back into the next viewing and watch it again. My mind was blown wide open and I had to see it again.

[@catalinacaro8183]

That was one of the scenes that inmerses you into the world so good omg

[@jehuvandiver]

This is one of the exact reasons I think studio ghibli is so good bc they’re approach to filmmaking isn’t just to constantly build tension till the very end of the movie or have every scene have a direct impact on the narrative, not that that’s bad but it is less reflective of real life. They used elements of space and silence in scenes that don’t necessarily advance the plot in any significant way but give a sense or realism to the characters and allow the audience to reflect in that moment and it’s what makes their films so great, and I believe what Cameron seems to prioritize as well.

[@jitendraupad]

And precisely the only scenes for which people stand in lines to experience it; both for the movies and Animal kingdom. Mr. Cameron, you rock!

[@starhawk63]

This is a great example of why I love Jim Cameron's movies!

[@tonamaradiaga1882]

The nerve of the studio executives to even consider questioning THE DIRECTOR himself. Not to mention his resume and the insane amount of money he has made for them.

[@seesidesummerhouse6112]

Great having a guy like Cameron on a project like this. A franchise like Avatar involves a huge amount of investment capital, and studios are rightly concerned about risk (hence always wanting to follow a specific formula). That said, James is one of the few directors in the world with the clout to call the shots in the face of such executive pressure. Avatar 2 could’ve easily been a 2 hour movie, but Cameron treated the the theatrical release like a directors cut, and gave us at least an extra hour in Pandora, which improved the overall enjoyment of the film tenfold. The film felt more like an experience, and less like a movie, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

[@moralias104]

My favorite part in films is when there is a visual shot next to a few moments of silence.

[@patriciapaints]

I’m glad he followed his vision. The Pandora world is there to enjoy it, to see it. Is a work of art.

[@masternate2567]

This is very true, even in video games some of the best moments are just listening to the music and getting lost in the world. I honestly think this scene added more to feeling attached to the world and seeing its beauty, vs the cold constucted ships and base that the humans brought to industrialize the untouched natural world.

[@toddsyoutube2679]

Those scenes are the best part of the Avatar franchise. It's that sense of wonder, and being immersed in a world of beauty. Also seeing all the effects and lush score pay off.

[@Xman0220]

God, I’m so happy he’s the one at the helm of a franchise like Avatar. I loved rewatching it as a kid, now his same principles are what help make the series as successful as they are

[@DzigaJerkov]

People talk about it being just for the visuals, good cgi, immersive world etc. but it definitely feels more like Cameron is just creating a beautiful world in order to “sustain the feeling,” of someone falling in love with a new world/worldview/person, accepting his lack of connection to his old life, and fighting for what he loves. It’s all in service of sustaining real emotions. It’s simple plot-wise, but delivers exponentially with an emotional narrative

[@ace.yt.]

Thank god they didnt cut it out. Those scenes are amazing

[@nomad27]

Kubrick: I want to see a tiny dot moving from left to right for 5 minutes straight

[@chiraggupta4656]

There is reason why this man is one of the biggest director ever

[@grim_raider_1812]

Now that I’ve heard that, I now know why the second film did what it did. I did get bored at a few points of the constant inaction but I never did look around to see what else is going on in the scene and to enjoy the world as it was being portrayed.

[@mantisbg3]

I love his Avatar movies. The world of Pandora and the characters are what make it for me, not the story. It’s such beautiful escapism, and I am so intrigued and in love with the world and characters he has created.

[@dabidibup]

When you’re young you think art is just pretty, when you’re older you realize there’s a reason you find particular art pretty.

[@FreshlyWILD]

The studios just like social media platforms strive for quick dopamine-tic triggers instead of letting art play out.

[@Deri_Seh]

He is the man. I respect him for being that persistent and caring for his vision.

[@blountman747]

Glad they put it in there it's a beautiful scene

[@ReeseeLambert]

Wow. U can’t make this up; but this is how creativity is stifled. Gr8 job Mr Cameron for knowing who the filmmaker was 💫

[@yerintaem]

He’s right. When I watched avatar for the first time, I was obsessed with the scenes where they were flying on the Ikran, especially that one moment where Jake was watching Neytiri fly on Seze. Beautifully filmed and it makes it so much more immersive and magical. Glad Cameron always sticks to his vision

[@nozomu5996]

Dude when I saw how the water Na’vi live I wanted to be there in person cause everything looked so beautiful like the water and their houses or whatever you call them that were over the water. I can’t wait to watch the other Avatar movie coming December of 2024.

[@Tradewins4cash]

If I'm a studio exec, the only thing in my mind is, "Terminator 2, Titanic, Aliens 2, cha-ching!!!" "Mr. Cameron, sir, whatever you want!"

[@caseyalexander1705]

“Creative control” is always the defining element in modern cinema.

[@UnderratedSpaghetti]

I loved the long scenes of just movement. It was beautiful!

[@thehuman3077]

The flying scenes are the most powerful and beautiful and the reason I go back to watch Avatar. Thank you James Cameron.

[@ChrysWhite77]

I am one of these people. You don't watch Avatar for the plot , cuz it's honestly not unique. You watch Avatar for the experience and to appreciate the work of art that it is.

[@watersheep6590]

Fr, the level of immersion simply from the beautiful shots, graphics, and sound design takes you away from the world for 3 hours. It’s a feeling I’ve only had previously in very story/environment rich games.

[@weirdmyst7963]

The plot is just at the rest of history shows, but it's a new thing to see. The first movie had a mid plot as well but nobody noticed because it was previously impossible to create something like it.

[@watersheep6590]

@@weirdmyst7963 I agree, i just think its amazing how it didn’t need an amazing story for me to be immersed

[@mialiang1601]

agreed，it’s not about telling you a story, it’s about showing you the Avatar universe and the beauty of Pandora. In some ways you create your own story with the Avatar universe, what this movie did is giving you a imagination material, because it was so real and so beautiful. Don’t know if that makes any sense.

[@vesaversion298]

I love this man's depth and vision.

[@MentalS6k]

I’ve always found the best art comes through when the “accountants” are kept at bay & away from the creative process altogether. Nice one JC 👊🏾

[@geode8556]

Yes! I LOVE, 💘 LOVE 💘 the flying scenes so much. Disney Studio Execs are money people, not artists in any way. Thanks James Cameron!!!

[@hugocormoran]

I am a videographer of the ocean and marine life, and sometimes can observe and film the flamencos resting and eating in a lagoon, and can be interesting experience, but the moments that I can sea them and film (or try to) flying through the surface of the ocean, the feeling is completly different..goosebumps and amazing experience..nothing compares..

[@denissemedina4619]

He really said “this is what I’m gonna do… period! 🤨👏🏻”

[@Filipe9171]

That is exactly how I enjoy movies and games. Be there, in a different universe, enjoying, and sustain that feeling

[@Hamhockss]

When Jake conquered the flying beast and flew, I felt so emotional. Had tears in my eyes. It was one of my favorite scenes.

[@jp9886]

I'm glad you fought for that. I find a lot of movies now a days are so rushed. Marvel* There's no time to slow down to enjoy a moment.

[@Exen88]

I love it! More of everything, Mr. Cameron! Full 9 hours is acceptable to me. 😇

[@shantanukulkarni8883]

It works because the audience watched it as a movie in the theatre. More control in storyteller's hand about what to show.

[@waverider7802]

Those were my favourite scenes. Still get chills watching it back

[@andrewlues2003]

Yes Sir! I agree with everything you said. Don’t let them tell you how to make the movie, you’re the Director for a reason. Keep on doing what you’re doing. Thank you sir.

[@KiwiKamea]

I LOVE this, because even though it doesn't advance the Plot, it's special and beautiful and memorable and you really feel attached to the world is that is true world building. The discovery and the exploration and the beauty of a world, down to its smallest details

[@liamn.7664]

James isn’t just an legendary director but he’s also a really smart and genuine guy

[@carolvanleer3386]

I can’t wait to see the new ones. ❤

[@commandershepard5450]

The flying scenes after jake gets his Ikran are so next level. What an amazing director

[@bmla88]

It’s hilarious a studio executive suit would tell an artist what is right.

[@rosevanstaden4562]

Love it and it’s one of my favourite scenes! Thx so much for keeping it in

[@htxgp]

Once a truck driver explaining all these is remarkable 👏👏✊

[@jacobsion5516]

This is how I felt for waterworld in the 2nd movie, it was long but I was invested on it. It felt like a journey, seeing how beautiful the sea was, how mesmerizing the sea creatures were.

[@xoxoskywalker1976]

I love films like that, not everything needs to push a narrative and be super exciting all the time, I love how there were so many scenes of just showing the beauty of the world for no reason

[@morten1]

I like James and his work Visionary with integrity, always daring new ways Hollywood could learn from this guy

[@arabella5871]

He's so right. We have gotten away from it so much that when I was watching 2001 A Space Odyssey for the first time, I was not used to the "lingering" on certain scenes, particularly the ape scene. However, when it got to the end, I completely understood this kind of storytelling.

[@noaheke2666]

That's why I love the middle act of avatar 2

[@yoooo7568]

Thank god he kept it because that flying scene made me feel something when I watched it. It was amazing

[@alaskawashington]

YES. THIS. my biggest compliment of James Cameron’s work is his commitment to and execution of effective world building. Obviously he makes great movies but that specific element is always my favorite because it creates such an immersive experience. I personally feel all the best movies have well-executed and well-communicated world building (which always makes them much longer) and I always feel it’s worth it.

[@kathleen2754]

I love the flying scenes. With the flying scenes I am able to soar with them without actually being there. Everything about Avatar is outright awesome. Thank you James Cameron 😃👍

[@miguelbarahona6636]

I wanted to see it too!

[@lex4089]

So agree with this. Theres an intangible thing with some films and games that makes them feel 'alive'. Like the city or the world is operating whether you were there or not. And that makes it feel endless and is the magic ingredient when you want to feel immersed.

[@keathmueller3252]

Just got home from Avatar II and I absolutely loved it!!!

[@arnowisp6244]

This is the mind of a man who knows what the Audience wants to see. And so can literally break even 2 billion.

This is PRICELESS. but for real. It speak to you (filmmaker) in a personal way that no ACADEMY can or will do. Amazing

[@heyhey7423]

Every scene has a purpose. Even the silence or the long scenery shots, etc. Its part of the world. And you can't build a world properly if all you show is what the story needs.

[@maxvick]

When I saw Avatar the first time. I told my friend I have seen nothing till date, a relationship and romance in air flying on these huge creatures and after 2 days Jim interview came out and he said exactly the same. Those scenes are soulful!