Following the trends on Twitter and reading the stream of articles on Google News, Avatar receives mixed reviews and mixed messages on what the movie is about. I doubt anyone would deny that the film is beautifully and magically made. As my first 3D experience beyond the Muppets at DisneyWorld, I was in awe. But some may argue that it is an over hyped sci film or a political speech on how we are treating the environment. The latest argument, it is anti-American. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and perspective but one thing this does show, is this movie is relateable to the person who is watching. Everyone’s experience is different.
This is my experience and what I took away from those 3 hours:
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This movie is about relationships and our basic desire. To be seen. To be known. To count.
Our civilization has progressed to the point where we are just a number. A number that hides behind a computer, a cell phone, an ipod. When I meet someone, I give my email address. Instead of making a connection, I text the person. In order to stand out and be known or remembered we have Facebook or Twitter. While riding a bus or an elevator or even walking down the hall, eyes advert down or headphones get put on. We constantly sabotage our deepest desires.
In Avatar, Humans hide behind the machines and masks. Literally. They place themselves in this robot like contraptions completely cut off from society. By absolutely severing their ties to the planet Pandora there is no hope for a peaceful solution. To contrast this culture, James Cameron created the Na’vi and had them constantly touching and communicating. Their world is based on community.
There are a few scenes in which the line “I see you” is repeated. One of the first is in a scene where an animal was killed because it was attacking Jake Scully and Neytiri put it down. During it’s last breathes she thanked this animal for his contribution and told him that he had matter.
To me, James Cameron was making a social commentary on our seclusion and how it can lead to destruction. We will never be seen if we do not allow ourselves to connect. There is a trust that happens between the Na’vi and all they interact with, they physically become one being through tentacles in the hair. When we open ourselves up, perhaps not exactly like the Na’vi do, and quit hiding behind our false identities we will only then get what we long for. To be seen.
Most movies I watch primarily for entertainment but I also like to take away something from it. To be open and honest in this generation is hard, especially when everyone else is continuing down a path. But I will make the effort to call or visit instead of text, create memories that are not based on facebook, and be unashamed of my basic desires.
To be seen. To be known. To count.
