Avatar

About Avatar

Directed by James Cameron, Avatar, released in 2009, became a global phenomenon due to its groundbreaking use of 3D technology. The film is set on the alien planet of Pandora, where humans seek a valuable mineral, unobtanium. The protagonist, Jake Sully, a paraplegic marine, takes on an avatar body to infiltrate the Na'vi people who inhabit Pandora. As he immerses himself in their world, he becomes torn between his human obligations and protecting the world he has come to call home.

Making / Production

James Cameron wrote an 80-page script for Avatar in 1994, but the technology at the time wasn't advanced enough to make it. The film eventually cost around $237 million and $9 million to promote, making it the most expensive movie ever made at the time. It was filmed in both New Zealand and Hawaii.

Actors

• Sam Worthington: Playing the role of the protagonist, Jake Sully, Sam successfully portrays the journey of his character from a frustrated ex-marine to a hero for the Na'vi people.
• Zoe Saldana: Portraying Neytiri, the Na'vi woman who teaches Jake their customs, Zoe breathes life into her digitally rendered character.
• Sigourney Weaver: As Dr. Grace Augustine, Sigourney brought both toughness and wisdom to her role as the head of the Avatar Program.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The set used for the Avatar Program was an actual lived-in set, not a CGI creation.
• James Cameron decided to create the Na'vi language, which was used extensively in the film.
• It took almost a decade to make the film due to the intricate designs and the advanced technology used.

Awards

Avatar won three Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects. It also won the Golden Globe for Best Director and Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Quotes

• "I see you." - Jake Sully
• "This is our land!" - Neytiri
• "We are not in Kansas anymore." - Colonel Miles Quaritch

Music / Soundtrack

• James Horner composed the film's score. The soundtrack album was released by Sony's RCA Victor label.