DISCLAIMER: If you have not yet seen Avatar and do not want the movie ruined for you, please stop reading. Otherwise, if you have already seen it or don't care, continue and enjoy...
I watched Avatar the other day and it was visually one of the most amazing movies I have ever seen. The imagination behind the landscapes, inhabitants, and creatures of this alien world was truly breathtaking. Though almost three hours long, the characters and plot are engaging and well played out, all combining to completely capture one's imagination -- or mine at least. The technical wizardry that seamlessly blends live-action with CGI is light-years ahead of anything we've seen. In an interview I saw with the director, James Cameron, he spoke about how this movie was written more than ten years ago and had to be shelved until they invented the technology to tell this story...How ironic that the storyline is as old as the first European ship that ever set sale to discover distant lands...
Summary: Sometime in the future, we have depleted the Earth's energy resources (shout out to the green movement), and we must rely on distant planets to provide our energy needs (what up OPEC!). We find ourselves on Pandora, a beautiful and pristine planet, reminiscent of the Amazon that is being clear cut and mined to obtain an energy rich and extremely profitable precious metal very appropriately/humorously named "Unobtanium." On Pandora dwell an indigenous people called the Na'vi, who live in harmony with this beautiful world and respect and protect its natural wonders. Through the eyes of a wheelchair bound ex-marine, Jake Sully, we witness a greedy corporation (read: "the West") destroying this beautiful land to obtain the Unobtanium, and of course the Na'vi's village sits atop the richest deposit on the planet. Through his Na'vi avatar, Jake is supposed to infiltrate and become part of the Na'vi people and either convince them to move, or pass on his learned intelligence for a military strike...as expected, conflict ensues...
Despite its futuristic/intergalactic setting, Avatar is the story of imperialism, colonialism, and capitalism in its historical and modern forms. It is the classic tale of the powerful using, abusing, and exploiting those less mighty and usually darker-skinned. Avatar is the history of Africa and parts of Asia. It is the forgotten narrative of the aboriginal peoples of Australia, New Zealand, and the Americas. It hints strongly at being a sharp critique of the war in Iraq and other wars fought over precious natural resources. Avatar is a historical account of race politics, and every war of invasion and conquest ever fought for capital gains, except this time, the natives actually win -- but not without the help of a courageous conqueror turned defender of the good and noble people of the land. It is parts Pocahontas, The Last Samurai, and every cowboy and Indian movie ever made (Dances With Wolves much?). Avatar is a highly entertaining movie, but I wonder if it's creators fully intended it as a wake-up call for a modern world with a short memory of how current circumstances came to be? With all the eye-popping visuals, will moviegoers catch the critical messages?
The racial issues in this movie are blatantly evident. The corporation though somewhat diverse, is a mostly White enterprise, especially reflected in the main characters. In contrast, the Na'vi are tall, blue-skinned, golden-eyed and beautifully exotic (a loaded adjective purposely used). Aside from their other-worldly features, 'other' being the operative word, the Na'vi from visual appearance to their their way of life appear as a blend of Native American and African features, cultures and customs (think Apache meets Masai/Zulu warrior). They are a noble people who are connected to their surroundings in a way that is lost to our modern world. Nature and life in general are treated with the utmost respect and as supremely precious. Whatever energy or resource is taken from the earth must ultimately be returned in order to maintain balance. Their way of life may be looked upon as "simple" or "primitive," but by whose standards?
The corporation, boasting machines, guns, and technology, represent the height of human advancement. They view the Na'vi as "savages" and seek to "civilize" them with the same "benevolent," eternally paternalistic mindset as the European explorers/colonizers of yore that landed on foreign shores with the aim of "teaching" the natives their ways with one hand while taking their natural resources and destroying their culture with the other. The corporation employs the familiar tactics of building schools and sharing technical know-how while pursuing ulterior motives. We must ask ourselves this question, who is the true savage? The one that rapes and pillages the land and destroys the native people, or the one who lives in harmony with their surroundings and respects all forms of life?
This line from the movie made an indelible impression on me. I had to ask my wife if I had heard correctly because I was shocked when I heard it, even though it came from the mouth of the war-mongering, trigger-happy, marine mercenary leader. This line truly highlights the "us" versus "them" storyline in this film. As seen throughout history until today, when indigenous groups refuse to give up their land and resources after being "asked nicely," they must be taken by force. The corporation in Avatar is clearly representative of today's Western governments and multinational corporations, who often work in veiled collusion to exploit the resources and people of the "developing world" (another loaded term). If you don't believe me, please read Confessions of an Economic HitMan, by John Perkins, for an insider's account of how international politics and business play out (Click here for Amazon.com page).
The turning point of the story comes when Jake falls in love with the beautiful Naytiri, the Na'vi chief's daughter and his reluctant tutor. As she teaches him the ways of her people, Sully finally realizes that the corporation he has been playing the good soldier for is inherently evil and wrong in their actions. He courageously switches sides, confesses his sins, loses the trust and faith of his exotic love interest and her people, and yet somehow manages to regroup and return to become the chief of the Na'vi by accomplishing the one nearly impossible traditional right of passage worthy of chieftaincy. He returns triumphantly as the White knight riding the proverbial white horse, which in this case happens to be the most vicious aerial predator on Pandora, appropriately nicknamed "Last Shadow." Jake then unites all the Na'vi tribes from the four corners of the planet and successfully defeats the corporation. Hooray!
This incredibly clichéd ending serves to highlight/perpetuate the notion that indigenous peoples can never save themselves without the help of the oppressor, turned justice seeking crusader. Or is it pointing out a major truth?
As some of you may know, A-i-T is Ghanaian and very proud of that fact. As a Ghanaian/African, I was perhaps more deeply affected by this movie because its themes resonate with my inherited and lived experiences. I realize that the solutions to the current issues must come from Ghanaians themselves, but I also recognize that Western governments and corporations still hold the reins of power -- that's just reality. Until they are willing to share those reins, and help uplift as partners rather than exploit the "developing" nations in this world, the status quo will remain unchanged.
The Native Americans originated the saying: "never criticize a man until you walk a mile in his moccasins [shoes]." Aside from the visual feast that is Avatar, perhaps the most amazing part of the movie, at least to this A-i-T, is that it took Jake Sully literally putting on the blue skin of the Na'vi to understand their experiences and worldview and realize the errors/injustices of the corporation. To me, this is a powerful metaphor, whether intended or not, for what needs to take place on this planet for the betterment of race relations and ultimately for the benefit of our shared collective, as the human race...
To me, Avatar was kinda deep...who knew?
Adults-in-Training, this is what I saw when I watched Avatar...what did you get from this film...?
Peace,
I watched Avatar the other day and it was visually one of the most amazing movies I have ever seen. The imagination behind the landscapes, inhabitants, and creatures of this alien world was truly breathtaking. Though almost three hours long, the characters and plot are engaging and well played out, all combining to completely capture one's imagination -- or mine at least. The technical wizardry that seamlessly blends live-action with CGI is light-years ahead of anything we've seen. In an interview I saw with the director, James Cameron, he spoke about how this movie was written more than ten years ago and had to be shelved until they invented the technology to tell this story...How ironic that the storyline is as old as the first European ship that ever set sale to discover distant lands...
Summary: Sometime in the future, we have depleted the Earth's energy resources (shout out to the green movement), and we must rely on distant planets to provide our energy needs (what up OPEC!). We find ourselves on Pandora, a beautiful and pristine planet, reminiscent of the Amazon that is being clear cut and mined to obtain an energy rich and extremely profitable precious metal very appropriately/humorously named "Unobtanium." On Pandora dwell an indigenous people called the Na'vi, who live in harmony with this beautiful world and respect and protect its natural wonders. Through the eyes of a wheelchair bound ex-marine, Jake Sully, we witness a greedy corporation (read: "the West") destroying this beautiful land to obtain the Unobtanium, and of course the Na'vi's village sits atop the richest deposit on the planet. Through his Na'vi avatar, Jake is supposed to infiltrate and become part of the Na'vi people and either convince them to move, or pass on his learned intelligence for a military strike...as expected, conflict ensues...
Despite its futuristic/intergalactic setting, Avatar is the story of imperialism, colonialism, and capitalism in its historical and modern forms. It is the classic tale of the powerful using, abusing, and exploiting those less mighty and usually darker-skinned. Avatar is the history of Africa and parts of Asia. It is the forgotten narrative of the aboriginal peoples of Australia, New Zealand, and the Americas. It hints strongly at being a sharp critique of the war in Iraq and other wars fought over precious natural resources. Avatar is a historical account of race politics, and every war of invasion and conquest ever fought for capital gains, except this time, the natives actually win -- but not without the help of a courageous conqueror turned defender of the good and noble people of the land. It is parts Pocahontas, The Last Samurai, and every cowboy and Indian movie ever made (Dances With Wolves much?). Avatar is a highly entertaining movie, but I wonder if it's creators fully intended it as a wake-up call for a modern world with a short memory of how current circumstances came to be? With all the eye-popping visuals, will moviegoers catch the critical messages?
The racial issues in this movie are blatantly evident. The corporation though somewhat diverse, is a mostly White enterprise, especially reflected in the main characters. In contrast, the Na'vi are tall, blue-skinned, golden-eyed and beautifully exotic (a loaded adjective purposely used). Aside from their other-worldly features, 'other' being the operative word, the Na'vi from visual appearance to their their way of life appear as a blend of Native American and African features, cultures and customs (think Apache meets Masai/Zulu warrior). They are a noble people who are connected to their surroundings in a way that is lost to our modern world. Nature and life in general are treated with the utmost respect and as supremely precious. Whatever energy or resource is taken from the earth must ultimately be returned in order to maintain balance. Their way of life may be looked upon as "simple" or "primitive," but by whose standards?
The corporation, boasting machines, guns, and technology, represent the height of human advancement. They view the Na'vi as "savages" and seek to "civilize" them with the same "benevolent," eternally paternalistic mindset as the European explorers/colonizers of yore that landed on foreign shores with the aim of "teaching" the natives their ways with one hand while taking their natural resources and destroying their culture with the other. The corporation employs the familiar tactics of building schools and sharing technical know-how while pursuing ulterior motives. We must ask ourselves this question, who is the true savage? The one that rapes and pillages the land and destroys the native people, or the one who lives in harmony with their surroundings and respects all forms of life?
"We are going to blast a hole in their racial memory that they will never forget!"
This line from the movie made an indelible impression on me. I had to ask my wife if I had heard correctly because I was shocked when I heard it, even though it came from the mouth of the war-mongering, trigger-happy, marine mercenary leader. This line truly highlights the "us" versus "them" storyline in this film. As seen throughout history until today, when indigenous groups refuse to give up their land and resources after being "asked nicely," they must be taken by force. The corporation in Avatar is clearly representative of today's Western governments and multinational corporations, who often work in veiled collusion to exploit the resources and people of the "developing world" (another loaded term). If you don't believe me, please read Confessions of an Economic HitMan, by John Perkins, for an insider's account of how international politics and business play out (Click here for Amazon.com page).
The turning point of the story comes when Jake falls in love with the beautiful Naytiri, the Na'vi chief's daughter and his reluctant tutor. As she teaches him the ways of her people, Sully finally realizes that the corporation he has been playing the good soldier for is inherently evil and wrong in their actions. He courageously switches sides, confesses his sins, loses the trust and faith of his exotic love interest and her people, and yet somehow manages to regroup and return to become the chief of the Na'vi by accomplishing the one nearly impossible traditional right of passage worthy of chieftaincy. He returns triumphantly as the White knight riding the proverbial white horse, which in this case happens to be the most vicious aerial predator on Pandora, appropriately nicknamed "Last Shadow." Jake then unites all the Na'vi tribes from the four corners of the planet and successfully defeats the corporation. Hooray!
This incredibly clichéd ending serves to highlight/perpetuate the notion that indigenous peoples can never save themselves without the help of the oppressor, turned justice seeking crusader. Or is it pointing out a major truth?
As some of you may know, A-i-T is Ghanaian and very proud of that fact. As a Ghanaian/African, I was perhaps more deeply affected by this movie because its themes resonate with my inherited and lived experiences. I realize that the solutions to the current issues must come from Ghanaians themselves, but I also recognize that Western governments and corporations still hold the reins of power -- that's just reality. Until they are willing to share those reins, and help uplift as partners rather than exploit the "developing" nations in this world, the status quo will remain unchanged.
The Native Americans originated the saying: "never criticize a man until you walk a mile in his moccasins [shoes]." Aside from the visual feast that is Avatar, perhaps the most amazing part of the movie, at least to this A-i-T, is that it took Jake Sully literally putting on the blue skin of the Na'vi to understand their experiences and worldview and realize the errors/injustices of the corporation. To me, this is a powerful metaphor, whether intended or not, for what needs to take place on this planet for the betterment of race relations and ultimately for the benefit of our shared collective, as the human race...
To me, Avatar was kinda deep...who knew?
Adults-in-Training, this is what I saw when I watched Avatar...what did you get from this film...?
Peace,
A-i-T
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4 comments:
Side note: your blog has become one of my new fave reads! ^_^ Not only because your topics are poignant, but because I'm VERY ecastatic to see someone continue their careful observations of society around them & give thorough thought to those observations. I feel like so many of us has just fallen prey to the grind of adult/work life and abandoned all such practices now that we no longer have the luxury of free time in large quantities.
As for the movie, I def. concur that it was visually one of the most impressive movies I've seen to date. Plot/story-wise, it felt like District 9 with a Disney ending instead. Sadly, I do think all the parallels to the social conditions that our societies suffer from is most likely missed by the general audience... I thought it was very interesting that near the end of the movie, Sigorni Weaver (sp?) discovers that there was a solid scientific explanation of the Na'vis "connection" with the planet (the whole bit about the highly sophisticated neural network in the big kahuna tree and the Na'vis being about to biologically tap into it). It made me think of how "the west" used to think of Chinese herbal medicine as child's play or witchcraft; but now they realize there are actually many benefits to it and a true science that they don't comprehend. [Accupuncture for example: I've recently seen Mass. General affiliated doctors licensed to perform this form of treatment! When I was young, I heard it described as savage voodoo!]
@Jessie: I definitely saw the same thing! The issue of "western" vs "eastern/traditional" knowledge especially when it comes to science/medicine was clearly at play. Another example aside from acupuncture, is childbirth. Women in Africa and all over the world have been squatting to deliver babies for centuries (allowing gravity + a straight birth canal to do their work), and only in the last few years has the "west" acknowledged it as a superior delivery method. It just boggles the mind! There are so many themes/issues covered in this movie I could not fit it all into one post! I may have to write a follow-up, but we shall see...I was just hoping to draw attention to some social issues that 3D glasses might miss!
Side note: thanks so much for the positive feedback Jessie, I really appreciate it! I do take my time to think/write carefully in each of my posts. I'll do my best to keep it up. Thanks for reading/supporting!
I agree that the movie was a commentary about capitalism, particularly American & corporate arrogance and greed.
I also agree that the movie used the template of imperialism and how nations with established navies plunder land, resources, and people.
I don't know if I agree that the ending was so cliched. I mean, Jake fought with the Navi because he felt he was one of them. In fact, the Navi didn't want his help. I even think that they would have won without his help. Only 3 "good guys" had more than a bow (Jake, the nerdy dude, and the helicopter chick.) She died, dude's avatar peaced out and Jake was putting on an air show with the last shadow. The Navi did pretty well withh their own resources. Jake was a leader but not because he was an American but because he rode last shadow. So I think the Navi were pretty good with or without his help.
Another thing about Jake; because he didnt have a history on Pandora, he didnt have any prejudices about the planet or its beings. The fact that he was willing to go through the rites and he fell in love shows that he was "open minded" about the Navi. I don't think he was one of the oppressors. The corp. recruited him only because of his genome. He didn't necessarily share the corp's goal or ideals. So i dont think he was an oppressor turned freedom fighter. I think he found normality in his avatar. In his avatar his wasn't a cripple ina wheelchair. He looked like a planet full of people. His physical appearance didn't set him apart and cause his to be treated as a sub-standard being.
Another observation: James Cameron has made movies where the main character, who is flawed in many ways, is reluctantly thrust into the role as savior (terminator 1&2, aliens, and now avatar). Jake didn't want to fight. He begged for chances to stop the fighting. He fought to prevent injustice.
Anyway, I liked the movie. I can't wait for the blu-ray. I also cant wait for the sequels.
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