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A Review of ‘
Avatar’
For the Teenage Audience.
Madison Kenyon
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
ENG-105
Dr. Z
11/10/23
1
James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, Avatar, took the world by storm with its
groundbreaking visual effects, and immersive storytelling. More than a decade later, the film
remains a cultural phenomenon. This review aims to explore Avatar's impact on a teenage
audience, diving into its setting, plot, wardrobe and technical achievements.
Avatar is a science fiction movie that became a cultural phenomenon and a landmark
in cinematic history. The film is set in the mid-22nd century on the fictional moon Pandora,
where a human mining corporation is exploiting a rare mineral called unobtanium. The story
follows Jake Sully, a paraplegic former Marine, who is selected to participate in the Avatar
Program. The Avatar Program involves humans remotely controlling genetically engineered
Na'vi-human hybrids, known as avatars. Jake becomes an Avatar operator, and through this
surrogate body, he explores Pandora and interacts with its indigenous population, the Na'vi. As
Jake becomes more involved with the Na'vi, particularly through his relationship with Neytiri, a
Na'vi princess, he faces moral dilemmas and conflicting allegiances. The narrative unfolds as
Jake discovers the corporate and military interests threatening the Na'vi and their sacred land.
The film climaxes with a battle between the human military forces and the Na'vi, where Jake
must choose sides and lead the Na'vi in defending their home.
Avatar's setting on the fictional moon of Pandora serves as a captivating backdrop that is
visually stunning and an otherworldly environment. The film introduces the audience to a lush
and vibrant world, filled with exotic nature, floating mountains, and bioluminescent forests. The
attention to detail in creating Pandora contributes to the film's appeal, offering a fantastic escape
for the imagination of young viewers. The setting is not merely a backdrop but an integral part of
the narrative. The setting in a way becomes a character itself, influencing the characters'
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decisions and shaping the moral dilemmas that unfold throughout the film. Avatar’s setting not
only serves as a visual spectacle but also plays a crucial role in engaging the audience. Susan
Gitimu explains “film setting should communicate to the audience, creating dramatic action,
causing tension, and as a signifier of meaning” (Gitimu, 2013, pg. 2). Avatar’s setting does all of
that as well as sparking the audience’s imagination, prompts reflection on environmental issues,
and enhances the overall narrative, making the film a captivating experience for viewers.
James Cameron's Avatar is not only a cinematic spectacle for its engaging story but also
because of its technical advancements. The film's groundbreaking use of 3D technology and
motion capture techniques creates an immersive experience that captivates the visually oriented
minds of the audience. The vibrant landscapes, floating mountains, and dynamic action
sequences come to life, enhancing the overall viewing experience, and leaving a lasting impact
on the audience. The film's use of motion capture technology contributes to the creation of
realistic and expressive characters, particularly the Na'vi inhabitants of Pandora. Teenagers,
raised in an era of video games with increasingly sophisticated graphics, appreciate the level of
detail and emotion conveyed through the animated characters. The seamless integration of live-
action performances with computer-generated imagery (CGI) blurs the lines between reality and
fantasy and that is even conveyed in the journal written by Benitez and Wallin as they explain
“James Cameron used technological breakthroughs to make the nonexistent seem real” (Benitez
& Wallin, 2011, pg.4). As well as making the characters relatable and the narrative more
engaging for a tech-savvy audience. Beyond visuals, it extends to sound design, contributing to a
truly immersive experience. The film's use of sound effects, ambient noises of Pandora's flora
and fauna, and the musical score enhance the overall cinematic atmosphere.
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Avatar's impact on a teenage audience extends beyond its narrative and visual effects; it
also delves into the meticulous and imaginative costume design. Film's costume “Can also be
valuable for the actors and actresses by helping them get into their roles and acquire an accurate
habitus” (Enzinger, 2017 pg. 6), play a significant role in bringing the characters and the world
of Pandora to life, contributing to the overall immersive experience for teenagers. The Na'vi, the
indigenous species of Pandora, are brought to life through intricately designed costumes that
reflect their connection to nature. The use of vibrant colors, and bioluminescent elements not
only makes the Na'vi visually striking but also communicates their symbiotic relationship with
the environment. The costumes serve as a visual language, enhancing the understanding of the
Na'vi culture and their harmonious existence with Pandora.
In conclusion, James Cameron's Avatar has undeniably left an indelible mark on the
cinematic landscape, captivating a teenage audience with its mesmerizing setting, engaging plot,
and groundbreaking technical achievements. The fictional moon of Pandora serves not only as a
visually stunning backdrop but as a metaphorical canvas for the clash of cultures and
environmental themes, prompting introspection among today's youth. The film's technological
innovations, from its pioneering use of 3D technology to motion capture techniques, have set
new standards and continued to inspire people and creator years later. Additionally, the
meticulous costume design adds another layer of immersion, allowing the audience to connect
visually and emotionally with the characters and the intricate world they inhabit. As a landmark
in film history, Avatar stands as a timeless and impactful piece of storytelling that does not have
many if at any cons.
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References
Enzinger, K. (2017). Thinking through value transformations of movie costumes.
Journal of
Extreme Anthropology
,
1
(2), 71–74. https://doi.org/10.5617/jea.4889
Gitimu, S. (2013, January 19).
Fundamental importance of setting in film production
. on film.
https://gitimu.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/fundamental-importance-of-setting-in-film-
production/
Benitez, J. M., & Wallin, M. (2011). Rethinking the silver screen: Science, film and, Art after
“Avatar.”
The International Journal of Science in Society
,
2
(3), 45–54.
https://doi.org/10.18848/1836-6236/cgp/v02i03/51261
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