James Cameron’s upcoming visual effects-fest Avatar is one of those films that has already been, and will undoubtedly continue to be, followed pretty damn closely by movie fans from all over. And that’s entirely understandable – Avatar is the first live-action, full-length feature film time Cameron has directed since 1997’s all-time box office winner Titanic. He’s without a doubt a legend of the sci-fi genre, giving us some of the best we’ve ever seen (Aliens and Terminator 2: Judgement Day to name just a couple).
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We’ve already talked about an early viewing of Avatar blowing people away, as well as the fact that the 3D technology being employed is said to be revolutionary. At ShoWest recently, Fox Filmed Entertainment Co-Chairman Jim Gianopulos talked about the film in an interview with MarketSaw.
“I’ve seen the film-most of the film-and I think Jim’s comment that it’s like dreaming only you’re awake…is enough. (laughs)-Is accurate. I think it’s a truly amazing film in the sense that he’s created visual images, and a story, and a world, and creatures and experiences that I’ve just never seen in a cinema. It’s just truly amazing. So, with the partnership of WETA and James Cameron, and a story that’s been in his mind and developing all these years, combined with the technology to do it catching up, is just a trifecta beyond anything.”
On how far along the movie is in the production pipeline, Gianopulos said:
“The reality, I think, for people, and especially people who understand the technology…you know, the film…Jim is essentially finished all of his shooting of the film, and it has been rendered, in working with WETA. So now the film is at WETA being rendered in its photoreal images.”
“There are great portions of the film finished in final form, but they are not of complete scenes. So when we have a complete scene, when we have enough, it will come out and I think it will meet those expectations.”
When asked about whether or not the past hopes of Cameron for the film to only be released in 3D would come true, Gianopulos replied:
“I don’t think that’s possible, because I think that would deny the movie to too many people in too many places in the world. But most importantly, while the movie is amazing in 3D, it’s such a brilliant film, it would be brilliant in any form. It’s like saying, did Titanic have to be in 3D? Did Aliens have to be in 3D? They were truly great films.”
And finally, Gianopulos talked about the difference between the past and present possibilities with 3D technology:
“…another point that Jim’s made repeatedly is that the old form of 3D was a gimmick that was intended to extend the life of a tired franchise. So you have the monster, the monster returns, and the monster returns in 3D. That was the 50’s and the 60’s and times past. This is the greatest filmmakers in the world using this film medium to express themselves on the biggest pallet and in the biggest scale of any movie made, and it’s an entirely different experience. But – doesn’t mean it’s not a great movie in 1D if you have to show it that way!”
Of course you may want to keep in mind that most of the gushing praise we’ve heard so far, including what this Fox Co-Chairman has said above, is from people involved with the film that almost have to say positive things. However, I do have positive expectations for Avatar. By the sound of it, Cameron has not created “just another sci-fi film,” but one that does some pretty special things with the technology available.
Gianopulos makes a good point when he says that releasing the movie only in 3D would deny too many people the opportunity to see it because, let’s face it, there just aren’t that many 3D equipped theaters out there at the moment – certainly a lot fewer than there are traditional theaters. Also, like he said, if it’s a great film then it’s a great film, regardless of whether it’s in 3D or regular 2D.
As the post title promises, there has been a new tagline chosen for the film: “An All New World Awaits”
It’s a fitting tagline, one which gives off the vibe we’ve all been expecting from everything we’ve seen so far. Avatar is undoubtedly on every movie fan’s most anticipated list, if for no other reason than to see the promised-to-be-great return of Mr. James Cameron.
What do you make of the latest updates about Avatar? We all know you’re looking forward to this one, but just how much?
Avatar is scheduled to open on December 19, 2009.
Source: MarketSaw and ComingSoon
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19 Comments
cant wait for this film
I just hope I’ll be able to find a theater showing it in 3D, because I have the distinct feeling that this film is going to totally blow my mind.
OMG !! , The hype only keeps growing !!
If this will not be the greatest movie ever, i will be disapointed
I will see the film but I havent decided if i will see it in 3D.
Empty hype.
For YEARS now.
This film will disappoint, no doubt about it.
It’s like waiting for Christmas Eve … for 3 or more years.
Either you loose interest or your expectation grows beyond any limits.
I have no doubt that the film WILL in fact be amazing, but this hype is worse than Cloverfield.
david,
i dont know man james cameron has yet to let me down even titanic was enjoyabe (yes thats right im a straight male who enjoyed titanic)
They’re releasing the film in 1-D?
This I gotta see!!
that has a nice ring to it!
“Avatar, coming to you from the First Dimension!
Man, now I have to find out which theaters near me have digital projection…
Woot, a theater right by my house has digital 3D. Funny thing is, the “bigger” theater close to it shows 3D movies using regular projectors. Not the same as with digital.
Haha, yeah I noticed that “1D” comment. But didn’t want to ommit something that was actually said i.e. a straight quote.
Haha – “See the revolutionary new 1D movie!”
I can just see that tagline in lights now…
@ Matt K
I hear you and pal, I really really like Titanic. (I’m a straight, married manly man)
As I said, the film will … well … most definitely be awesome, but still …
this ridiculous hype is going nowhere fast, piling up anticipation…
Maybe the first trailer will completely change my mind … who knows?
There is a 46% chance this could suck,,,
I hope it delivers but there is no way it lives up to expectations. Too large of a budget and too much hype.
cat, keep in mind that a previous article citing a budget of $300 million is incorrect. It was $200 million. Still a lot, but it’s a difference of $100 million, so it makes a difference. I’m pretty sure the movie will at least turn a profit if nothing else, but the hype behind it should prove more profitable than simply just that. It might even have a significant impact on the movie making industry as a whole, who knows.
It is a lot of hype. No doubt. However, it’s James Cameron. If it was someone else – spielberg, ridley scott, tim burton – I would have serious doubts. Cameron has a vision like no other director out there. He’s the man when it comes to big budget movies. He makes films that happen to have a costly vision, as opposed to seeking projects because they’re big. If anyone can do it, he can. Think about all the years he’s been a professional filmmaker – roughly thirty. And how many films has he made in that time? This is only his eighth project. He puts all his energy into it. What’s more, he turns down projects like T3 when he feels he doesn’t have a vision for it. His work ethic goes unmatched among big budget directors.
Correction: the movie is supposed to come out December 18th, not 19th!!
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