Avatar Delivers
10th December 2009Feature, Film2 Comments
Craig Detweiler is a filmmaker of faith; he is a producer, screenwriter, author, lecturer, and Assistant Professor of Communications at Pepperdine University. He recently had the opportunity to preview 30 minutes of James Cameron’s highly anticipated film Avatar:
Last night, I saw thirty minutes of the most anticipated movie in years. It is reportedly the most expensive feature film ever. James Cameron has wanted to make it for a decade, but had to wait for the technology to catch up to his vision. I thought it had so much potential to revolutionize entertainment that I entitled my next book, ‘Halos and Avatars’. I am fascinated by the cultural implications of avatars and virtual worlds, especially in the word’s derivation from the Hindu notion of divine descent.
Fox C.E.O. Jim Gianopulos delivered an early Christmas gift to Pepperdine alumni at the Dean’s Executive Leadership Series. I was invited because of my role as director of Pepperdine’s new Center for Entertainment, Media, and Culture. We’re ramping up Pepperdine’s relationship to Hollywood and their film-friendly neighbors in Malibu. A new major in film studies, digital media production and an MFA in Screenwriting have been added to our curriculum. We’re connecting with hundreds of alums working in Hollywood through our new Pepperdine Entertainment Network. So, a discussion with a distinguished entertainment executive makes sense for our students and alums.
Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management introduced Jim Gianopulos who then announced that James Cameron had just delivered his new film to Fox. Gianopulos casually suggested, it might offer a good starting point for our discussion. He outlined the basic premise of Avatar. No frills, no superlatives. His understatement spoke volumes. The crowd sat up. Anticipation grew. Maybe we would see a scene or two of the finished film. The lights went down, the 3-D glasses went on, and two hundred people were suddenly thirteen again.
Not since the first time I saw Star Wars have I felt so giddy, so transported by sheer visual splendor and delight. Viewers will call friends and family, describing scenes with boundless enthusiasm. Teenagers will be recreating scenes in their backyards. Few will be satisfied seeing it just once. James Cameron and his team have created an eye-popping spectacle that will enthrall filmgoers. Avatar is the real (digital) deal…
Click here to read Craig’s full review.
2 responses to "Avatar Delivers"
22:30 on December 10th, 2009
At first, I too was unimpressed by the trailers, but after reading Craig’s review I’m getting more excited to see this movie. If nothing else it seems it will be a fun adventure with lots of action. Hopefully the story and character development will live up to the visual imagery and the dialogue will go beyond the stiff delivery of the Star Wars films. Thanks for letting us in on the sneak peek Craig.
22:48 on December 10th, 2009
Thanks for picking up my post, Travis.
I was equally underwhelmed by the early trailer–but the style of the film (especially the 3D) blew me away.
Eager to hear your response when we see the full feature….