The Concept of Realism in Avatar

Author: Caitlin Floer

Routledge’s Introduction to Film Analysis defines realism in two ways; “first, the extent to which a film attempts to mimic reality so that a fictional film can appear indistinguishable from documentary. Second, the film can establish its own world and can, by consistently using the same conventions, establish the credibility of this world.” (Routledge, 2007)

With Avatar, James Cameron did the latter; he created a world as different from Earth as visibly possible but with similar trials and tribulations which allowed for it to be incredibly relatable. The details of Pandora were very well thought out; from the way the six-legged horses breathed through their necks to the planet’s very own heartbeat. It was a land from another planet with its own way of life which was just as interesting to watch as the plot unfolding.

Although the visual details and surface-level components are much different than what is experienced on Earth, Avatar fans were able to connect on a deeper level in a way that was touched on in the very first post with “Ogdens First Law of Mass Popularity”. The underlying theme and similar struggles of right versus left, or the corporation versus the people, is one that Western civilization can relate to. Not only with the overarching theme of the movie, but with the camaraderie between soldiers, between scientists, and within the Na’vi; all of these relationships are very relatable to viewers with their own family, friends, and co-workers. By using these same conventions Avatar gained the credibility of what we understand as a “real” planet, and there a strong connection was formed with movie-watchers.

However this connection was a bit too powerful with some fans . A number of websites cropped up after the film was released, offering help to those who suffered from depression after the movie; unable to cope with the reality that Earth doesn’t have floating mountains or dragons to ride on. Even the Vatican criticized the movie for undermining Christianity with the portrayal of nature-worshipping aliens.

That said, it is quite clear that Cameron succeeded in his quest for realism if he could bring people to leave the theatre wishing for Earth to make a few physical changes and become more like Pandora.

Source: Numerous Contributors. (2007). An Introduction to Film Analysis (Fourth Edition). New York, New York; Routledge.