Capturing Avatar
Director James Cameron explains in the behind-the-scenes documentary Capturing Avatar
that part of his goal in making Avatar was to “educate” the spectator’s “eye” through the
use of innovative, immersive computer-generated imagery. How does Avatar’s use of CGI
succeed in “educating” viewers to look at the film in the specific way Cameron intended?
Speculating on the potential pedagogical intent of computer animation, consider the
possibilities and pitfalls of this move to effects-driven films in contemporary popular
culture. Does Avatar’s investment in spectacle work against or in the service of
encouraging audiences to connect emotionally and ethically with particular
characters? Does The Lego Movie have the same “educational” ambition in its use of CGI? Do
the abstract possibilities of computer effects help Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
communicate their message about human creativity and collaboration?