Capturing Avatar

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?