Avatar – a movie with Generation Y written all over it.

Youth and Modern Culture

The other day, after listening to people tell me how good Avatar was, I finally went to see it and I was blown away, not only is it a visual spectacular, the acting is amazing (I thought)  and the story like nothing else we have ever seen. I left wondering if this a sign of things to come, putting an end to a movie era.

You see, in the UK we have this sort of joke about a lot of America films, how America is always seen as good and rushes in to save the day and the rest of the world. We think it is quite funny really and we usually walk out, thinking how we would ever survive if it wasn’t for America and then giggle, thinking, “Yeah, let them think that!”

However, Avatar really made me think that the tide could be turning and that the next generations needs, wants and beliefs could be reaching into mainstream Hollywood. You see, this film calls all of us into action. In fact, the Chinese are so worried about the unrest it may cause, they have pulled the film.

James Cameron, the writer and director thought of the concept 15 year ago and you cannot deny the genius and timely manner of its release.

When a young generation are crying out for change, this film came along.

So why am I ranting about it so much?

1. Firstly America is seen as the baddie and, make no bones about it, it is a shot at political and corporate America. While there are an American hero and heroine, they both have to change sides. You see, America has destroyed the greenery on its planet and has to go to another planet to steal some sort of rock. There are references to how much its worth and it is clear that they will get it, no matter what. The problem is that this rock is below the main settlement of one of the planet’s tribes and, throughout the film, you see the US systematically destroying this settlement in order to get to the rock, showing no mercy or restraint, apart from one marine who states that she did not sign up for this and defects to the other side. A few messages in here, a clear one to start about the state of our planet and the mess we are making, the greed of the government and politics. You cannot help but sit there and compare what you are seeing with Iraq and Afghanistan, whether you think these wars are right or wrong. This is one of the only films I can remember where the US is seen as a nation of uncaring and ruthlessness.

2. The beauty of Pandora the planet and the link between person, animal and plant is a spectacular to behold. The respect between everything that lives on the planet and the fair and just way with which most things are dealt with harks back to a simpler life where things meant something and we could get back to basics. This is a need and want that I am seeing in the youth of today and the connection and beauty of this film certainly will touch the hearts of Gen Z. A film whose message is more about peace than violence is a real turnaround.

3. The fact that the main character has to go into an Avatar of himself in a way mimics the experience that most gamers have in their fantasy worlds. An experience that has you realising why their fantasy worlds are so much better for them than the real thing.

4. The main character is in a wheelchair (at least in the human world). This is a new thing, a more accepting thing, a message that we are becoming more accepting, even though in the film he puts up with a lot of grief, gets bribed to get his legs back and can walk in his Avatar body. It is something I have not see before.

I could go and and on, even talk about the balance of nature, but I think I have got my point across. The point being that James Cameron is a futurists genius. He obviously understands needs and wants not only within the youth, but within every one of us and he has produced a film that entertains but also leaves you with more questions than answers and has certainly marked the way for films to be more provocative in their content.

Others comments

I did ask a few others what they thought about the film but only got one reply – shame on you

Here is what Karen said

I would point first and foremost to the innate sense everyone is born with for a sense of the sacred —and violation of it—they know it when they see it.
Resonating with truth is a wonderful thing—and young folks do it better—then it gets covered up—then we have to uncover it later in life (if we are aware)

Blessings,
Karen
Www.Karenmonroy.com
Www.Karenmonroy.com/blog

Avatar - a movie with Generation Y written all over it. , 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating