James Cameron is a highly acclaimed filmmaker and visionary in the world of cinema. Known for his groundbreaking work in filmmaking, Cameron has created some of the most iconic and successful films in history. With his innovative storytelling, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of imagination, the filmmaker has left an indelible mark on the film industry.
While many know Cameron for his monumental works like Avatar, Titanic, and Terminator, the inspiration behind his drive to create exceptional movies is pretty much ignored. Surprisingly, the acclaimed filmmaker’s inspiration to create visionary movies ignited after he watched George Lucas’ Star Wars, which filled Cameron with determination to create a different universe.
James Cameron On Being Inspired By George Lucas’ Star Wars
James Cameron shared that when he first watched George Lucas’ Star Wars in theaters, he experienced an unexpected surge of emotions. The filmmaker not only felt inspired but also found himself frustrated and determined to make a movie like this. This dissatisfaction became a catalyst for Cameron’s pursuit of his filmmaking endeavors.
“I was pissed off. I wanted to make that movie. That’s when I got busy.”
Years later, Cameron set out to create his science fiction franchise with Avatar. He aimed to compete head-on with the likes of Star Wars and Star Trek, offering audiences a persistent alternate reality to immerse themselves in. The True Lies director believed that people craved a rich and detailed alternate universe. By establishing a vivid and captivating world, he sought to captivate viewers and provide a truly immersive experience.
“You’ve got to compete head-on with these other epic works of fantasy and fiction, the Tolkiens and the Star Wars and the Star Treks. People want a persistent alternate reality to invest themselves in and they want the detail that makes it rich and worth their time. They want to live somewhere else. Like Pandora.”
James Cameron On The Comparison Of Avatar and Star Wars
Following the massive success of Avatar, questions arose regarding its cultural impact and long-term legacy in comparison to Star Wars. Addressing these concerns, Cameron acknowledged that the comparison was valid but emphasized that Avatar was only the beginning of its mythology.
“There’s skepticism in the marketplace around, ‘Oh, did it ever make any real cultural impact?’ ‘Can anybody even remember the characters’ names?’ If people are less likely to remember Jake Sully than, say, Luke Skywalker, that’s partly because Avatar is only one movie into its mythology.”
James Cameron’s journey as a filmmaker has been driven by his passion and desire to create a universe to match Star Wars, and it is surely praiseworthy. Cameron’s determination and visionary approach have given birth to several blockbuster hits including the Avatar, which will always be remembered by the audiences.
Source: Terminator File; Chicago Tribune; The Hollywood Reporter
