Key Takeaways:
– James Cameron's Avatar sequel, The Way of Water, draws criticisms from Native communities for glamorizing colonialism.
– Some audiences reject the depiction of Na'vi and the use of culturally significant Maori tattoos.
– Despite criticisms, the sequel gained massive global success, earning $2.3 billion worldwide.
Criticisms Eclipse Avatar's Visual Marvel
Pandora, an enchantingly beautiful planet that came alive in our screens in 2009, calls the popular Avatar series its home. Humans attacking this nature-rich world set off the story. Director James Cameron has often related Avatar to North and South America's history during the lower colonial period. The sequel, The Way of Water, released recently in 2022. Despite the series' global acclaim, it has faced backlash, particularly from Native communities. They argue the movies glaze over the brutality of colonialism and disrespect Pandora's blue-skinned inhabitants, the Na'vi.
An Attempt to Correct the Past?
When the original movie faced similar comments, Cameron attempted to adjust the portrayal in the sequel. However, the criticisms now seem to follow a similar trajectory. Despite the director's appreciation for the historical struggles of indigenous people, he ventured to suggest that they might be misunderstanding his creative intent.
Native Inspirations and Misinterpretations
Indeed, Cameron's inspiration for the humanoid species Na'vi came from a real-life tribe, the Maori. The indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand influenced the creation of this blue alien species. However, the use of their culturally significant ‘moko' tattoos in the pro-fantasy narrative seems to have struck a wrong note with the audience.
While Cameron, in an interview with The Washington Post, accepted the historical victims' standpoints, he also mentioned, “It's not up to me, speaking from a perspective of White privilege, to tell them that they're wrong.”
Contending with Mistakes and Criticism
The first Avatar film starring Sam Worthington as Jake Sully faced negative comments for projecting a ‘white-savior' role. Cameron showed a conscious effort to evolve from this standpoint in The Way of Water. Yet, some depicted elements stemming from indigenous inspirations seem to have stirred up controversy. Notably, the adoption and alteration of the sacred moko tattoos to ones without cultural significance displeased a section of viewers.
Is it All Fiction?
Remember, all the drama unfolds in the world of fiction. Hence, applying stark real-world lenses may not always lead to a fair assessment. That's what Cameron seems to suggest, amid facing this wave of criticisms. As creators of a fantasy world, the artistic liberties to mold raw inspirations are undeniable. And, after all, it's Pandora we're talking about, not Earth.
Regardless of the criticisms, both movies in the Avatar series have accrued spectacular box office success and critical acclaim. For those keen on forming their opinions, both are now available on Disney+.
In conclusion, using indigenous culture for creative inspiration can be a fine line to tread for filmmakers like James Cameron. While The Way of Water has indeed drawn public attention, notably for its portrayal of indigenous elements, it has also succeeded in cinematic brilliance and box office success. This controversy serves as a compelling dialogue in our increasingly global and multicultural entertainment industry. And as surely as Pandora spins, these conversations will continue shaping future productions in the Avatar series, and beyond.
