Peter Bart: James Cameron’s Avatar films represent a tremendous commitment to a changing world

When James Cameron delivered it avatar In 2009, none of us understood that this was not a film, but a constellation of films – one that would represent a multi-billion dollar investment for years to come. An iteration is even being discussed for 2028.

Smaller filmmakers may think film by film, but Cameron thinks across generations. No one has thought of that kind of longevity (okay, dubious analogy) since 1928, when Mickey Rooney turned his hand to 34 Andy Hardy films and shorts.

In 1972, Francis Coppola famously stated that, from a filmmaker’s perspective, sequels present a creative void. Even Cameron himself once agreed, stressing, “Spielberg didn’t make it ET returns.”

It was a million-dollar deal that changed Coppola’s mind — hence Godfather II. And Cameron’s expensive sequels already have sub-sequels; He has already been shot Avatar 3 and complete the script for Avatar 5.

Cameron would argue with his imperial smile avatar The series represents a cultural force and a climate change prophecy, not a Marvel-esque game plan. In fact, the opening of this week Avatar: The Way of Water has a surreal background colored by Cameron’s other film – the one titled titanic.

Hollywood circa 2022 is in a confused and defeated mood after a gloomy fall. Exactly 25 years ago titanic came ashore under surprisingly similar circumstances, with Hollywood also hit by a series of bombs.

Cameron had no time to notice. titanic was the highest-grossing film of all time and the first in the industry to gross $1 billion. As the captain of the boat, he immediately declared himself king of the world.

Not without trauma: Cameron’s production represented the biggest budget overrun of all time, forcing backer Fox to beg other studios to pick up windfalls (Paramount begrudgingly agreed and later resigned).

Along the way, Cameron’s encounters with studio heads produced decibel levels unmatched to this day.

Avatar: The Way of Water will open domestically this week with a flurry of promotions similar to Tom Cruise’s brilliant plays before Top Gun: Maverick. Cameron mobilized everything but a fleet of jets. “We have a lot to live up to,” he declared, sounding like General George Patton in 1943.

Before his Covid delay, Cameron even threw himself into a series of media interviews, an activity he admittedly despises. In the past, the 61-year-old executive often pretended not to listen to reporters when meeting with reporters, rather than responding deftly to topics of his choosing.

But the facts of his enterprise are news enough: he has completed four scripts containing related technological breakthroughs for the future avatars, and Disney set the release dates a decade in the future. Post-Iger CEOs don’t have to worry about dates or a big chunk of their future film budget.

A few for sure titanic Loyalists seem confused: they’re still debating and complaining about whether Jack should have squished on that piece of rubble with Rose titanic It really was two films crammed into one bed.

titanic‘s release in 1997, like that of the new avatarwas awkwardly planned just after the disappointing openings of several expensive sequels – speed 2 and even a new Batman (Batman and Robin). It was also followed by two $100 million disaster movies, Armageddon and deep consequenceswith almost identical plots.

The studio kings of the time were fascinated by the “big expenses”. Only blockbusters were welcome – but a few low-budget films eventually saved the day, including There’s something about Mary and the horse Whisperer.

Some pranksters have even suggested a low-budget sequel titanic, which would tell the secret saga of the SS California. This ship was anchored near the Titanic when it sank, but the radio operator and surrounding crew were asleep and no one else noticed.

Given all this, some critics are snooty titanic as a metaphor for the climate crisis, with the SS California as a poignant symbol. The message: In a rapidly warming world, there will always be a lack of outside help.