THE MODERN FILM COMPOSER: “AVATAR – The New Film Experience”

As a student of films I am generally skeptical about any hype and critics acclaim, billion dollars or not. After spending at least $280 million dollars to create a future world of fantasy, most people might think that’s a little excessive… but then again it was spent by James Cameron. Which brings me to another area of skepticism, a one time success assuming a later success. In other words, just because Mr. Cameron had a passion and focus on Titanic, doesn’t automatically mean that will prove true in his next big project.

For me personally 3D films have been a double edge sword. I love the concept and I love the experience, but I hate the double images and ensuing headache. There have been a lot of technological advances in our movie experience, and with the progress in home entertainment, theaters have to do some work to keep things on the cutting edge. As I’ve said regarding my skeptic ways, I don’t jump on board with the next big gimmick easily. Laser discs, projection, flat screen projection, HD, digital, blah, blah, blah. Who can keep up?

Now that I’ve actually broken down and jumped into the Avatar frenzy I have to admit that senior Cameron has done it again. There is the impeccable attention to detail and follow through that we all know and love… even if by accident. The visual is crisp and cohesive. I can’t say I ever noticed a difference or variance between live action and CG. What that means to me is less distraction, distraction from the story, from the emotion, and from the enjoyment this film deserves. The computer animation was astounding with the Avatar characters facial expressions, skin tone, and hair. And I have to say that the 3D quality was at a level that I had not experienced.

Mr. James Horner did a great job on the score. It seems like every director has his favorite composer, which I think is great… still looking for mine. Where I thought the score was so well done was not only in the theme, which are hard to find these days, but in the effort made to combine traditional orchestration with modern elements. There is a sound emerging in the score world of harsh mechanical samples that could have easily over run the film. Instead, the sounds of fantasy and mystery utilized with lush strings and classic orchestration was perfectly blended with electronic percussion and synths.

There is something that happens to the majority of artists who use their talents to make a living. The passion that once was, gets lost. After the success comes complacency and the chase for the next big gig. From what I understand, Avatar was written by a young, passionate, Cameron with a clear vision and a massive imagination… and it shows. He takes you on a journey into a complex subject with simple story lines that everyone loves. For the first time in a very long while, I caught myself feeling like I was experiencing something new and exciting. Avatar is a perfect example of a pure vision with professional follow through.

There is a bigger picture to this picture. Avatar has officially changed the film goers experience. James Cameron has upped the anti again. There will be a day when this level of film making will be old news just like Star Wars. Until then, there will be a long road to ho for all the follow up blockbusters trying to match the challenge.