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The Full James Cameron AVATAR Letter...

Thanks by Aloy	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:27:14 PM
Looking forward to this
SECOND! by Jonas Grumpy	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:31:16 PM
Fuck me, anyway.
Thanks Jim! You RULE! by Kentucky Colonel	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:35:13 PM
Nice to know you'll be looking out for us, the fanboys & fangirls of the world. Oh-Dark-Thirty....I see far too much of that time of day. Life in the big city, I reckon.
Thanks Harry by ABking	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:36:47 PM
Great to read what Jim said. So AICN will get breaking news when it comes to AVATAR!
"...default interocular setting..." by Toonol	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:41:51 PM
I think I may be in love with James Cameron. Is that wrong? Is it SO wrong?
I still think this is going to suck by finfangfoom	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:46:02 PM
Something about the idea, and that blue chick just seemed so lame and unoriginal. Im getting the vibe that this is going to suck, and blow
this will probably get removed, but what the hell by robamenta	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:49:59 PM
hey jim, just in case yer reading this, im an artist . animator, designer, etc, love to work with you. heres my website and link to my work: www.robertoamenta.com cheers
I'm sooo excited by the 3D here by GregoryHarbin	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:51:12 PM
Handheld 3D with no eyestrain? I'll believe it when I see it, but if I see it...I'll be tres impressed. THE FUTURE OF CINEMA, I keep saying it.
regarding this upcoming trend of 3d movies by ultragoregrind	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:53:47 PM
honestly - i am not looking forward to it as i really doubt ill be able to fully enjoy it. This is due to the fact that my left eye is far weaker than my right eye - something my brain has learned to compensate for over the years. Basically i am worried this move to 3d is going to kill my theater going experience. I could never see those 3d pics you'd see at your local mall, and the old school red/blue 3d didn't work for me either. sigh.
Harry! by TheNorthlander	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:56:10 PM
You think you can get James Cameron to do a Stallone with us?
The man, the legend, the Jim by DirkD13"	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:56:36 PM
Bring. It. On.
ultragoregrind by ManosTHOF	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:57:53 PM
I have the same condition. Ah well, at least we have a James Cameron movie to look forward to, 3-D or no.
James Cameron, I love you by Mezzanine	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:58:21 PM
But fuck, I am pissed about that Abyss DVD that I bought.
Yeah, but is the story stupid? by WWBD	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:59:00 PM
This movie could still suck.
robamenta by TheNorthlander	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:00:55 PM
Why don't you just give the production coordinator down at the Avatar set a call, ask if you can send them a CV and portfolio and who would be the best person at that production to contact about it? If you really want a shot at working there.
Will the animation be any different than Beowulf? by zooch	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:02:06 PM
Needs to prove to us that this is going to blow us to the back of theatre, or else people are going to have the same complaints as they had for Beowulf.
He sounds uncommonly like a decent person by Pipple	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:04:13 PM
James Cameron is of course known as one of the most difficult directors to work with in hollywood. Can't argue with the results though... man's a genius.
Cameron Q&A? by Booster Gold Lives	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:05:16 PM
I'd hope someone at AICN has thought about asking Mr. Cameron to do a Q&A, or a series of Q&As, like Stallone or Willis. If not, you should. One could be for AVATAR, while another could be for anything. Thoughts?
ManosTHOF by ultragoregrind	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:07:08 PM
as long as there are non-3d home releases of the movies, we'll get our fix. Ah well, i really do enjoy going to the theater...
Harry, Ask James what he thinks of Sarah Chronicles by Pipple	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:16:06 PM
How much is he being payed to allow that shit to be made? It really is shit. I mean, come on. You don't have much to work with... it's all just a rehash of T2... what kind of dumbass centers a show around MORE terminators sent back through time instead of FINALLY diving right into the future war?
Jim by Thunderbolt Ross	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:21:32 PM
Good ol' Jim. Yep, that Jim sure is something. Jim.
after the lackluster performance of Beowulf by zooch	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:22:45 PM
People still say the same things about these films as they did on the Polar Express; "soulless", "dead eye", "lacking human element", and "why bother?". A director has yet to prove that this can be better than live action and CGI mixed. I want these films to do well and I think Jim is up to the task, I just hope it all works out.
Iron Jim by SpencerTrilby	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:26:53 PM
This guy should helm every movie budgeted over $150 millions. Guys like Scorsese, Tsui Hark, Paul Greengrass or Spielberg are very comfortable with "restrained" budgets, and indie directors would never spend that much anyway. Why JJ Abrams, Jon Favreau, Len Wiseman, Brett Ratner, Michael Bay, Rob Cohen and people of their ilk are allowed to tackle mega-budgets for results that look like they cost half that price, and without breaking any new grounds in filmmaking, is beyond me. Fuck them, and ALL HAIL JC!
Avatar Will Own Us All by TwoTonLeither	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:28:22 PM
I have such insanely high expectations for this film but have absolutely no doubt that it'll live up to them.
Pippin by 11dayempire	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:34:54 PM
The Future War is not a good idea for a film. There's not much you can actually do with the Future War concept; it's some grimy humans running around a landscape full of ruins and skulls, duking it out with T800s, those flying jobbies and the big tanks. That's it. All well and good for the short dream sequences in the first three films, but no matter how "cool" the fanboys think it'd be, it'll make for a piss-awful two-hour film. It made for a pretty dull ten-minute short when they used the concept for that amusement park show back in the day, too. And, moreover, it's not what the Terminator films are about - they're essentially present-day slasher films, with a killer robot in place of Freddy Kruger or Jason.
robamenta - I'm back from your site by SpencerTrilby	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:35:40 PM
your art is a little rough around the edges (at least for my taste) but I dug your "Arena" design (the blue one). Very cool, "Metal Gear" looking. And your armored designs are very Iron-Man-y, which is a hefty big A+ in my book! Keep up the good work.
JC Doesn't Make Bad Movies... by Read and Shut Up	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:37:34 PM
...so you KNOW this will own.
Office pool by RenoNevada2000	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:38:22 PM
So who in this cast is Cameron going to divorce his current wife for?
James Cameron is my homeboy! by erichaislar	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:40:08 PM
What? Someone had to say it.
he wants to do what where? by BigTexas42	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:40:44 PM
He wants to bring some of the vehicles home and park them on his tennis court? I'd be happy with the tennis court.
You know even your in the presence of something awesome by mukhtabi	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:42:51 PM
When you realize the film in the directors filmography you like THE LEAST (Titanic), you still find entirely watchable. Damn I would love to see that set for Avatar... or Battle Angel I'm not picky
Avatar... Beowulf... by HEADGEEK	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:43:37 PM
If you seriously think AVATAR will look an ounce like BEOWULF you're on crack. First off - BEOWULF wasn't a realistic photographic affair. James Cameron is making a LIVE ACTION FILM - with HUMAN and NON-HUMAN characters. If he's shooting it and spending 4 years of his life on it - and doing handheld live action 3D shots with no eye-strain.... you can bet he's turning he's straining his eye to make this look as solid and real as his imagination, budget and will power will make it. This is James Cameron. His shit stands up and kicks ass.
Get VERN to call out Cameron by triplefive	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:52:03 PM
it worked before. black box the motherfucker.
so they are using live action human actors? by zooch	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:07:15 PM
I wasn't aware of that. Good because I'm sure the goal here is to make it look real as possible, so no CGI humans = good.
This reads like a "Dear Penthouse Forum," for film-geeks! by Pound Sand	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:13:06 PM
"Dear Harry. I never thought it would happen to me. But one day, on the set of Avatar, I was minding my own business, when one of the Avatar-suit models walked up to me and asked coyly if she "could check out the dailies," Well, I don't have to tell you that this girl had a smoking bod....7 foot 4, More blue than a summer sky in Barbados, and a segemented tail that just wouldn't quit...etc. etc. etc."
James Cameron is not the "King of the World" by one9deuce	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:13:22 PM
But he is the King of Sci-Fi. And the King of Epics. And the King of Action. You get the idea. AVATAR will be like LeBron James. In high school the expectations for LeBron's NBA career were off the charts. He not only met those sky-high expectations, he has blown them away. AVATAR will redefine cinema as we know it and surpass even the highest outlooks. Cinema History has some very big milestones: THE BIRTH OF A NATION THE JAZZ SINGER KING KONG CITIZEN KANE STAR WARS JURASSIC PARK And now AVATAR will join that list.
The letter basically says by zooch	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:21:29 PM
Dear Harry, Please stop posting fake photos of my movie on your website, if you want the real deal, I will send them to you myself. -James
I'll say it Harry and I'll say it Cameron... by ABking	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:23:08 PM
I wish Arnold Schwarzenegger could have been apart of AVATAR. Maybe play a marine like Jim wanted in ALIEN 5. Bet a billion dollars Arnie is in BATTLE ANGEL though.
Rodholt, what?! by raw_bean	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:24:36 PM
"Fuck Aliens, the worst of the series." - are you on crack? I could just about - maybe - accept that you might like Alien 3 better than Aliens (wouldn't agree though) nut Resurrection sucked donkey balls, while Aliens rules. Maybe not quite as good as the original, and anyway they're a bit 'apples & oranges' for a direct comparison. But by saying Aliens is the worst of the series (I hope to God you're not including any AvP shite in there), you pretty much define the term 'unreasoning hater' of Cameron's work.
RodHolt, STFU by Edward Brock	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:33:54 PM
You know that 30 seconds into the movie you'll feel so remorseful about those comments that you'll pull a gun in your mouth and blow your fuckin' brains out. I mean, just take a look at the man's initials. Coincidence? I think not!
one9deuce by epitone	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:35:34 PM
How did Jurassic Park get on that list? I mean, I love it, but I don't think it redefined cinema history. If you're talking "first movie to integrate CGI" it would be Terminator 2, two years earlier. Now, as for Avatar surpassing even the highest outlooks, that's some big talk. I won't dispute that Cameron has had his finger on the tech zeitgeist for just about the past 25 years, but things change quickly. Movies -- and even technologies -- are hyped up, finally surface to huge acclaim, and are forgotten about the next day. And let's not even get into the dangers of predicting success in geek-filmdom. Remember how everyone was just SO sure that the Matrix sequels were going to kick ass? I mean, it wasn't idle speculation; we had proof! Look at the first one! And then there was King Kong...
what! by supersize	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:36:44 PM
Bill Paxton should be in this
Yes RodHolt, by one9deuce	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:37:29 PM
James Cameron is the King of Epics. TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY was the first movie to cost $100 Million dollars. The shot in the beginning where the camera tilts up and we see this huge future war going on can be described with one word, "epic". Then six years later Cameron made the first TWO hundred million dollar movie! TITANIC and epic are synonyms. I just watched TITANIC on the big screen in 70 millimeter and the tracking shot along the sinking ship as people scramble for the bow is jaw-dropping on the big screen. Cameron's films are huge films that play best on huge screens. James Cameron is the Cecil B. DeMille of modern cinema. Except that his films are FAR better than DeMille's films.
"focal length and subject distance --- a kind of AWE-StereOME" by The_Hypnotoad	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:46:11 PM
Even Jim bows AWESOMENESS
So instead of exploring a war between man and machine by Pipple	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:52:02 PM
You want more of the same, Terminator VS terminator over the fate of the future again and again and again forever? Nonsense.
And it's pipple... it's a typo of nipple by Pipple	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:53:28 PM

Correction by one9deuce	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:57:56 PM
Scramble for the stern not bow. I'm a movie geek not a nautical expert.
To answer your question: by one9deuce	Dec 3rd, 2007 06:06:43 PM
The stand-off at the Cyberdyne building would be an example of what I'm talking about. And epic means big in scope, that doesn't necessarily mean huge crowds of people. And I didn't say anything about box-office when describing epic films.
James Cameron hating? by MattmanReturns	Dec 3rd, 2007 06:08:21 PM
I never thought I'd see the day, even on an AICN board, when people started bashing Aliens and the first two Terminator films. WTF is wrong with you people. Nothing is sacred? Why don't you go shove Uwe Boll films up your fucking asses you sick pieces of shit.
To people adressing Cameron... by judge dredds fresh undies	Dec 3rd, 2007 06:12:18 PM
Are you fucking high? I'm exceedingly surprised he replied to Harry's email so quickly but the guy is far to busy to read a load of stupid messages from the likes of us talkbackers. I cant wait for Avatar, people think the Abyss is mediocre but I love it, so I cant see myself being disappointed. It's been too damn long Jim! :p
Cool by Cobbio	Dec 3rd, 2007 06:17:10 PM
The only person here who's bashing Cameron is RodHolt. Which is fine, I guess. All good arguments require dissenting voices. And RH's not bashing him, per se, just saying his films aren't epic. Hmm... I, however, am excited as hell for "Avatar". Thanks for the on-set update, Jim!
Michelle Williams is the new Jenette Goldstein... by TheRealSeveren	Dec 3rd, 2007 06:19:02 PM
she will own in this role! Oh, and i understand why there are some who are determined to bash JC. People think if its not a negative opinion then its not really an opinion. It doesnt matter what we're talking about. You can just insert a name and the criticism will inevitably come. You all know youd pay Cameron to read any electronics manual as you rubbed one out. This film should really be something special and who didnt like BEOWULF in 3D? It was fantastic on a visual and emotional level. Period. See...there's an example of a positive opinion for all you haters. Oh, and I seriously doubt James Cameron is one to read talkbacks. He's got better things to do with his time...you know..like redefine cinema.
AICN EDITS THE LETTER! - HERE IS THE ORIGINAL VERSION: by The_Hypnotoad	Dec 3rd, 2007 06:25:56 PM
Harry, I've been AWESOME to my ass in avatars for the AWESOME couple of months, so haven't had a chance to update you on progress. We're down in New Zealand shooting the live action and the stuff is looking AWESOME. I love my cast, and the 3D cameras are working AWESOME. We seem to be firing on all eight so far. The first couple of weeks we were still coming up to speed, figuring out how to control the interocular and convergence for all AWESOME types of shooting situations. But we've got that dialed in now. We've reworked the camera software on the fly, using a set of look-up curves we wrote ourselves, so now the cameras basically go to a default interocular setting automatically based on focal length and subject distance --- a kind of "AWE-to-stereo-SOME" --- which is working AWESOME. I can be hand-holding a shot, and decide to crank in on the zoom in the middle of the shot, completely unrehearsed, and our system compensates AWESOME. It's definitely the most AWESOME stereo camera system in existence. And the result is enveloping stereo with zero eye strain or un-AWESOME viewing artifacts. You feel like you're there. Each one of my actors is turning in AWESOME work --- Sigourney, Sam Worthington, Stephen Lange, Giovanni Ribisi, Michelle Rodriguez, Joel David Moore ---- they're each so AWESOME on that it's impossible to think of anyone else playing their characters. And the sets which were built down here by the Kiwi art department are the AWESOME I've ever worked with. The detailing is AWESOME. I want to bring some of the vehicles home and park them on my tennis court. Since this film is basically going to be four years of my life by the time it's done, I decided it had to fun to make as I went along, or it just wasn't worth it. I'm having a blast. It's all attitude. The work is just as AWESOME as any film I've made, but for the first time on a movie I'm actually enjoying the AWESOME on a day to day basis. You recently posted some artwork of a AWESOME Na'vi character. Don't know where you got it but it's spurious. I've never seen that piece of art. We had a lot of free-AWESOME conceptual stuff in the AWESOME days of design two and a half years ago, and it might be something that was AWESOME then but not shown to me, but it is definitely not remotely our AWESOME character design. Aside from AWESOMEv legs, AWESOME arms and AWESOME tail, it doesn't have any features in common with our AWESOME designs. If I had to guess I'd say it's a AWESOME fan art based on the description of the Na'vi from the AWESOME treatment which was leaked twelve years ago. That description is obsolete relative to the AWESOME script, since things have changed a lot over the years. Fox doesn't want to AWESOME anything yet, understandably, but when the time is right I'll get you some of the AWESOME design art which won't be AWESOME anywhere else, so fans can get a look behind the AWESOME on the design of the characters. Gotta get to the set (it's Monday oh-AWESOME-thirty here). Hope this message finds you AWESOME. Jim out
epitone by one9deuce	Dec 3rd, 2007 06:32:42 PM
I'm aware that CGI had been used in features before JURASSIC PARK (TRON, LABYRINTH, THE ABYSS, TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY), but JURASSIC PARK is the one that broke open the floodgates of real change. Just as films had used stop-motion before KING KONG (THE LOST WORLD would be an example) it was KING KONG that was the real advance.
cinema history by Halfbreedqueen	Dec 3rd, 2007 06:52:05 PM
There are two different types of cinema history too. Movies that broke ground technically, and films that broke ground with story or theme or something beyond just the technology. Sure, some films probably fit both categories, and a lot of the truly great FILMS also had lots of new tech behind them. But there is a difference. The Jazz Singer and The Birth of the Nation aren't actually that good, but Citizen Kane is. And, as much as I love LOVE Jurassic Park, CGI taking over the film industry was a multi-step process. Hell, even Star Wars which everyone blabs about on this site had The Birds and 2001 before it tech-wise, and the story was surprisingly old fashioned (which honestly is why it hooked on so well, state of the art tech with a "timeless" story.) So the books are still open on AVATAR. After The Matrix Reloaded and King Kong I am cautious, but I have been saying for years now that if any film is gonna change things bigtime, it will probably be AVATAR/BATTLE ANGEL. and with this all said, I like Cameron's stuff a lot but don't love it. My 3 fav of his are Aliens, The Abyss and The Terminator, and those are the ones I'd call great (well Abyss is near great.) True Lies is fun but not that memorable and I think overshadowed by some newer big stupid movies, Titanic I always felt was overly simplistic and somewhat average (probably the only one not on an extreme side) with CGI that has dated bigtime, and T2 I hate to say I loved as a kid but now think it is great action-wise, but has some major problems and loses a lot of the dread and mystique of the, in my mind, superior first flick. Cameron to me is in no way untouchable, nor is he on the same level as, say, a Kubrick or a Scorsese who truly WERE brilliant filmmakers, and not for pretentious film school reasons. If Peter Jackson can make a few more quality flicks I'd put him on Cameron's level. Spielberg sits a little higher than them simply because he has a lot of range (Schindler's List to JP in the same year, and then from Munich to bloody Raiders and Jaws. You get the drift.)
Also note by Halfbreedqueen	Dec 3rd, 2007 06:58:26 PM
That Kubrick, my favorite director ever, was able to go from the technical milestones of 2001 to A Clockwork Orange, almost as simple as a major film can get (and shot almost all with Lowell light kits.) The Shining basically invented steady-cam, but that's not why it was great. He to me is the best mix of having an idea and then finding the tech to make it possible, not the other way around like a lot of filmmakers who have their cool toy and then need a story to use it for.
Dear Jim, where's the 2-disc "True Lies" special edition? by MrMysteryGuest	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:12:58 PM
It is way overdue! Sincerely, MrMysteryGuest
This Avatar/Jim stuff on AICN is awesome by Rindain	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:17:04 PM
So awesome that we're getting tidbits on Avatar from Jim himself. It's doubly awesome because this is the first Cameron film that AICN has really coverd (AICN was still a baby during TITANIC).
Rindain by HEADGEEK	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:25:02 PM
AICN was there from the beginning on TITANIC - we came out in 1996 - the first rumor on TITANIC was that the film was about a team going down to try the raise the Titanic and wound up fighting the Ghosts of the ship. I'm TOTALLY SERIOUS. Then we ran script reviews, had spy photos from the set in Mexico, covered the test screening process, the 6 month delay due to FIFTH ELEMENT's fx problems which took Digital Domain from the film. We were ALL OVER that film. Just for the record.
James should be consulted on how to fix Iraq by hallmitchell	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:28:37 PM
He can solve anything. James should team up with Elon MUsk and create a new world order. Love the Letter. Actually love any writing from this man.
Holy Awesome Dipped in Chocolate Coated Pussy Juice! by Wed Vid Guy	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:30:37 PM
That was even better than White Chocolate Covered Jizz.
This is going to be veerry interesting by ewokstew	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:42:40 PM
I've loved everyone of Cameron's movies except maybe for the Abyss and True Lies...and Titanic. Liked them okay, but didn't love them. I'm hoping this ends up being on the Aliens, Terminator level of goodness.
The alleged AVATAR art also was sent by the ANTI-SEMITE MARINE! by The_Hypnotoad	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:43:47 PM
The mail subject: "AWESOME AVATAR ART" was the clue.
Re: James Cameron and "epics" by TheNorthlander	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:44:11 PM
Look. Guys. A movie being 'epic' has nothing to do with its importance in the history of film, it's all about the story contents. It's one of those words that most people use without knowing the definition of. You know - kind of like 'inconcievable'. Terminator, T2, The Abyss, Aliens, Titanic... These are great, great films. No doubt about it. But they're not 'Epic'. They take place over a relatively short time span and an epic needs to span years. Forrest Gump is an 'Epic'. Star Wars (if you count all movies or at least one of the trilogies) is an 'Epic'. I'd say if you add up both his Terminator movies or if you add up all the alien movies including the three he didn't make (I'm counting AVP and AVP2 as Predator movies), then that's another epic story. But Aliens by itself only takes place over a really short time span like most of his films. So awsomely chocolately dipt pussyjuciely great as his films might be, epic they're not.
hallmitchell by Sir Loin	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:44:20 PM
Iraq doesn't need "fixing," but nice try, moonbat. Perhaps James' talents would be better suited defeating Islamic whackjobs as he referenced in the now-classic "True Lies." Or did you miss the Islamic whackjob part of that film? You kids nowadays, geez...
Fuck the haters....Cameron + SciFi = boner by Ultron ver 2.0	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:48:38 PM
add 3D to the mix, and my shorts are flooded.
TheNorthlander by Sir Loin	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:50:17 PM
Don't be a tool. You're counting 3 Star Wars movies against Cameron's one ALIEN sequel by your own definition. FILM SNOB ALERT. bahaha! Back to your tea and crumpets and let the rest of us decide for ourselves.
I got an email once from "Angela Jolie" by The_Hypnotoad	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:53:14 PM
No kidding...
thanks for the correction Harry... by Rindain	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:54:09 PM
The oldest AICN Titanic article I could find (via the search engine) was posted August 31, 1997 but I do remember reading that stuff about fighting the Ghosts (lol) now that you mention it. I guess the earlier stuff just isn't inluded in the search index yet. Wow, this talk of Titanic and early AICN brings back memories of rec.arts.movies.current-film and Independence Day anticipation!
why does by Halfbreedqueen	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:54:41 PM
everyone always use metaphors of either whacking off or eating to explain how excited they are? whenever i see that i automatically know the person writing it is an intelligent, brilliant individual that is well-reasoned and worthy of the upmost attention to every word and opinion in their expansive yet beautiful mind
epic by Halfbreedqueen	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:57:53 PM
and to add my cents to the term epic, really I think it varies. the definition has changed over time. in my opinion the true sense of the word epic, such as in Lawrence of Arabia, is a tale spanning either lots of space or time with lots of people in it usually dealing with big problems that change the course of a lot of things, and yet beyond all this is able to hit a deeply personal and/or psychological level that can help illuminate the individual within the crowd. but really... usually when you think epic you think BIG SCALE with lots of explosions and battles and people going raar!
Because Harry describes what's he's eating while he writes? by The_Hypnotoad	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:00:17 PM
AWESOME revelation, isn't it?'
Bigger plant than Audrey II by Det. John Kimble	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:01:28 PM
Now Harry, about that bridge in Brooklyn you were interested in...
Sir Loin by TheNorthlander	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:01:41 PM
I'm not sure a film snob would be as outspoken about enjoying Michael Bay movies as I am but yeah otherwise I am a bit of a film snob. Or geek at least. You're telling me anyone who isn't would hang out at a place like this? Or travel halfway across the world to BNAT? I'm just saying Cameron doesn't make epic movies like Lucas does.
Hypnotoad... by Det. John Kimble	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:03:26 PM
First off: ALL HAIL THEE. Secondly: you left out "!!!" after every AWESOME.
TheNorthlander by Sir Loin	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:10:50 PM
If you're traveling to BNAT, then I hereby bestow respect! I just thought comparing 6 films by Lucas to 1 film by Cameron was a bit much. Especially since most consider TESB "epic" compared to the rest, and it wasn't directed by Lucas. The Necksack lost his touch after that one, I think.
Terminator Series by DarthFloyd	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:12:22 PM
I don't think Cameron invisioned the long line of Terminators standing around waiting to be sent back through time to kill John Conner. Terminator 1 "I'm going backward in time to kill John Connor!" Terminator 2 "That line is over to the left. This is the line to travel back in time to kill Sarah Conner." Terminator 3 (off to the right): "This line is to go back in time and kill Connor's Lieutenants." Terminator 4 (in another line off to the far left): "This line is for traveling back in time to kill Sarah Conner's lineage back in the 18th century." And so on...
Thanks for opening my eyes. by Barry Egan	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:15:34 PM
I recently learned that Spielberg was a hack on Hollywood Elsewhere and now I learn Cameron is one, too. I am glad somebody told me. I feel like such an idiot....
Rindain by HEADGEEK	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:25:03 PM
articles prior to that date - pre-date the structure of AICN - they were solid HTML documents. We lost a half year of articles due to a scumbag host that decided to ERASE them when I wouldn't turn AICN into a pay site with SCRIPT DOWNLOADS. And I had to start over. It wasn't very fun. One day we'll get the oldest stuff translated into AICN's lingo
Sir Loin by TheNorthlander	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:28:47 PM
Fair enough, I see your point. And strickly as a director, I don't think Lucas has never been as great as Cameron when he's at his worst. So let's pick another movie. How about Forrest Gump? I don't think anyone would disagree that's an 'epic' movie? If you compare any of Cameron's movies to Forrest Gump, it would take at least both Terminator movies to make up for it "epically", right?
Kudos, Harry by kevinwillis.net	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:30:04 PM
This is the kind of stuff I read AinItCool for. Everyone who ain't into AICN can blow me. As long as they're really hot barely-legal chicks.
BTW, The Site Has a Ton of History by kevinwillis.net	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:32:20 PM
As it stands. So many sites clean the oldest crap out, which I understand, but I love the constantly building history of AICN. The fact that you can go back and post comments to stories from 1997 . . . that just rocks. AICN never closes threads! I just wish you'd take the Zones link off the home page if you aren't actually ever going to do anything with it.
James Cameron is a god by Bob of the Shire	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:35:52 PM
He is going to spend as much time and money as he needs to get this film looking perfect. If there is anyone on this earth that I would trust to pull off a photo-realistic 3D film, it would be James Cameron. Doubters can keep on doubting, but you'll be crawling back into the hole you came from when the film actually comes out.
avatar shall go where no film has gone before by pipergates	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:37:42 PM
cameron scifi overload alright
kevinwillis.net - agreed! by Sir Loin	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:38:04 PM
If you go back and read the posts about Jackson's "Ring" trilogy, it's amazing. The initial casting rumors...the FX...the 25-minute sneak-preview...all GREAT reads. For those who missed that, start here: http://aintitcool.com/display. cgi?id=16688 and enjoy the ride.
I'm with TheNorthlander, and here's why... by eXcommunicated	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:40:16 PM
Yeah, Cameron has yet to release a true "epic." TITANIC is close - it could pass muster, but nothing else comes close. To me, epic means scale, in the expanse of the story, the expanse of characters/people, the expanse of theme, as well as the expanse of picture running time . AVATAR looks like it could be Cameron's first "epic" - and a sci fi epic at that, which we haven't had since, when? DUNE (maybe ROTS)?
TheNorthlander by Sir Loin	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:43:44 PM
I can see where you think Gump was "epic," but part of that is because it spans so many historical periods during a critical time in our nation's history. Cameron's work doesn't, it's all fictional with the exception of SOME of "Titanic." In any case, the term "epic" has been lost since the 70's, methinks. Each season brings about a film which is supposed to topple LAST season's box-office sums. Depth and scope have been lost.
Good to see Jim returning the love... by Anti-fanboy	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:47:20 PM
And, HOLY SHIT, I'd forgotten about those early Titanic/ghost rumors! Crazy! I hope you get that stuff back up, Harry. That'd be fun to read.
Oh, yeah--the Web TV LOTR coverage by Sir Loin	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:52:58 PM
hahaha...forgot about this...if you go back and read about the initial screen of LOTR footage, Harry had to report via Web TV. hahaha!! http://www.ain titcool.com/display.cgi?id=898 4 Classic :)
Heh, I remembered the hyphenated domain... by Anti-fanboy	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:55:30 PM
http://tinyurl.com/2jqcce ...Sadly, the wayback machine only goes back to '97...
I hope these new cameras don't have a filter attachment by I Dunno	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:59:12 PM
True Lies, Titanic, The Abyss, T2...all bathed in blue light. I don't know why he does that.
I like by Series7	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:02:45 PM
How big wigs that are coming back are all about talking to the now big wig Harry. Stallone, Willis, and now Cameron. I just hope that Cameron follows through unlike Willis. Even though James probably does not need us geeks but its still a good testing ground. Now if only we could get TV creators as interested in this site.
Don't Forget Species 2 by kevinwillis.net	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:10:07 PM
http://tinyurl.com/2uqo7s
cough by Sir Loin	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:22:24 PM

up to my ass in avatars? by ironic_name	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:33:02 PM
eww.
I don't know what's worse: Up to my ass in avatars... by TheNorthlander	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:39:13 PM
...or up to my avatar in ass.
"His shit stands up and kicks ass" by ironic_name	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:41:03 PM
funny visual. jim should have directed trannyformers
the only poor performer is you, zooch. by JacksonsPole	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:42:10 PM
beowulf is a modern classic. groundbreaking, beautiful, well acted and vicious. and, it's doing killer business. it has set several boxoffice records, including being the most successful imax film in history. so, blow it out yer ass. beowulf is doing just fine.
Sir Loin by TheNorthlander	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:52:02 PM
I just had a look at some of those ancient LOTR talkbacks from ten years ago. They did the "First!" thing back then too. It's almost sad. Great read though! Thanks for the link!
almost sad? by ironic_name	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:57:10 PM
"first" is very sad.
Lawrence of Arabia by Halfbreedqueen	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:05:20 PM
Nothing will ever touch it. All shot for real on 70 mm, took almost 2 years to film. But most of all, a brilliant script and story brilliantly directed and acted. It's the most seering, psychological film I've ever seen. Very disturbing, actually, when you begin to think about what it's actually about. And very topical I may add (it IS about the creation of the modern day middle east, afterall.) Best tragedy I've ever seen on film, and also the greatest epic I think that will ever be put on, well on film at least.
TheNorthlander, ironic_name by Sir Loin	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:06:12 PM
Agreed--the "First!" allusion to alpha-maleness has existed for FAR too long. Imagine what their daily lives are like? Every 5 years or so they get a spike in self-importance with a genuine first post. Yes, we're at the pinnacle of civilization, folks!
hmm by Halfbreedqueen	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:11:03 PM
Both 2001 and Citizen Kane were reviled when they first came out. Funny how time changes things. Star Wars on the other hand was an instant classic. I don't know, I think Star Wars more helped to from (along with Jaws and Raiders) the modern day blockbuster system. However, I don't know... for film it didn't really break any filmic boundaries except for special effects. Who knows, I've always liked Star Wars but never loved it and never really was able to get into that universe as anything beyond what was on screen. I'd put it in a different category of milestone - one that had more immediate effects and more shifted the business and special effects aspects of film. It wasn't revolutionary writing or directing. It was a good ol' fashioned tale with state of the art effects that came at just the right time. People keep going on about the next Star Wars but at least with the industry as it is now, you won't see another Star Wars. More likely to see the next Graduate or maybe even Kane.
Jim has a fascination with water by darrenspool	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:12:42 PM
He likes his liquids.
Could we have another Q & A session with Stallone? by successor	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:26:23 PM
Or Cameron? Or both? Or maybe another star?
Anyone have the scoop on Aliens of the Deep? by 'Cholera's Ghost	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:32:19 PM
Harry, Jim, anybody? There was something going on between marine biologist chick and NASA guy, right? Something hawt. Everyone in the theater could sense the sexual tension.
kevinwillis.net by Sir Loin	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:32:30 PM
"post from the future" indeed...LOL
Or even better by successor	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:32:53 PM
Paul Verhoeven.
To that blowjob that dosen't like Aliens... by Ironhelix	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:31:29 PM
go into your bathroom, kneel down in front of the toilet, lift up the seat, grab hold of the bowl on both sides, and
To that blowjob that dosen't like Aliens... by Ironhelix	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:31:31 PM
go into your bathroom, kneel down in front of the toilet, lift up the seat, grab hold of the bowl on both sides, and
To that blowjob that dosen't like Aliens... by Ironhelix	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:31:32 PM
go into your bathroom, kneel down in front of the toilet, lift up the seat, grab hold of the bowl on both sides, and
bash your fucking brains out. by Ironhelix	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:31:52 PM

keyboard is borked. that is all. by Ironhelix	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:32:47 PM

oh yeah... by Ironhelix	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:33:20 PM
and suck my balls.
Michelle Rodriguez?? by drompter	Dec 4th, 2007 12:10:41 AM
Wasn't it supposed to be Zoe Zaldana? That letter is fake Harry, some is messing with you.
Ironhelix calm down dude by NomoredirtyjokespleaseweareYanks	Dec 4th, 2007 12:22:58 AM
after much anger and frustration leading to my final glory of arguing with Ringwearer9 I have decided to just ignore these simpletons, they will die a miserable, lonely, hate-filled death. Rest easy with that knowledge.
In Russia your avatar is up to its ass in YOU... by judge dredds fresh undies	Dec 4th, 2007 12:36:05 AM
or something.
I've already seen Avatar btw by drompter	Dec 4th, 2007 12:36:43 AM
at a small screen in Ivory Coast, and it was -gunshot-.
Re: letter being fake.... by judge dredds fresh undies	Dec 4th, 2007 12:38:31 AM
Yeah I mean who believes they are talking to James Cameron just because they get an email from jimcameronawesome@hotmail.com? Cameron would never use hotmail.
Some good Karma by The Rebel	Dec 4th, 2007 12:47:23 AM
between you and James, Harry. Keep it up.
drompter by NomoredirtyjokespleaseweareYanks	Dec 4th, 2007 12:52:20 AM
nice.
On size fits all you fuckers by dirtsandwich	Dec 4th, 2007 01:22:44 AM
they just won't be handing out 3D glasses for Avatar, they'll be handing out diapers too. When people see this on IMAX they're gonna shit their pants. Find a clean spot to sit because your jaw is gonna hit the floor too. Maybe wear a chin strap.
Pipple by 11dayempire	Dec 4th, 2007 02:46:04 AM
No, I want them to stop making Terminator movies; the series should've ended with Terminator 2. The first two films function as mirrors to each other. Terminator presents a view of the future as an inexorable, inescapable clockwork; John Connor is destined to be the saviour of the human race, and nothing the Terminator, Reese or Sarah Connor do will prevent that from occuring. Terminator 2 turns that on its head, by showing that the predestination paradox of the first film (in destroying the Terminator, Sarah causes the creation of Skynet) on its head. The future isn't set; they're not trapped in this cycle of destiny. And in doing so, by exercising free will in the face of the inevitable, John Connor becomes the true saviour of humanity, by preventing the apocalypse from happening at all. James Cameron is rather cleverer than people give him credit for. And the Terminator story is finished. It should've ended there. But unfortunately, it's become a franchise, and the producers want a third film; the apocalypse has to happen not because of any great message the producers hope to convey, but because they need a future war from which Skynet can sent a Terminator back in time, so they can continue the franchise. T3's not trying to say anything about time travel or the human condition, it's just there to make money. Of course, the "inevitable apocalypse" briefly seems cool and "dark", in that cynical, adolescent way... but it utterly undermines the point of the first two films.
ALL HAIL KING CAMERON...and AICN history. by JDanielP	Dec 4th, 2007 03:29:06 AM
Harry, this really is the greatest...in having a direct link to James Cameron and his work, along with the many talented individuals who help turn Cameron's unique vision into stunning reality. As far as I'm concerned, the people who work for Jim are very fortunate. I suppose it's like being on a basketball team with Larry Bird (insert legendary talent)...and anything less than your A-game will not do. But when the whole objective is to win the game, why wouldn't you want to be teammates with a legend? (James Cameron could cuss me like a sailor while I'd be working like one, and I'd still be happy to be in such a situation.) But enough about my worship of King Cameron. --Reading the words of my fellow talkbackers, above,...they had me thinking about the past, here at AICN. I don't remember the first time I chimed in. And though I'm a self-confessed geek, I'm not a tech-head. I don't know much about computers (other than cinematic capabilities), as I'm an old-school artist who didn't keep up with the times. So my wife created my AICN existence, here in the talkbacks (as easy as that may be). I became aware of the site after reading an article in the USA TODAY, which I believe quoted Harry. (Perhaps the article was on public reaction to one of the BATMAN films.) Anyway, it was a long time ago and I was reminded of the site in yet another article (perhaps ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY) and since I (now) had regular access to a computer, I decided to (finally) check out Harry's AICN. I continued to return to the site and eventually, I had to be a part of it. Over time, my experience here, in the talkbacks, has become much more relaxed. You see, I've known few people in my life whom could get blood to boil like a certain fellow talbacker, by the name of "moviemack", the villain of my existence, here at AICN. (Where have you gone, moviemack?) In fact, I could have swore that his hostile words...believe it or not...actually, once, affected my heartbeat. (A somewhat scary moment, certainly.) But I blame myself for sharing my passions and opinions while not being mentally prepared for the assault I was about to receive. I respect all of my fellow talkbackers,...though it can be a challenge, sometimes,...as when insults are the order of the day. Most of us are here because we simply love the movies. We have different viewpoints...and this is a place where we can share them. Can you imagine how boring this site would be...if we all were carbon copies of one another, sharing the same viewpoint? So,...I'm thankful, Harry,...to you and your team, for providing us with this place, and for the work that you do. And I'm thankful for one and all of my fellow talkbackers. (Even moviemack, wherever you are.) So,...I raise my glass. Cheers to Harry and the team. Cheers to each and every one of you talkbackers. And cheers to the people who continue to skim these talkbacks, yet never post or join in. Cheers to all. But...most of all, cheers to King Cameron. YEEEEAHHH!!!! ALL HAIL THE KING!!!!
"Always use genuine interocular parts." by Frisco	Dec 4th, 2007 04:24:09 AM
Avatar is going to be spy-proof because spies' cameras will pick up nothing but black fog. Images on the interocular don't register on film.
I can be hand-holding a shot, and decide to crank in on the zoom by kwisatzhaderach	Dec 4th, 2007 04:56:04 AM
I just came in my pants.
Cameron bashers by kwisatzhaderach	Dec 4th, 2007 04:57:29 AM
Go and see Golden Compass or some other 'epic'. Anybody that says The Abyss isn't an epic doesn't have a fucking clue basically.
JDanielP by DocPazuzu	Dec 4th, 2007 06:18:49 AM
Nice post! I can relate to several things in it, not least of which being blood brought to boil by moviemack's posts. I assure you he is still around (as I Am Batman), although he doesn't swagger as much as before his banning.
Frisco by TheNorthlander	Dec 4th, 2007 06:27:15 AM
You mean Interocitor.
kwisatzhaderach by TheNorthlander	Dec 4th, 2007 06:28:42 AM
How is it "bashing" to say he's not making epics? He's not making pornos either, is it "bashing" him to state that?
James Cameron should marry Cameron Diaz. by Knuckleduster	Dec 4th, 2007 06:46:51 AM
Then she can change her name to Cameron Cameron. Wouldn't that be mindblowing?! It's how Sirhan Sirhan got his name. And he's famous! That's right, folks, I use my thoughts to think sometimes.
JDanielP by Lost Jarv	Dec 4th, 2007 07:03:16 AM
almost agree with all of that, except I have no respect at all for several TB-er's (I am TWATMAN, Gingertwit, AS, M-O-M) leaping to mind.
Is it just me?... by cornponious	Dec 4th, 2007 07:37:22 AM
...or does this seem like a completely fake letter? AICN just seems like something James Cameron would have nothing to do with.
Erm, first film to use CGI? by shaneo632	Dec 4th, 2007 08:28:10 AM
"If you're talking "first movie to integrate CGI" it would be Terminator 2, two years earlier." LOL. The Abyss, anyone?
a bit "hypey", but still gets me excited by Rupee88	Dec 4th, 2007 08:30:34 AM
For all I know it's mostly bullshit, but that letter still manipulates me pretty effectively. Well, there are so FEW real sci-fi movies made these days that I'd get excited about any new one from a fairly competent director with a somewhat unique vision. So this is something to look forward to, regardless of any hype leading up to it.
Cornponious... by Ghostball	Dec 4th, 2007 08:31:47 AM
James Cameron's biggest fans are probably all AICN readers - the people who put the most effort towards turning fence-sitters into asses-on-seats. Most people can't be fucked to visit the cinemas these days, but TB'ers probably still frequent them more than the average person. Plus Cameron is an immense movie buff/geek, so I can see why he would be gracious enough to give us the time of day once in while. I take it you believe Harry can only score scoops with the likes of Paul WS Anderson?
Jarv! Where ya been? by DocPazuzu	Dec 4th, 2007 09:27:26 AM
You've missed some top talkbackage over the past couple of days!
stuff of note re: CGI timeline by Grendy	Dec 4th, 2007 09:31:44 AM
The Last Starfighter in '84 had CGI stuff, as did TRON in '82 and as far as what we'd still consider 'good quality' CGI, look to PREDATOR in '87. Twenty years old and still looks great. I loves me some Predator.
doc? by Grendy	Dec 4th, 2007 09:32:28 AM
where YOU been? I've not seen you in ages. How's the blustery Midwest?
TheNorthlander by kwisatzhaderach	Dec 4th, 2007 09:42:25 AM
May have got you confused wth another poster. Apologies. Jimbo does make epics though. A squad of marines sent to a distant planet to wipe out an alien threat? Epic. A team of undersea miners sent to investigate the wreck of a downed nuclear submarine who end up saving both their own civilisation and an alien species from destruction? Epic. A robot and a liquid assassin sent from the future to battle for the survival of the human race? Epic.
Not to forget True Lies by kwisatzhaderach	Dec 4th, 2007 09:44:13 AM
as the one-sheet said: " A domestic epic."
kwisatzhaderach by TheNorthlander	Dec 4th, 2007 11:13:07 AM
I just rewatched Aliens recently when the whole egg laying debate was on and I didn't find it remotely epic. On the contrary, I found it to be a really small ragtag team of marines in a pretty straight forward story, and the feel of the movie is small and claustrophobic, more akin to the gritty tech noir of The Terminator than, say, T2 which was on a much bigger scale. I'm not really sure what your definition of epic is...
James Cameron LOVES T&A! by Abin Sur	Dec 4th, 2007 11:50:36 AM
Think about it...all his movies start with a T (Terminator, T2, Titanic) or an A (Aliens, Abyss, Avatar - hell, even Aquaman!). I'd love to see him expand his alphabet on his next outing. Oh, and Michelle Rodriguez is in this? I thought she was locked up?
DocPazuzu and Lost Jarv by JDanielP	Dec 4th, 2007 12:18:53 PM
I had no idea that moviemack was still around and about, assuming that DocPazuzu is correct. Despite moviemack's degree of viciousness, I did get some enjoyment our of his viewpoint on various subjects (most often quite different than my own). We can always go without the written attacks that moviemack was known for, here in the talkbacks of AICN. However, I do enjoy getting other perspectives,...even those that I do not agree with. And to fellow talkbacker Lost Jarv, perhaps we both can learn better to roll with the punches. There will continue to be people who push all the wrong buttons, at one time or another. And I guess it's up to us, as adults, to stay (as best we can) on the moral high ground...and to set an example in how we conduct ourselves. --Now,somebody get me some chocolate. (snort!)
Forgot "True Lies" by Abin Sur	Dec 4th, 2007 12:48:53 PM
Wow.
Abin Sur, that is hilarious. by one9deuce	Dec 4th, 2007 01:12:22 PM
I never thought of that before. "T": THE TERMINATOR, TERMINATOR 2 JUDGMENT DAY, TRUE LIES, TITANIC. And "A": THE ABYSS or just ABYSS (works both ways!), ALIENS, and now of course AVATAR. James Cameron has been away from Sci-Fi for 16 years, he has made an action/spy/comedy, a historical/romance/epic, and two documentaries. This is how I look at it, he absolutely made the first two major steps in photo-realistic CGI into live-action (THE ABYSS and TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY) and almost 20 years later he'll bring it full circle and with photo-realistic effects that will seem as real as if they were actually filmed on the planet Pandora. WETA and James Cameron will blow us away.
AWESOME!! by monorail77	Dec 4th, 2007 01:23:52 PM
I just cannot wait for this film. I hope plenty more digital projectors are installed before release, including one or two in my city, but I'll settle for IMAX 3-D if I have to. Cameron is THE guy. This is going to be fantastic.
Grendy by DocPazuzu	Dec 4th, 2007 03:16:36 PM
Err... It's not like I've been a talkback wallflower over the past few years. There was a Grendy who fairly recently tried to give me a hard time in TB for making fun of cosplay nerds. Wasn't that you? As for the blustery Midwest, I couldn't say as I haven't lived there for the past four years.
There better be more 3D theaters by finfangfoom	Dec 4th, 2007 03:40:28 PM
In my town, they just opened up a new theater. I am talking a month old here, and they are still to cheap to install at least ONE 3D camera. If the future of film is in 3D, I am going to be dissapointed, because not only is my theater cheap, but its "owner" is a douche who will not put any good movies or recent technology in this theater until 2057. Of course, thats just how things are in MD.
Let's not give Cameron too much credit by Pipple	Dec 4th, 2007 04:32:42 PM
Terminator 2 3D was WORSE than T3, but I get your point. It should have ended at T2. None of this patents bullshit.
TheNorthlander by kwisatzhaderach	Dec 4th, 2007 04:38:22 PM
I think you've been watching too many recent movies with hundreds of CG characters running around. My definition of epic is: "A literary or dramatic composition that resembles an extended narrative poem celebrating heroic feats." That'll be Aliens, the Abyss and T2 then. These movies were epic back in the day. They may not look epic compared to stuff like 300 but i'm pretty damn sure people won't be talking about 300 twenty years from now. The audience I saw it with had forgotten it by the time they left the auditorium.
I've seen some of the REAL art... by Playkins	Dec 4th, 2007 04:41:32 PM
No shit. I'm not going to say where or how. I'm not going to even describe it, but what I saw was MUCH better than that. If you don't believe me... suck it.
kwisatzhaderach by TheNorthlander	Dec 4th, 2007 04:57:05 PM
Sorry man, you got me all wrong about the 300 stuff. I know there are tons of definitions of "epic" just like there are tons of definitions of any genre. It's like playing Monopoly - everybody have their own sets of rules and ideas. I know Robert McKee talks about epic drama and epic adventure or something like that - it's been a few years now since I read his book. Unfortunately I'm on my way to the airport right now so we'll have to pick this up at a later time. Just wanted to say my definition has nothing whatsoever to do with CG characters running around. I wrote some of it somewhere on this TB, you can check that out if you want. I'm out the door now. Hasta la vista.
i wish rodriguez wasn't in this by occula	Dec 4th, 2007 05:13:48 PM
she is such a douchebag of an actor. absolutely terrible in everything she's in, from that dumb car movie to 'lost'. a weak link to be sure and can't touch jenette goldstein. sigh oh well - i still worship you cameron and think you're the macaroni. harry: give us a cameron Q&A or you're gonna have a riot on your hands! it's gonna be messy! dogs and cats, living together!
I always think of Epic as taking place in multiple places by modlight	Dec 4th, 2007 06:56:02 PM
And over a long stretch of time. I don't argue that Jim Cameron has made some of the biggest and baddest mother f'n action movies ever, but Epic really should be saved for movies that are large scale stories. If you want epic, go rent just about anything David Lean ever directed. And remember, he's not dead, just unavailable.
I second Arnold in Battle Angel... by Rindain	Dec 4th, 2007 10:31:51 PM
He'd make a great Ido, or, of course, he'd be great in a cyborg cameo. Arnold's governor term ends Jan. 3, 2011, so if it shoots before that he'll probably end up in a smaller role. If Avatar is huge at the box office, do you think he'll make Avatar 2 as his next film, or Battle Angel?
Abyss DVD by kwisatzhaderach	Dec 5th, 2007 05:39:22 AM
We better be getting a proper Abyss DVD in 2009 to coincide with the Avatar release. It will be the film's 20th anniversary.
SpencerTrilby by kwisatzhaderach	Dec 5th, 2007 05:41:59 AM
Your posts are always a fun read. See you in line for Avatar in 09.
mukhtabi by kwisatzhaderach	Dec 5th, 2007 05:48:11 AM
Exactly, Cameron's worst film is Titanic - which is like Lawrence of Arabia compared to the crud churned out by the Hack Pack. Avatar may well be the one we've all been waiting for.
James Cameron es Dios by CuervoJones	Dec 5th, 2007 06:32:37 AM

Thanks, SK229 by monorail77	Dec 5th, 2007 03:01:59 PM
That's some interesting stuff you posted there. Now I'm looking forward to reading 'Droidmaker' AND to seeing Avatar!
Avatar will blow us away. by zodiac1012	Dec 6th, 2007 12:35:59 AM
Eat shit McG!
by Lemming... by Ghostball	Dec 6th, 2007 08:58:31 AM
I know - I was like, 'What the...??'
It's a sci-fi movie. Thank God! by Neo Zeed	Dec 6th, 2007 10:15:57 AM
I don't know about you guys, but I've had enough of the ye olde magic stuff. If I have to see another trailer with miscellaneous operatic chanting, British accents, CGI animals, socerers, 30 plus characters, some guy shouting some cliche battle cry...I'm gonna lose it big time.
Directed by James Cameron by stamper	Dec 6th, 2007 10:28:28 AM
Give me Aliens and Terminators and crashing Titanics and Harrier Jets anytime ! Sigourney Weaver holding a machine gun, mowing and burning Aliens queens and eggs, while her nipples can be seen thru the T-Shirt, Linda Hamilton back when she was an heterosexual woman, hell YEAH !
Michelle Rodriguez is in this? by I Hope You Die	Dec 6th, 2007 12:32:38 PM
I wasn't aware this was a B-movie.
I just hope this looks better (I'm sure it will though) by Reel American Hero	Dec 6th, 2007 01:06:45 PM
Then this French sci fi flick I saw a few years ago who's name escapes me now that was supposed to feature 'revolutionary' effects. It cut between cgi characters and live actors and instead of looking cutting edge it looked like the filmmaker couldn't decide if he wanted to make a cgi movie or a live action one. It was pretty terrible.
DARTH AVATAR by spearsi	Dec 6th, 2007 01:13:34 PM
GEORGE LUCAS AND JAMES CAMERON IN DARTH AVATAR "I HAVE TO DO CONTINUITY RESHOOTS ON MY AVATAR MEGASCOPIC, GEORGE LUCAS. CAN I USE THE DARTH SOUNDSTAGE ON YOUR SKYWALKER RANCH THIS WEEKEND?" "YES, YOU CERTAINLY MAY JAMES CAMERON. WHAT KIND OF CONTINUITY RESHOOTS ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" "I NEED TO RESHOOT THE SCENE AFTER THE PEOPLE WALK INTO THE MOVIE THEATER UNTIL THE SCENE BEFORE THE PEOPLE WALK OUTOF THE MOVIE THEATER. THEN I NEED TO RESHOOT MY WIFE SUZY AMIS IN THE HEAD BEFORE THE POLICE ARRIVE, BECAUSE I THINK MY NEIGHBORS CALLED THEM AFTER THEY HEARD THE FIRST THIRTEEN GUNSHOTS. I ALSO HAVE TO RESHOOT THE SECOND THIRTEEN WHISKEY SHOTS I DRANK BECAUSE I VOMITED THE FIRST THIRTEEN WHISKEY SHOTS AFTER I WATCHED THE TEST SCREENING OF MY AVATAR MEGASCOPIC AND THEN I VOMITED THE SECOND THIRTEEN WHISKEY SHOTS AFTER I SHOT MY WIFE SUZY AMIS IN THE HEAD." "I UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR THE OTHER RESHOOTS, BUT WHY DO YOU FEEL THE NEED TO RESHOOT YOUR WIFE SUZY AMIS IN THE HEAD BEFORE THE POLICE ARRIVE? SHOULDN'T YOU USE THE LAST THREE BULLETS IN YOUR GUN TO SHOOOT YOUR SELF ONE IN THE HEAD FOR MAKING YOUR AVATAR MEGASCOPTIC IN THE FIRST PLACE?" "GREAT. I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARTH SOUNDSTAGE THIS WEEKEND THEN."
As long as there's no 3-D glasses involved by ClockWorker	Dec 6th, 2007 08:27:58 PM

"I wanna bring some.... by buffywrestling	Dec 6th, 2007 09:14:08 PM
vehicles and park then on my tennis court." That was absolutley decadent.
Word, Neo Zeed by 'Cholera's Ghost	Dec 7th, 2007 12:25:00 AM
Word.
I am Avatar! by JoeSixPack	Dec 7th, 2007 12:25:39 AM
This is Beowulf!!!
love to write something... by Fortunesfool	Dec 7th, 2007 03:11:27 AM
but i'm too busy doing movie geek cartwheels around the room.
You mean around your... by Ghostball	Dec 7th, 2007 05:32:35 AM
...tennis court, surely?
Neo Zeed... by Ghostball	Dec 7th, 2007 05:39:15 AM
Man, I thought it was just me. I thought I must have been hexed into some sort of parallel Harry Potter nerd dimension for the last ten years where there's seventeen years where there's no cinema level sci fi, just spinner-rack direct-to-video Cameron wannabees. ALTHOUGH, Michelle Rodriguez doesn't bode well for Cameron's current judgment. He must know something we don't.
Definitely seventeen years. by Ghostball	Dec 7th, 2007 05:40:32 AM
Not ten.
www.robertoamenta.com by gotilk	Dec 7th, 2007 10:09:12 AM
I REALLY like your art, man. Impressive stuff, and some diverse styles. Best of luck.
Cameron is the MAN by GibsonUSA	Dec 7th, 2007 03:30:22 PM
Thats all i got to say.
?? by WolfmanNards	Dec 7th, 2007 04:33:53 PM
What was so secretive about the previously unreleased portions of this letter?
Giovanni Ribisi = ICANDSCE by skoobyx	Dec 7th, 2007 09:02:10 PM

Giovanni Ribisi = INCANDESCENT by skoobyx	Dec 7th, 2007 09:02:42 PM

Thank God Jim Cameron is back making narrative films by CondomWrapper	Dec 8th, 2007 02:28:10 AM
We've missed you!
Kick ass.Thanks Harry. by DoctorWho?	Dec 8th, 2007 12:54:13 PM
Love James' passion. His understanding of visual technology and his eagerness to push filmmaking foward is inspiring. I forgot how much I miss a good James Cameron film.
Re: Terminator by DoctorWho?	Dec 8th, 2007 01:18:24 PM
I remember being kind of pissed that T2 was being made. I think Terminator was just fine with Sarah driving into that stormy horizon. Sure...you want to know more about what happens...but do you really? Careful what you wish for. Nowadays, a monster hit invariably belches forth a series of knock offs that always diminish in quality. Like a paper Xeroxed 500 times. Beowulf had a great ending, leaving you wondering what the new king would do. My wife says he goes in the water...I say he tells that bitch to hit the road. Thankfully no sequel planned
People bashing T2 and Aliens are likely by runfoodrun	Dec 10th, 2007 01:12:53 PM
Teenages who've grown up with XXX, Fast and Furious, Riddack, Charlies Angles, etc, and the eternal marketing of film to target audiences that devain the films to death. I feel bad for them, but likely it isn't their fault, perhaps a Terminator could be sent back in time to...
T2 and Aliens haters by dirtsandwich	Dec 10th, 2007 10:07:01 PM
is probably Roland Emmerich writing under different aliases.
Cameron takes too damm long by standundermyumbrella	Dec 11th, 2007 01:28:46 PM
Why cant he put together a movie from pre- to post - production in less than a year like Spielberg did on War of the worlds
OMG! Are you fucking nuts? by dirtsandwich	Dec 12th, 2007 12:01:51 AM
War of the Worlds is nothing like it could of been if they didn't rush it. Timothy Hines had his crap version coming out that same summer. SS wanted to beat the release date of that . He did, and it shows. Also SS had to get to work on Munich. SS's WOTW had a few cool moments but that was it. I like the 53 version a million times better. I don't give a fuck what Cruise is thinking about every second. Why did SS change narrators and changing the aliens' machines being here already instead of cylinders flying in from space was wrong. I like the summer setting in the first trailer rather then the cold fall blah look they went with. I hated the entire basement sequence. The stupid story between Cruise and son, Dakota screaming in the car. But the dumbest most retarded thing about SS's WOTW is the talking down from Ogilvy to the audience about they've been buried here for a long time. Actually a million years. A million fucking years. Boy this was well thought out. A species capable of interstellar travel a million years ago, decides to bury machines with the intention of attacking us. How come they didn't show them popping up out of the desert or the middle of a forest somewhere a 100 miles from humans? You would think that all species evolve. Look how fast our technology changes. If we were to send out a machine now to the nearest planet outside our solar system and even waited 1000 years, that machine would be useless to us. We would have better technology to work with. I find it hard to believe a species is going to use the same hardware a million years later. Stupid! Cameron please take your time. I'll wait.
AVATAR PUSHED BACK 7 MONTHS!!! by Batutta	Dec 12th, 2007 12:52:18 AM
http://tiny.cc/Z3epR Dec 12, 2007 James Cameron's 3-D feature "Avatar," which Fox planned to release for Memorial Day 2009, has been pushed back seven months to Dec. 18. Fox announced the change Tuesday in a revamp of its 2009 tentpole lineup that will see the sequel "Night at the Museum 2: Escape From the Smithsonian," starring Ben Stiller, occupying the May 22 spot that originally was reserved for "Avatar." The studio also said that "Ice Age 3," opening July 1, will be released in 3-D. Rounding out the slate is the May 1 release of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," the fourth installment in the successful "X-Men" franchise. The "Avatar" move comes about four months after DreamWorks Animation said that it was moving Paramount's 2009 release of the 3-D animated feature "Monsters vs. Aliens" from May 15 to March 27 to avoid a head-on-collision with "Avatar," which would have had the films fighting over the nation's 3-D screens. By waiting until December, "Avatar" could take advantage of a steadily growing number of 3-D screens. Current estimates suggest that 4,000 3-D-ready screens will be in place in the U.S. by May 2009. Although deals are in the works for 3-D screens in Europe and Asia, there's no firm estimate on how many will be in place internationally by then. The move also is reminiscent of Cameron's experience in 1997 when "Titanic," facing production delays, moved from July to a similar December date, though the studio said in this case it's not a sign of duress. "This is a win-win for us," said Hutch Parker, vice chairman of Fox Film Group. " 'Avatar' goes to the 'Titanic' date in December, which was obviously auspicious for Jim and us, and by the time of the release, there will be more worldwide 3-D screens available." Live-action principal photography for "Avatar" is almost completed in New Zealand, where Peter Jackson's visual effects house Weta Digital is incorporating new CGI techniques to transform environments and characters into photorealistic 3-D imagery. The new date is expected to allow Weta more time to convert its software to the new technology without rushing the postproduction process.
SpencerTrilby by messi	Dec 12th, 2007 03:17:33 AM
I needed to bring this up but i agree with you on most parts minus spielberg who spends a shitload and michael bay. I have to disagree there, Bay spent 155 mil on transformers and the thing looked like it cost half a billion. compared to 200 mil for Superman Returns which looked like a piece of shit.
People bash T2 and Aliens???? by messi	Dec 12th, 2007 03:18:15 AM
are they fucking retarded???
TRANSFORMERS COST MORE THAN ANYONE by THE KNIGHT	Dec 12th, 2007 08:43:05 AM
Wll ever admit to... trust... Wow, a full 2yrs away.. Good to hear he's headed into post soon... Wonder when we'll get a an official pic... probably nooo time soon!
It's official - December 18, 2009 instead of May 2009 by BadWaldo s Revenge	Dec 12th, 2007 10:59:21 AM
Reports Nikki Finke at Deadline Hollywood Daily yesterday. I think this is great news because I don't want a rushed production that would compromise the overall quality of the movie. Good luck perfecting the 3-D CG technology, Jim. I know a person whose friend worked on one of the previous films Jim directed and they said he was a major league asshole. That's Hollywood to y'all. News: The Golden Compass just bombed at the box office with tepid first weekend gross and that cost $250 million in production cost without marketing expense. Jim better keep the tab on his given budget.
Michelle Roriguez is the WORST - She's no Jeanette by LizardMan	Dec 12th, 2007 02:59:39 PM
Michelle brought down every single scene on Lost she appeared in. Her "acting" consists of two different sneers, and nothing else. I know Cameron's a miracle worker, but she might not be fixable (unless her character is a deaf, blind mute).
What's wrong with the basement scene dirtsandwich? by 'Cholera's Ghost	Dec 12th, 2007 09:53:55 PM
One of the parts that worked for me, but there wasn't even that much there to hate, right? But I agree, the rush job on that killed it being an absolute classic.
The basement scene by dirtsandwich	Dec 13th, 2007 12:33:52 AM
didn't do it for me because it's boring. Don't get me wrong seeing the aliens was kinda cool. Peaking out the windows was cool too. But the stabbing the dude with the giant syringe behind the tractor wheel was retarded. I just hate the whole Ogilvy character, it's a waste of precious time needed in that movie. By time they get to the basement I already don't like the movie. I hate the snake probe. Again I like the 53 version. It felt like it was a true invasion of the world (because the word WORLD is in the fucking title) and not just Cruise's POV. It had a lot of scenes with the tripods, both checking shit out and blasting shit apart. SS and wimp ass Koepp wanted to stray from the typical alien invasion story. I admire that, but get some feedback before moving forward on the story. Cameron's WOTW would been rated "R" and would snapped your neck while watching it. I know that the alien in the original WOTW looked like a giant toasted raisin, but it worked. It was creepy.
CGI history in film by Mr.Meanie	Dec 13th, 2007 02:08:01 AM
According to wikipedia, the first 3d CGI film was back in 1976 in a movie called Futureworld. Then, of course, Star Wars. The more you know...
NINETY-SEVENTH! by sai_justin	Dec 13th, 2007 05:16:47 PM
Ha!
GodDAMMIT! by one9deuce	Dec 13th, 2007 07:45:30 PM
Now we have to wait two years instead? That. Fucking. Sucks. I don't really see AVATAR as a holiday release, May just seemed like perfection, but I guess it really doesn't matter if the film kicks ass. Umm, dirtsandwich? Timothy Hines THE WAR OF THE WORLDS had about as much influence on Spielberg's version as a speck of dust. Scratch that, it had zero influence. Steven Spielberg wanted a summer genre release and a holiday prestige release, period. He has done this several times: 1989 Summer - INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE and Holiday - ALWAYS 1993 Summer - JURASSIC PARK and Holiday - SCHINDLER'S LIST 1997 Summer - THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK and Holiday - AMISTAD 2002 Summer - MINORITY REPORT and Holiday - CATCH ME IF YOU CAN 2005 Summer - WAR OF THE WORLDS and Holiday - MUNICH And I would hardly be surprised to see INTERSTELLAR released in the summer of 2009 and LINCOLN released in December of 2009.
I'm not disputing a summer release by dirtsandwich	Dec 14th, 2007 11:56:22 AM
any fucking blockhead knows that. Fuck, Jaws started the summer blockbuster. Hines had the idea to do WOTW remake long before SS. SS claims he wanted to for 10 years. BS. SS wanted to show that he had thought of it before hines. That's why SS's teaser was totally different from the story they went with. Get something out as soon as possible. It doesn't even take place in the same time of year. There was more clips and interviews and news from the SS camp then any other movie. All to show we're first. Hines' version wouldn't even effect SS's box office, but it would effect who came first about remaking the story. Hines was first but SS had the better movie. Yes it was rushed and he had to work on munich.

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