Rarely do I see a hyped blockbuster on opening day. But in this case, the night before James Cameron’s Avatar officially opened in Los Angeles, my wife attended a midnight sneak preview. I was awake when Nadia floated home well past 3 a.m. I’d seen her float many times before, but this was a new kind of float. Her feet were firmly on the ground, eyes clear and laser focused. Her voice had that unique resonance I’ve come to expect after we’ve been through a life changing experience together. I was in a matinee the next day.
Though I hold deep respect for Mr. Cameron’s work, I can’t say I’ve never been a fan. That changed within the first ten minutes of Avatar. I must admit I didn’t expect the emotional depth and pure sensitivity that exuded from every 3D frame of this masterpiece. Yes, the technical accomplishments are groundbreaking, but it is the heart and purpose of Avatar that stunned me.
Because my path has led to environmental and socially conscious filmmaking, the last several years of my life have been blessed in ceremony with indigenous people, similar to the fictional Na’vi of Avatar. While their rituals vary from circle to circle, many of their prayers and prophecies are astonishingly similar. Divided by continents, without ever having read a Bible or a book, seen a television or used any form of modern communication device, they’ve miraculously received the same information.
How is this possible? They are simply connected to the source, call it what you wish. All of nature is in constant communication. As far as I can tell, it is only humans, particularly we Westerners, who have forgotten how to access our natural and unfiltered intelligence. Fortunately films like Avatar are helping to reawaken our senses.
Neytiri, main female character in Avatar, is the most powerful articulation of the goddess-warrior ever to make it to the big screen. She represents the divine feminine that resides in the heart of every woman, young and old. Even in digital form, she is the real deal—innocent, yet infinitely wise and intuitive; fierce, yet sensitive; and seriously sexy.
Jake represents the new man. He is both an infant and a warrior. Despite his handicap, he is fearless and unstoppable. Although he is unaware, Jake is not dumb. He is just wise enough, secure enough, and humble enough to learn from the divine Goddess. In doing so he evolves from crippled soldier to hero-warrior.
Disguised as a Hollywood blockbuster, Avatar is art imitating life to the highest and finest degree. The visual imagery, sound and script are literally encoded with ancient teachings. The message is bold and clear: To evolve beyond the level of thinking that created our current global issues, we must reconnect with our ancestral roots and reunite as one tribe.
Though told through a fantasy tale, Avatar it is based on a true story—our story. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, this message is specifically for you. It is a bold invitation—perhaps even an initiation—into higher and deeper experience of yourself and your world.
—Mikki Willis
Founder, Elevate Film Festival
1 Comment
I’m with your wife, Nadia – I floated home with my eyes clearer as well. This is a great film, on several levels, but I reflected on how it would be received by different populations:
1) a minority will be angry at how the US is portrayed – with a few notable exceptions – as the bad guys. Cameron, a Canadian, will likewise be vilified by these few. That is, if they can ever even bring themselves to see a film like this.
2) a large majority will see it as purely a delightful fairy tale, without thinking through the implications of what’s on the screen. These are the types who view any challenge to the comfortable US lifestyle with alarm, who have trouble envisioning any alternative to the status quo. They snicker at magazines such as this.
3) the treehuggers – of which I count myself a proud member – are the ones for whom this movie truly resonates. I hope to see it again (and again). And I am so grateful it appeared at this time.