Filmmaker James Cameron is responding to the criticism directed at his film ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’.
The director has faced backlash from fans regarding his use of 3D and high frame rate (HFR) techniques in both 2022’s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ and its sequel, ‘Fire and Ash’. Nevertheless, he firmly believes that these choices enhance the cinematic experience. While most films are typically shown at 24 frames per second (fps), Cameron opts for 48fps in significant portions, aiming to create a more realistic portrayal.
In a statement to Discussing Film, Cameron remarked, “I think $2.3 billion (box office) says you might be wrong on that. Well, that’s the argument from authority, but the argument from artistic people is ‘I happen to like it, and it’s my movie.’”
Additionally, Cameron expressed concerns about the growing dominance of streaming services, labeling it a “tragic year” for the moviegoing experience. He emphasizes the need for filmmakers to stray from conventional norms to entice audiences to visit theatres.
He shared his views with The Times, stating, “There’s no way to talk about what audiences want without talking about the decline of cinema. The cinematic experience is being supplanted in our cultural discussion by streaming.”
Cameron pointed out the impact of the pandemic, saying, “Covid gave cinema a big kick and people moved to a different way of taking in their storytelling. When people go to a cinema, they want something so far outside the norm that it’s worth hiring a babysitter for. Avatar sits in that demographic and so I don’t see it being diminished much, but I mourn box-office revenues. We are coming out of a tragic year at the cinema.”