JANUARY 13, 2010 · BY RICK ORNBERG

This right-wing redneck loved Avatar!

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Avatar poster

   A lot of people are accusing the new film “Avatar” of being anti-military, anti-American and/or a hopelessly sappy commercial for tree-huggers everywhere.  I saw “Avatar” and fell in love with the movie. Actually, I’ve seen it twice, and am looking for any excuse to go see it again. And maybe even again. (Then I’ll buy the BlueRay too!)

    That may seem strange coming from a US Army vet, and one who is considered by close friends and family to be a die-hard right winger. While that characterization is debatable, at least in matters of degree, the fact remains that this redneck vet was impressed, entertained and deeply moved by the new image-capture creation of James Cameron and his cadre of digital geniuses, actors and other creative types.

    True, the plot is simple and perhaps even has some previous mileage on it, but I don’t believe a more complex or intricate storyline could have survived the new imagery and techniques introduced in this film. They would have been lost or undermined by the sheer weight of visuals incorporated to give life to the imaginary world of Pandora and the humanoid population called the Na’vi.

    Corny and predictable plots have been part of successful movies for years, and the visual candy store offered by films like “2012”, “Armageddon” and others were still a fun ride even with a lame plot.  With Avatar, however, the striking new technology was well-served by a toned down plot and a few stereotyped characters. With one exception, though, that being the underlying plot threads of interconnections between humans & humanoids, humanoids and creatures, creatures and plants and even plants with the planet itself.

   Without giving away too much, the storyline pits a stereotyped corporate giant that hires equally stereotyped military mercenaries to exert their “might over right” against a native population protecting their culture.  It’s an old story that applies to civilized peoples worldwide and throughout human history, but predictably is analogous or reminiscent of more domestic political debates over the same issues.  So be it. But instead of damning our society and our military, I saw the film as a celebration of those who bucked the system as portrayed, and made different decisions concerning what was right and what was wrong.

   In fact it’s one of the “ex-Marine” contingent of bad guys,  Jake Sulley, who becomes one of the heroes of the movie.  I’m puzzled by those who see the invading military horde as depicting the average American soldier, when I can easily see the young and sensitive Jake Sulley as a more realistic representation of today’s young American military. Most of us bring our own politics and experiences to any debate, or movie, but I was surprised by how I immediately bought into the connections throughout nature as if the film’s writer had lifted the concept out of my own mind. It just seemed to fit so well.

   Every movie has its bad guys and good guys. Sometimes just changing their hats, color of skin, clothing or accents can fit the villain-of-the-month image for everyone. Bullies, however, can either be a well armed corporation, or proponents of a subtle political or environmental  movement.  Don’t let the message of this film be corrupted by individual political leanings.

   “Avatar” offers some higher and more delicate options for those who would like nothing more than to be able to join emotionally or consciously with their environment. That level of joy is far beyond mere environmental exploiters or skeptics alike. 

   I say go see this film. And then cheer or boo actions, rather than how Hollywood may have dressed the characters.