Avatar uses disabilities to define dystopia
Jake Sully’s body is used as a world-building tool. A dystopian Earth is paralleled with a disabled body.
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Blockbuster
How Avatar glorifies erasing disability
Avatar (2009) ends with Jake transferring his consciousness to his Avatar body, ultimately erasing disability in this society and planet. Angry Hippie emphasizes the ability to move consciousness is a profound question and says, “While many thought they were being clever by dissecting this movie to exploit its’ flaws, they were merely peeling the first layer of the onion.” (AVATAR: In-Depth Analysis)
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Appropriation culture’s influence on Avatar cast
Avatar is based on historical events, and Hollywood commonly leans on appropriation culture and white washing.
The science fiction genre allows greater freedom to explore these issues in unique ways. Avatar compared to other movies outside the science fiction genre other films adapted historical events simplify and dramatize for the story.
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Avatar’s real CGI legacy
James Cameron pioneered photorealistic CGI. His goal was to enhance the story with special effects that had never been seen before. “Thousands of posts appeared ‘Avatar Forums’ who said they were depressed, despairing, even suicidal–because they could not live in a world of Pandora.” (Holtmeier & Park-Primiano, 4).
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What Avatar got wrong about disabled veterans
A blockbuster like Avatar reinforces societal norms, “quelling anxieties” around disabled veterans. Jake as a white ex-marine who maintained the mindset after injury, he represents the most patriotic version of humanity.
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How fictional futures are contributing to today’s ableism
The character of Jake Sully fits the disability standard wheelchair-bound person stereotype. The film takes place in the future when there’s an operation people can undergo to reverse paralysis.
However, Jake cannot afford it. Because the premise involves controlling an Avatar with your mind, Jake is rarely seen in his wheelchair.
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How Avatar advanced CGI and harmful representation
Avatar spurred audience interest in movies in 3-D or IMAX. This is thought to be due to CGI making the film so immersive.Jake Sully is a disabled protagonist who is the perfect patriot.
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Why you fly in dreams and films
“Often times, flying represents a sense of freedom. Sumber explains that flying dreams serve as a sort of escape from the pressures of the real world (which is represented by the ground).” (Gould)
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