Watch and Read: Spotlight on Media Tie-ins
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Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 12/09/2009
Sci-Fi Epic: James Cameron’s Avatar
In the works for years, Avatar (PG-13), a 3-D sci-fi/fantasy/adventure written, directed, and masterminded by James Cameron, will be released by 20th Century Fox on December 18, 2009. This live-action film incorporates cutting-edge special effects—including photo-realistic computer-generated characters created by using motion capture technology—to fashion a fantastical yet amazingly realistic-looking alien world.
Located light years away, Pandora is a lush, densely forested moon inhabited by spectacularly beautiful, often dangerous, flora and fauna. The planet is also home to the Na’vi, a race of humanoids that average about 10 feet tall and have iridescent cyan skin and long prehensile tails. Though considered primitive, the Na’vi have developed a complex culture based on their harmonious relationship with nature.
Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a former marine confined to a wheelchair as a result of combat injuries, is recruited to travel to the human outpost on Pandora, where corporations are mining a rare mineral that has proven vital to solving Earth’s energy crisis. Because the atmosphere is toxic, scientists have created avatars, cloned Na’vi humanoids that are able to breathe the air. Each avatar incorporates genetic material from its future human “driver,” the individual who will have his or her consciousness linked to the remotely controlled body. In his avator form, Jake can walk again, and he is given the mission of infiltrating a particular Na’vi tribe who are obstructing mining efforts. Jake is taken into the clan where he embarks on all sorts of adventures and rites of passage and gradually learns to respect their way of life. Caught between his loyalties to Earth forces who want to exploit the planet and his newfound place with the Na’vi, Jake must choose sides in the looming battle that will decide Pandora’s fate. The cast also includes Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, and Michelle Rodriguez.
On the Web
Kids who want to preview the visual wonders of this unique and painstakingly detailed world can visit the official Web site to access a story summary, cast info, an interactive trailer, and more. Viewers can click on the link to “Pandorapedia” for a featurette video about the movie narrated by cast and crew and a guide to the flora, fauna, locales, and plot elements. They can also follow the “AVTR: Transmissions from Pandora” option to browse “transmissions” from a reporter embedded in the RDA (Resource Development Administration) facility on the planet. More information about the specifics of the movie, an assortment of spectacular images, and access to the buzz (the latest news, blog posts, polls, etc.) can be found at the “Avatar Wiki” and at the “Avatar Movie Fansite.”
Book Tie-ins
HarperFestival has published two paperbacks based on the movie. The Na’vi Quest introduces Jake Sully, describes his journey to Pandora and his initial occupation of his avatar body, and depicts his adventures as he works to become a member of the clan. The straightforward writing keeps the action moving quickly and is appropriate for both newly confident and reluctant readers. The colorful movie-poster-style cover is supplemented by black-and-white images scattered throughout the text. Written as a handbook geared toward explorers, The Movie Scrapbook introduces the many wonders of Pandora. Brief sections illustrated with eye-catching movie images fill readers in on the planet’s amazing plant and animal life, unusual and exquisite environments, the characteristics and culture of the indigenous Na’vi, and the technology (and weaponry) employed by human settlers. (Gr 3-8)
Also presented in field-guide format but appropriate for older readers, Avatar: A Confidential Report on the Biological and Social History of Pandora (It Books) covers similar information in much greater detail. In-depth sections describe Pandora’s astronomy and geology, the physiology and culture of the Na’vi, and the human technology that is being employed on the planet. Listed by scientific name, the various indigenous flora and fauna are introduced with at-a-glance summations (highlighting habitat, anatomy, feeding ecology, and more) and expanded upon in brief narrative entries. According to the intro, the book has been compiled by activists who want to educate Earth’s inhabitants about Pandora, make them aware of the environmental destruction and disregard for native life being perpetuated there by human corporate and military forces, and suggest the possibility that Pandora’s resources might be used in positive ways to rehabilitate Earth. A glossary and Na’vi-English Dictionary are appended. Packed with clearly reproduced movie images, this offering indicates the depth and detail that has gone into the imagining of this fantasy world. Movie fans will enjoy digging into the text and re-exploring the mysteries of Pandora. (Gr 7 Up)
Lisa Fitzpatrick’s The Art of Avatar: James Cameron’s Epic Adventure, a gorgeous volume from Abrams, presents a dazzling array of production images including sketches, paintings, drawings, models, and film stills. Incorporating numerous quotes from the movie’s creators, the text describes the artistic vision that went into designing this amazing and multilayered reality. An epilogue written by Cameron provides further insights. Though the narrative is interesting, the real draw for young people will most likely be the captivating artwork, which is presented in stunning large-size reproductions (there are two four-page fold-out sections). Movie fans will delight in revisiting the Pandora and finding out more about its conception and creation. (Gr 7 Up)
Pub Info
PITESA, Nicole, adapt. James Cameron’s Avatar: The Na’vi Quest. HarperFestival. 2009. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-06-180126-6.
WILHELM, Maria & Dirk Mathison. James Cameron’s Avatar: The Movie Scrapbook. HarperFestival. 2009. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-06-180124-2.
_____. James Cameron’s Avatar: A Confidential Report on the Biological and Social History of Pandora. HarperCollins/It Books. 2009. pap. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-189675-0.
FITZPATRICK, Lisa. The Art of Avatar: James Cameron’s Epic Adventure. Abrams. 2009. Tr. $29.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-8286-4.
