Avatar key sequences initial analysis

Key scene 1:

Jake’s first outing outside base

Spectators are introduced into the outside world parallel to him, with the journey over showing Pandora’s landscape and creatures, which immerses spectators in a 3D flight. When the avatar group lands, plants, trees, insects and monkey like creatures (Prolemuris) go way back and in front of the screen to emphasise depth unseen in other films, gives an idea of what it’s like to really be there. 3D emphasises how much danger they’re in and shows how close they are to Jake as he points his gun which is especially threatening due to way it comes out of screen. 

The clear introduction to this setting through 3D makes us worry more as we see Jake wander off and explore, as we have seen the scale of some of these creatures in 3D. The monsters which then follow are incredibly intimidating as shown through low angles which are aided by the 3D depth to show how large and deadly they are. The chase is more intense thanks to 3D which immerses us in the chase along with tracking shots to make it out as if we are alongside Jake.

Key scene 2:

Jake’s first flight

After Jake finds his own Mountain Banshee, a type of flying creature on Pandora, Neytiri joins him for a flight. The 3D used adds depth to the flight which emphasises the emotions he is feeling, showing both nerves and excitement as he soars high above the ground as shown by the depth in 3D with extreme high angle tracking shots used. These shots include fast movements through the air to generate a feeling of flight for spectators. This immersion is intensified through the use of 3D, as we see their excitement extra close up, with their faces coming out of the screen to show every detail of their expressions.

This close up with another dimension also allows spectators to begin understanding the feelings Jake and Neytiri have for each other, as we can see clearly the way they look into each others eyes in a loving way whilst flying. In this case, this technology makes it possible to grasp a greater understanding of the characters and their surroundings.

Key scene 3:

Tree destruction

When the humans are invading the N’avi’s main habitat of a massive tree, 3D helps to position spectators to empathise with them. This surprising narrative twist of spectators being against the human race is heightened through 3D as we see destruction and debris close up, making us feel like we are in this position of being fired at, often shown at low angles of the human aircrafts making the missiles feel as though they're aimed at us. We also feel a greater intimidation in shots such as the close up of Miles as he gives these horrendous orders.

POV shots are used within these shots with high frequency cutting to make us feel part of this devastation and chaos the humans have inflicted on the N’avi. 3D then enriches the scale of the giant tree as it collapses slowly, with ELS’s of human aircraft shown next to it in comparison, with the 3D effect greatly emphasising the level of cruelty as the humans destroy this essential part of the N’avi’s massive home.