Fact: James Cameron is a visionary.
Now, Cameron and Robert Rodriguez (director of Sin City) have joined forces for their latest epic adventure, Alita: Battle Angel, 122 minutes of ground-breaking visual effects and visceral action. It’s the ultimate cinematic experience – something that can only be properly appreciated on the big screen.
Alita: Battle Angel recounts the tale of a cyber-doctor who saves an unconscious cyborg, Alita. She wakes up with no memory of her past life, nor does she have the faintest clue about the post-apocalyptic world she now resides in, Iron City. When the city’s corruption tries to destroy Alita, only then does she begin to fill in the pieces of her past and find her true purpose in Iron City.
In short, Alita does not disappoint – its filmic elements culminate in the perfect recipe for an epic flick: loud noises, bright lights and an underdog story arch that will have you quaking in your seat.
So, in celebration of the Cameron’s latest masterpiece, due in cinemas 14th February, we’ve taken a look at the elements that made Cameron’s timeless classics so unique.
From Avatar‘s groundbreaking use of progressive technology, to Aliens‘ chaotic dreamscape and Titanic‘s profound love story, Cameron’s films have all contained elements that make them instant classics.
The exceptional visuals.
One word: Pandora. Do you know Cameron started planning Avatar in 1994? It was meant to begin development after Titanic‘s 1997 release, but Cameron thought that the available technologies weren’t adequate to bring his vision to life. If the planning of Avatar is anything to go by, it’s evident that Cameron has a vibrant imagination and won’t settle until the visual spectacle matches his vision. This sense of visual spectacularity effortlessly translates into the post-apocalyptic dreamscape that is Alita‘s Iron City – the immersive dystopian world that our cyborg heroine finds herself in.
The love interest who’s the epitome of a snacc.
I may have been 2 when Titanic shook the world with its presence, but the fact that it’s still one of the most iconic films of all time speaks volumes. I’m not saying it’s entirely because of young Leo, but I’m also not not saying that. Look into Jack’s eyes and tells me you disagree. Casting decision on point, for both Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet alike. In Alita, the love interest, played by Keean Johnson, is also an actual snacc, so be prepared to gawk. No apologies.
The surrealist aspect.
No matter the setting of Cameron’s films, there’s arguably always a touch of surrealism that teleports its audience from the current-day, into an entirely different dreamscape. Iron City’s love for motorball, a futuristic sport involving rollerblades and high elements of danger, will have your heart pounding from start to finish. Also, Aliens still keeps me up at night.
The post-apocalyptic danger.
Cameron’s classic often employ a beautiful story arc relating to the union of difference in the face of adversity. Strange Days, directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Cameron, is a prime example of a Cameron film that champions the human spirit amidst post-apocalyptic chaos.
The protagonist – and catchphrase – that we adore.
Finally, Cameron’s films always contain protagonists that we can’t help but love, and tropes about learning to utilise one’s unique strengths. Alita, for one, is a prime example of a kick-ass heroine that is still so underrepresented in film today – she’s the new breed of today’s hero. It also goes without saying, but Cameron blockbusters contain some of the most stunning catchphrases known to wo(mankind). Take it away, Arnie.
Want some good news? You can expect all of these aforementioned aspects in James Cameron’s latest flick, Alita: Battle Angel, set to hit cinemas 14th February. Prepare to see a lot of familiar faces, BTW, like Christoph Waltz and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’s Lana Conder.
Check out the trailer below. For more information head on over to 20th Century Fox. Happy watching, m8s, and prepare to gasp.
