Posted on 01/17/2010 8:18:25 AM PST by Borges
Director James Cameron is facing claims that his 3D blockbuster Avatar owes an unacknowledged debt to the popular Soviet fantasy writers Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
It has grossed more than $1.3bn (£800m) worldwide, wowed the critics, and spawned a new generation of fans, the so-called Avatards, who have taken to painting their faces blue.
But the film director James Cameron was facing claims today that his 3D blockbuster Avatar owes an unacknowledged debt to the popular Soviet fantasy writers Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.
Cinema audiences in Russia have been quick to point out that Avatar has elements in common with The World of Noon, or Noon Universe, a cycle of 10 bestselling science fiction novels written by the Strugatskys in the mid-1960s.
It was the Strugatskys who came up with the planet Pandora the same name chosen by Cameron for the similarly green and lushly forested planet used as the spectacular backdrop to Avatar. The Noon Universe takes place in the 22nd century. So does Avatar, critics have noticed.
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Dances with Smurfs...
Could the Admins perhaps, make a note in the title to reflect the accusation that the film - which many think is anti-American - is based on SOVIET science fiction?
The entire Soviet regime was based on anti-West propaganda. The fact Avatar is nearly identical, is itself significant.
So in line with the Hollywood left. Adopt Soviet story lines - right off the shelf.
Have you seen Avatar? You’ll hate the story - and not just because it’s anti USA, Marines, technology, etc, but b/c it’s so predictable. I think nothing is better than truly creative writing, esp sci fi. I love Bradbury, Clark, Anderson, Heinlein, and the others.
Actually, the alien blue girls oddly were attractive, if you don’t mind a 9 foot tall girlfriend. Maybe not a bad place to be stranded if you could breathe the air.
The story depicts a peace loving people, living in the stone age ( I saw no technology except arrows and knives), in perfect harmony with nature. Odd that they would have a need for a warriors, who act just like what you’d expect from Indian tribes in No America.
That was exactly what I thought after watching it. A science fiction Dances with Wolves.
I haven’t seen it but I’m sure I will when it comes out on DVD or runs on TV. I’m really more interested in the visuals than the story.
Sounds like the technology would be awesome if applied to Edgar Rice Burroughs (if the screenwriter is a loyal Burroughs reader)
The Strugatsky Brothers’ fiction was often critical of the Soviet Regime. It fell in and out of favor with authorities.
See also: Fairness Doctrine.
What does the Fairness Doctrine have to do with?
Sorry no thread hijack intended. :)
It’s just that, the Soviets were all about media control. The fact that there were conflicting messages out there - which with writers such as Solzhenitzyn resulted in the government shutting down messages it did not agree with - is almost exactly like liberals’ proposed “fairness doctrine” here.
Again sorry, just thought association was all. Back to the Avatar point please... Good post thanks.
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