Tools of Cinematography - Essay Example

Tools of Cinematography: Avatar Tools of Cinematography: Avatar The scene that I have chosen is the “When you are ready” scene. In this scene Jake is introduced by Neyteri to Ikran. The Ikran is like a Pterodactyl combined with an Entomopter, a four-winged beast capable of incredible feats of aerobatic prowess, actively aggressive and decidedly shrill in its cry. This scene shows Neyteri riding the Ikran around Pandora. The scene shows how Neyteri lives in harmony with nature. The cinematography presented in this part of the movie is an introduction to Jake to the Na’vi world through Neyteri.

This is also the part where the audience is treated to a visual and auditory experience as Neyteri glides along Pandora. This scene slowly immerses the audience into the alien landscape. The 3D effect used by Cameron in this portion of the movie is remarkable. The portrayal of Pandora’s rainforest is simply awesome. The mood at this point is light, no heavy drama. The lighting used by the cinematographer in this scene is suitable to the mood that the director wants to evoke. It draws forth a very naturalistic look with images of the sun rays piercing through the lush Pandora jungle.

The cinematographer could have chosen an image of a dark jungle but he opted to choose a jungle showing all its glory in the light of day. The mood of Jake here is one of being hopeful. It is in this part of the movie where Neyteri tells Jake “You must choose your own Ikran and he must choose you…when you are ready.” Jake seems to be looking forward to the day when he will be able to ride his very own Ikran and travel with it through the vast forests of the Na’vi land. The excitement that Jake feels is somehow reflected in the way Cameron portrayed the swiftness and velocity of Neyteri’s ride on Ikran.

I think that by watching Neyteri ride Ikran, Jake was quite impressed because it gave him a liberating feeling. He probably is imagining already how it would feel to ride his own Ikran in the future. This scene gives the audience a hint of the imminent romance that will happen between Jake and Neyteri. It depicts Jake’s amusement at the awesome world of the Na’vis. One can see that Jake is amazed at how Neyteri rides Ikran and how the Ikran seem to be beholden to Neyteri. The ride of Neyteri takes the movie audience to at trip at the brilliantly colored alien world of Pandora.

Neyteri’s joy ride reveals to the movie audiences the lush, verdant bioluminescent flora and fauna of the Na’vi land. The movie uses digital technology which translates the movement of both Neyteri’s and Ikran’s movements into a computer-generated image. I think that Avatar can be considered as one of the best motion pictures produced in terms of cinematography. Aside from its entertainment value because of its computer-generated images and 3D effects, it also offers the movie goers a human story and an anti-war message.

References Cameron, James. (2009 December). Avatar: The Movie, Trailer 4: When You Are Ready. [Video file]. Retrieved 26 May 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa20ShtTO7A.