Abstract:

By metaphorically taking on the themes of imperialism and the suppression of indigenous peoples, by implicitly criticizing industrial capitalism with its voracious appetite for natural resources, while also participating in it, by linking militarism with ecocide while finding hope only in redemptive violence, and by presenting a religious worldview at variance with that of billions of people, the film Avatar has generated great controversy. Only through a multi-disciplinary analysis that examines the cultural tributaries of the film, and takes on-the-ground and cyber spaces seriously, will it be possible to begin an assessment of the significance and influence of this form of nature-related cinematic art.

Author: Bron Taylor, Adrian Ivakhiv