The day of the Avatar
I committed a cardinal sin today. Of the highest ranks, in my list.
I watched a movie, in a theatre, ALONE. Yes, all by myself. Includes the commute to and fro and sitting in the theatre for the entire length. Well, I do have my list of silly principles. Never to watch a movie alone, in a theatre was one of them. It is creepy, in a way loser-ish, and (I know now I am going to sound super neurotic) people give you oh-poor-girl-look-she-is-alone glances!
But I watched a movie ALONE! Yeah baby ;)
Anyways, so the story isnt as rosy as it sounds except for the weather which was perfect, in mid 70s and windy.
So, I already had had a long morning, with some OPT paperwork, lunch preparations for a friends birthday, followed by lunch. After the extremely sumptuous lunch, I left for the theatre in an almost drowsy state. I missed the bus and then when I was contemplating taking a cab, owing to my desperation to get there in time, another bus came by. My transit card did not work and the driver was sweet enough to give me a free ride. So yeah, I was destined to at least reach the theatre! And did I tell you I had not been to this neighbourhood that often, so keeping my bearings correct (which I am particularly bad at) was another issue. After some doubtful turns and crossing my fingers, I somehow managed to spot a sign which said, 'Theatre ->' (it was an under construction mall, with shops still to be leased out). Huffing and puffing and almost running, I approached the ticket counter. And here goes one of the most awkward and kinda hilarious conversation I have had recently :
Me: One ticket for Avatar 3D
Lady: next show is at 6.15.
Me: What about the one at 2.50 ?
Lady: Oh, we stop selling tickets 7 minutes after the show starts (You guessed it right, I was LATE)
Me: Well, I am not watching the movie for the first time. I am here for a re-run (FLAT LIE)
Lady: Oh, (suddenly all understanding) Is someone waiting for you inside ? (wink, wink)
Me: (thought bubble over my head with ERMMMM written all over it and one more thought bubble inside it which said 'Time to lie more') Kinda yes! Can you make an exception, just this time ?
Lady: Oh, well I wont do it the next time (with a sweet smile). Here you go. Can you tell me where do you want to sit ?
Me: (Imaginary boyfriend where are you sitting ?) Actually I dont know, I can call and confirm if you want..
Lady: Well, it must be this one (pointing to a single seat in 2nd row which was occupied in her screening hall simulation).
Me: If you say so..
Lady: Here are your glasses and enjoy the show!
Me: Yupp (Now that you have hooked me up with someone, I will enjoy it even more :P)
I entered to a pretty empty hall. Directly sprinted for the last row and made myself at home. (What were you thinking ? I would go and search for my imaginary boyfriend ? Now thats creepy :P).
Jack Sully (Sam Worthington) had just reached Pandora, meaning I hadn't missed much. Rest that followed was the most fantastic visual and emotional journey of my life. Only James Cameron can visualize things to such details, make them seem real and weave a story (though predictable and stale) through it. The most moving scenes for me were
1. when bloody humans destroy the hometree of the Navis. I cried through the 3D glasses to the extent of having to remove them to wipe my eyes. James Cameron is a mastermind. Only he could make us relate with imaginary beings (me too, at least in this blog ;)) and make us feel so strongly about them!
2. When Jake learns to ride/fly the mountain banshee. I like the idea of flying and it was simply superb to experience Jakes ride!
3. When Dr. Grace dies. The Navi and their bonding with their environment. Simply touching!
And I seriously can not talk more about the movie. Because it is one of those rare movies, which you have to have to watch multiple times to soak in the details (Dark Knight types). Btw the scientific side of me, was awed by the effects. I have seen many a making of videos of Avatar and when I saw what was in there for real, I was stunned. This is unbelievable stuff. And now before I run short of adjectives to try to describe the movie or the experience any further I will stop. Thank god!
As Roger Ebert said in his review, this movie is an event of our times. Something which you can not miss. So if you are a dumbnut like me, better go and watch it. Even if you have to go alone. It is worth breaking all your personal inhibitions and silly principles ;)
And as for me, I am glad that I watched this movie alone. Exploring Pandora on my own was one hell of an adventure. And I am ready to do it again :)
~nightflier
P.S. special thanks to a friend who kept on insisting that I was a fool to be calling myself a movie buff and not watched Avatar. Seriously I would have lived with a more serious cardinal sin for the rest of my life, by not watching it (in 3D) !