As a film with post-continuity characteristics, Avatar’s cinematic style has created a new audiovisual language and perceptual experience through digital technology. “The core of post-continuity cinema lies in the importance of instant effects outweighs traditional narrative logic and temporal continuity, and instead focuses on providing continuous sensory shock” (Denson and Leyda, 2016, p. 51). This blog will explore the relationship between CGI technology in Avatar and post-continuity, and analyse it with the perceptual structure of cinema in the digital age, to further reflect on how contemporary cinema finds a balance between technology, narrative, and emotional expression.

The planet Pandora in the film is a virtual world constructed using CGI technology. Its meticulous ecological design (glowing plants and creatures) and use of colour creates an unauthenticity space. Visual effects no longer strictly simulate reality, but instead emphasise a psychedelic visual and emotional impact. “Images can cause neurological reactions through elements such as rapid editing, dynamic camera language, and visual impact, thereby forming specific emotional or perceptual patterns in the nervous system” (Pisters, 2012). The presentation of action scenes, like flying chases, weakens the reliance on the rules of physical logic. Furthermore, the special effects of the battle are more focused on creating an emotional climax than strictly developing the storyline. The intensive combination of special effects and editing often makes it difficult for the audience to capture the content of each frame fully, but this perceptual overload creates a dynamic and chaotic perceptual experience.

Screenshots: https://youtu.be/YfK6CNTAG7o?si=U74jybrsIV4VfHPN

However, this visually oriented narrative also generated criticism. More emotional connections are established through visual stimulation and interaction with the environment, and although it is technically breathtaking, it also raises the possibility that the narrative function of film is being suppressed by technological displays. Overall, Avatar shows how post-continuity can reshape the film experience through technology.

References:

Cameron, J. (Director). (2009). Avatar. [Film] Los Angeles: 20th Century Fox.

Collider Movies and TV (2021). Avatar Scenes Without CGI. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://youtu.be/Cimy6T1nczw?si=zw2OUHVXtdw3X0SM [Accessed 23 Nov. 2024].

Denson, S. and Leyda, J. (2016) Post-cinema: Theorizing 21st-Century film. Falmer: REFRAME Books.

Pisters, P. (2012). The Neuro-Image. Stanford University Press.

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