Chapter 1 – (visual, narrative and character analysis)

Purpose

The main purpose of this chapter is to analyze the cultural elements and narrative techniques in the film Avatar, and reveal how the film conveys profound social and cultural issues through its unique cultural expression and narrative strategy. Through a detailed interpretation of the cultural elements such as language, customs, religion and ecological concepts in the film, as well as the narrative structure, character development and visual effects of the film, this paper discusses the innovation and significance of the cultural construction and story telling of Avatar.

Questions

• What are the main cultural elements in Avatar?
• How does the film construct the Na ‘vi cultural world through these cultural elements?
• What unique storytelling techniques does Avatar use to tell its story?
• How can a film’s narrative structure and visual effects enhance its expression of cultural and social issues?

Key thinkers and ideas

Eckstrand, Nathan.(2014) and Wicaksono, Yosua Tunas, Daniel Ginting, and FX Dono Sunardi.(2009 )all point out that Avatar is a metaphor for colonial history and phenomena in the real world, and conveys anti-colonial ideas

Answer

1.1 visual and narrative Analysis:

Analyze the visual narrative of the film, especially how the colonial oppression and the resistance of the Na ‘vi are represented through landscapes, costumes, and props.To study the visual effects and narrative structure of Avatar and explore how it enhances the audience’s understanding and identification with Na ‘vi culture.  The analysis focuses on key scenes and symbols in the film, such as the soul tree and the “Ava” cult.

1.2 Character and Plot Analysis:

This paper discusses how Jack Sully’s identity changes from human colonizer to Na ‘vi warrior, and how he embodies the idea of anti-colonialism. To examine how the development of major characters, such as Jake Sully and Neytiri’s relationship, through their personal stories, shows the possibilities and significance of cultural fusion. Analyze how the reconciliation and cooperation at the end of the film convey a positive message of cultural integration.

1.3 Cultural elements analysis:

The cultural elements of the Na ‘vi in Avatar are analyzed in detail, including language, religious belief, social structure, and ecological wisdom.

1.4 Audience response and social impact:

By collecting and analyzing audience responses to the themes of colonialism and anti-colonialism in the film, the influence of the film in the real world is explored.

Study the reception and interpretation of Avatar in different cultural contexts around the world.

Chapter 2 – (Indigenous Culture,Identity and nature)

Purpose

The main purpose of this chapter is to explore the culture and identity of the Na ‘vi people in the film Avatar, and to analyze how the film reflects the richness and importance of indigenous culture in the real world through the Na ‘vi lifestyle, belief system and cultural practices. Through this analysis, the role of film in promoting audience awareness and respect for indigenous culture is revealed, and the meaning of cultural identity in the context of globalization is explored.

Questions

• The embodiment of identity problem in Avatar
• The way the Na ‘vi culture in the film reflects the lives and beliefs of indigenous people
• The way in which the acts and effects of colonialism are represented in the Avatar films
• How does Avatar use narrative techniques to relate science fiction movies to colonial history

Key Ideas and thinkers: Janke, Terri (2015) argued that Avatar did not copy an indigenous cultural group, but rather took the concepts of indigenous language, cultural expression and traditional knowledge and adapted them to create a science fiction workAdamson, Joni.(2012) discussed how indigenous peoples and nations are mobilizing around the concept of a terrestrial organism that concentrates energy and life.

Answer

2.1 Cultural elements analysis:

The cultural elements of the Na ‘vi in Avatar are analyzed in detail, including language, religious belief, social structure, and ecological wisdom.

2.2 Comparison of actual Aboriginal cultures:

The cultural elements of the Na ‘vi are compared the similarities and differences between cultural representation in the film and reality are discussed.

2.3 The expression of identity:

Analyze the identity process of the characters in the film, especially Jake Sully’s transformation from human to Na ‘vi, and explore how this process reflects the dynamic and multi-layered nature of cultural identity.

2.4 Colonialism and anti-colonialism:

Explore the themes of colonialism and anti-colonialism presented in the film Avatar. Through the analysis of the film plot, character setting, and visual narrative, it reveals how the film reflects and criticizes the colonial history and phenomena in the real world, and conveys the ideas of anti-colonialism.

Chapter 3 – (Cultural Conflict and Integration)

Purpose

The main purpose of this chapter is to explore the cultural conflict and fusion presented in the movie Avatar, and to reveal how the movie reflects the cross-cultural conflict and reconciliation in the real world by analyzing the interaction between humans and the Na ‘vi.

Questions

• How does the film show the causes of culture conflict and its effects on both sides
• The process of cultural fusion in Avatar

key thinkers and idea

Homi Bhabha proposed the concepts of cultural hybridity and third space to study the mutual influence and fusion of cultures, which is applicable to the analysis of the interaction between human beings and the Na ‘vi in Avatar.Mark Stephen (2007) emphasized that the cultural conflict in the film is not only superficial but also the conflict of deep-seated values and lifestyles, and this conflict and eventual fusion in the film are considered a reflection of cultural exchange and conflict in the context of globalization.

Answer

3.1 Cross-cultural comparison:

The plot of the film is compared with the colonial history in the real world, such as the encounter of the Native Americans, the colonial experience in Africa and Asia, and so on, to reveal the realistic metaphor of the film.

3.2 Expression and analysis of cultural conflict:

The cultural conflicts between human and Na ‘vi in Avatar are analyzed in detail, including language barriers, religious differences, and lifestyle conflicts. How to interpret these conflicts through the plot and visual representation of the film.

3.3 Causes and effects of culture conflict:

Analyze the root causes of cultural conflicts in films, such as resource competition, power imbalance and cultural ignorance. Explore the impact of these conflicts on both human and Na ‘vi communities, including psychological, social and ecological dimensions.

3.4 The process of cultural integration:

Through the analysis of Jake Sully’s interaction with the Na ‘vi people, especially his transformation from an outsider to a member of the Na ‘vi people, the process and key factors of cultural integration are revealed. Examine how key scenes in the film, such as Jack learning the Na ‘vi language and participating in Na ‘vi ceremonies, embody cultural integration.

Draft Chapter

Chapter 1 – (visual, narrative and character analysis)

With this film, James Cameron not only showcased advanced film technology but also created a colorful exotic world – Pandora. Through the stories of the Na ‘vi, the film explores important social issues such as environmental protection, cultural conflict, and identity.         

This chapter will make a unified arrangement of the previous films and the sequels, compare their similarities and differences, and from the perspective of vision and narrative, characters and plots, cultural elements and audience and market feedback, in-depth discussion of how the “Avatar” series of works convey complex cultural and social information through a series of expression techniques such as unique lens language, narrative techniques, and conceptual setting. Through this analysis, we can gain a deeper understanding of the unique value of Avatar as a cultural work with broad influence in promoting cultural exchange, raising environmental awareness, and promoting social reflection.

The film uses rich visual symbols and nonlinear narrative techniques to bring the audience into a fully immersive experience. From the flying dragon ride to the sacrificial ceremony of the soul tree, every visual detail is full of symbolism. Webb, Stephen.(2001) said that the virtual environment is a microcosm of rooted cultural materiality, which is both improvised and transformed. Through the fictional Na ‘vi culture, the film explores real-life issues of environmental protection, cultural diversity, and indigenous rights. For example, the Na ‘vi’s reverence for nature and harmonious coexistence with the environment reflects a critique of environmental destruction in modern society. Through the display of these cultural elements, the film not only enhances the sense of truth and richness of the story, but also conveys profound cultural and social messages.

1.1 visual and narrative analysis:

Robert Hyland (2010) and John Rieder (2011) have argued that the film reflects a narrative of cultural imperialism and male racial revenge, respectively; Bert Olivier (2010) interprets it as a political stance that inspires action to save the Earth’s ecosystems from destruction “through the audience’s identification with the film’s protagonists.” In terms of narrative, the film adopts the strategy of multi-perspective narration and cross-cultural communication, so that the audience can understand the deep meaning of the story from multiple levels and angles. Cultural elements such as the language, religious beliefs, social structure and ecological concepts of the Na ‘vi are carefully depicted in the film.

Audiences generally praised the film’s visual effects and deep cultural narrative, with many saying they were deeply moved by the Na ‘vi culture and anti-colonial themes presented in the film.

1.2 character and plot analysis:

In film and television expression, lens metaphor in film and television and animation can not only enrich the artistic images of the characters in the film and promote the development of the plot, but also trigger the audience’s thinking, so that the audience can find their own shadow in the film and empathize with the characters.

The characters in Avatar, especially Jake Sully and Neytiri, their growth and emotional changes not only drive the plot but also reflect deeper cultural and social conflicts. Jack’s gradual transformation from a soldier who replaces his brother on a mission to a warrior and protector of the Na ‘vi is a symbol of cross-cultural identity and personal growth. Through the storylines of these characters, the film closely combines personal emotions with grand anti-colonial themes, adding depth and tension to the narrative.

According to Edward W. (2016) Said, the pioneer of post-colonial theory, “Human identity is not only not natural and stable, but constructed and occasionally even invented outright.” In the first half of Avatar 2: The Way of Water(2022), there is a sequence in which the protagonist first holds a baby in his hands while surrounded by people in a head-up panoramic shot. Xing Z. and Youtian Y.(2023,p79) once mentioned that this kind of camera scheduling is a metaphor for the protagonist’s status as a local leader with higher power at this time. However, when the human predators invaded again and faced with the situation of outnumbered enemies, the camera again showed the protagonist walking out of the picture under the watchful eyes of the people. At this time, the camera metaphorically gave up his identity as a leader and turned into a wanderer to lead the family to escape. Xing Z. and Youtian Y. (2023,p79) argues in his study that the use of such lenses is due to the change in the construction of character identity, which in turn is due to the change in the power possessed by the role.

After formally determining the research direction and content, under the guidance of the professor, I began to write the thesis structure:

· Research title

From Science Fiction to Reality: Analyzing the Reflections of Contemporary Culture and Society in the Film Avatar1&2

· Draft Introduction

Since the release of Avatar in 2009, the film has not only made breakthroughs in visual effects and technology but also sparked a wide range of social and cultural discussions around the world.   More than just a science fiction story, Avatar also explores themes such as colonialism and anti-colonialism, indigenous culture and identity, cultural conflict, and integration, providing viewers with the opportunity to reflect on real social issues.

Previous studies have focused on a single topic, such as colonialism or environmental protection.   Through a comprehensive analysis of Avatar 1 & 2, this paper will organically combine colonialism, indigenous culture and identity, nature recongnize and cultural conflict to provide a more comprehensive perspective and trigger deeper thinking.

· Keywords/key phrases

Avatar, Cultural Conflict, Indigenous Representation

· An Abstract 50-100 words

The Avatar series not only achieved significant technological breakthroughs but also reflects numerous real-world social and cultural issues through its narrative and character design. The story of the Na’vi in the film becomes an important vehicle for exploring these issues. This paper reviews the academic research on how Avatar reflects real-world social and cultural issues through the story of the Na’vi, focusing on aspects such as colonialism, indigenous culture, environmental protection, and cultural conflict.

·General outline of each chapter:

 Chapter 1 – (Colonialism and Anti-Colonialism)

Purpose:

The main purpose of this chapter is to explore the themes of colonialism and anti-colonialism presented in the film Avatar. Through the analysis of the film plot, character setting, and visual narrative, it reveals how the film reflects and criticizes the colonial history and phenomena in the real world, and conveys the ideas of anti-colonialism.

Questions:

The way in which the acts and effects of colonialism are represented in the Avatar films.How does Avatar use narrative techniques to relate science fiction movies to colonial history in the real world

key thinkers and idea:

Eckstrand, Nathan.(2014) and Wicaksono, Yosua Tunas, Daniel Ginting, and FX Dono Sunardi.(2009 )all point out that Avatar is a metaphor for colonial history and phenomena in the real world, and conveys anti-colonial ideas

Answer:

1.1 visual narrative Analysis:

Analyze the visual narrative of the film, especially how the colonial oppression and the resistance of the Na ‘vi are represented through landscapes, costumes, and props.

1.2 Main character analysis:

This paper discusses how Jack Sully’s identity changes from human colonizer to Na ‘vi warrior, and how he embodies the idea of anti-colonialism.

1.3 Cross-cultural comparison:

The plot of the film is compared with the colonial history in the real world, such as the encounter of the Native Americans, the colonial experience in Africa and Asia, and so on, to reveal the realistic metaphor of the film.

1.4 Audience response and social impact:

By collecting and analyzing audience responses to the themes of colonialism and anti-colonialism in the film, the influence of the film in the real world is explored.

Study the reception and interpretation of Avatar in different cultural contexts around the world.

 Chapter 2 – (Indigenous Culture,Identity and nature)

Purpose:

The main purpose of this chapter is to explore the culture and identity of the Na ‘vi people in the film Avatar, and to analyze how the film reflects the richness and importance of indigenous culture in the real world through the Na ‘vi lifestyle, belief system and cultural practices. Through this analysis, the role of film in promoting audience awareness and respect for indigenous culture is revealed, and the meaning of cultural identity in the context of globalization is explored.

Questions:

The embodiment of identity problem in Avatar

The way the Na ‘vi culture in the film reflects the lives and beliefs of indigenous people in the real world

key thinkers and idea:

Janke, Terri (2015) argued that Avatar did not copy an indigenous cultural group, but rather took the concepts of indigenous language, cultural expression and traditional knowledge and adapted them to create a science fiction work

Adamson, Joni.(2012) discussed how indigenous peoples and nations are mobilizing around the concept of a terrestrial organism that concentrates energy and life.

Answer:

2.1 Cultural elements analysis:

The cultural elements of the Na ‘vi in Avatar are analyzed in detail, including language, religious belief, social structure, and ecological wisdom.

2.2 Comparison of actual Aboriginal cultures:

The cultural elements of the Na ‘vi are compared the similarities and differences between cultural representation in the film and reality are discussed.

2.3 The expression of identity:

Analyze the identity process of the characters in the film, especially Jake Sully’s transformation from human to Na ‘vi, and explore how this process reflects the dynamic and multi-layered nature of cultural identity.

2.4 The role of visual and narrative techniques:

To study the visual effects and narrative structure of Avatar and explore how it enhances the audience’s understanding and identification with Na ‘vi culture.  The analysis focuses on key scenes and symbols in the film, such as the soul tree and the “Ava” cult.

Chapter 3 – (Cultural Conflict and Integration)

Purpose:

The main purpose of this chapter is to explore the cultural conflict and fusion presented in the movie Avatar, and to reveal how the movie reflects the cross-cultural conflict and reconciliation in the real world by analyzing the interaction between humans and the Na ‘vi.

Questions:

How does the film show the causes of culture conflict and its effects on both sides

The process of cultural fusion in Avatar

key thinkers and idea:

Homi Bhabha proposed the concepts of cultural hybridity and third space to study the mutual influence and fusion of cultures, which is applicable to the analysis of the interaction between human beings and the Na ‘vi in Avatar.

Mark Stephen (2007) emphasized that the cultural conflict in the film is not only superficial but also the conflict of deep-seated values and lifestyles, and this conflict and eventual fusion in the film are considered a reflection of cultural exchange and conflict in the context of globalization.

answer:

3.1 Expression and analysis of cultural conflict:

The cultural conflicts between human and Na ‘vi in Avatar are analyzed in detail, including language barriers, religious differences, and lifestyle conflicts. How to interpret these conflicts through the plot and visual representation of the film.

3.2 Causes and effects of culture conflict:

Analyze the root causes of cultural conflicts in films, such as resource competition, power imbalance and cultural ignorance. Explore the impact of these conflicts on both human and Na ‘vi communities, including psychological, social and ecological dimensions.

3.3 The process of cultural integration:

Through the analysis of Jake Sully’s interaction with the Na ‘vi people, especially his transformation from an outsider to a member of the Na ‘vi people, the process and key factors of cultural integration are revealed. Examine how key scenes in the film, such as Jack learning the Na ‘vi language and participating in Na ‘vi ceremonies, embody cultural integration.

3.4 Character Development and Plot:

Examine how the development of major characters, such as Jake Sully and Neytiri’s relationship, through their personal stories, shows the possibilities and significance of cultural fusion. Analyze how the reconciliation and cooperation at the end of the film convey a positive message of cultural integration.

· Draft Literature review

The exploitation of Pandora’s resources and the oppression of the Na ‘vi in Avatar clearly allude to colonialism in history. Many scholars have explored this point, arguing that the film critiques the expansion of colonialism and imperialism through this narrative structure.

Eckstrand and Nathan (2014) pointed out that Avatar presents a typical colonial scenario, in which humans represent technologically advanced but morally bankrupt colonists, while the Na ‘vi represent the oppressed indigenous people. At the same time, Eckstrand and Nathan further analyze the anti-colonial elements in the film and hold that the identity change and final stance of the protagonist Jake Sully reflects the identification of the indigenous culture and the negation of the colonialist behavior. However, the author still thinks there is a subtle colonial message lurking beneath the film’s surface.

The culture, customs, and relationship with the nature of the Na ‘vi are depicted in detail in the film, and scholars believe that these depictions help to increase audiences’ awareness and respect for Aboriginal culture. Adamson, Joni. (2012) discussed how indigenous peoples and nations are mobilizing around the concept of a terrestrial organism that concentrates energy and life. Wicaksono, Yosua Tunas, Daniel Ginting, and FX Dono Sunardi.(2009) highlighted the resistance of the Na ‘vi, their fight to defend their homeland, and nature’s involvement in the war against humanity. In addition, it highlights the harms caused by resource exploitation and the need for responsible resource management.

Avatar explores the dialogue, conflict, and fusion between different cultures through the cultural conflict between humans and Na ‘vi. Meadows. Mark Stephen (2007) discussed how the process of creating and modifying characters, and what we do with them, affects the story, and that these conflicts lead to the emergence of new cultures. He emphasized that the cultural conflict in the film is not only superficial but also the conflict of deep-seated values and lifestyles, and this conflict and eventual fusion in the film are considered a reflection of cultural exchange and conflict in the context of globalization. Jake Sully’s character symbolizes the possibility of cross-cultural understanding and integration, and the film conveys the possibility and importance of understanding, respect, and integration.

· Indicative bibliography

Eckstrand, Nathan. “Avatar and Colonialism.” Avatar and Philosophy: Learning to See (2014): 190-200.

James, John, and Tom Ue. “‘I See You’: Colonial Narratives and the Act of Seeing in Avatar.” The Films of James Cameron: Critical Essays (2011): 186-99.

Wicaksono, Yosua Tunas, Daniel Ginting, and FX Dono Sunardi. “Colonialism, Resistance, and Environmental Issues in James Cameron’s Avatar (2009).” INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa 10.1 (2023): 289-303.

Adamson, Joni. “Indigenous literatures, multinaturalism, and Avatar: The emergence of indigenous cosmopolitics.” American Literary History 24.1 (2012): 143-162.

Paliy, Anna. “The Spirituality of Nature: Indigenous Tradition in James Cameron’s Avatar and Western Mentality’s Failure to See Within.” Kino: the Western Undergraduate Film Studies Journal 3.1 (2012).

Sherma, Amar Bahadur, Alok Lamsal, and Devi Prasad Pokharel. “Becoming an Ecological Citizen: The Concept of an Ecological Citizen in the movie Avatar.” International Journal of TESOL & Education 4.2 (2024): 62-77.

Olivier, Bert. “AVATAR: Ecopolitics, technology, science, art and myth.” South African Journal of Art History 25.3 (2010): 1-16.

Scola, Nancy. “Avatar politics: the social applications of Second Life.” (2007).

Meadows, Mark Stephen. I, avatar: The culture and consequences of having a second life. New Riders, 2007.

Fritz, Justin. “Environmentalism and the” Ecological Indian” in Avatar: A Visual Analysis.” The Arbutus Review (TAR) 3.1 (2012): 67-90.

Erb, Cynthia. “A spiritual blockbuster: Avatar, environmentalism, and the new religions.” Journal of Film and Video 66.3 (2014): 3-17.

Bergthaller, Hannes. “A sense of no-place: Avatar and the pitfalls of ecocentric identification.” European Journal of English Studies 16.2 (2012): 151-162.

Janke, Terri. “Avatar dreaming: Indigenous cultural protocols and making films using Indigenous content.” Indigenous Intellectual Property. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2015. 177-199.

Paliy, Anna. “The Spirituality of Nature: Indigenous Tradition in James Cameron’s Avatar and Western Mentality’s Failure to See Within.” Kino: the Western Undergraduate Film Studies Journal 3.1 (2012).