I think Cameron is the only person in Hollywood that can walk into literally any studio and say, "I'm making a movie. Give me a blank cheque." and they would to it.
I would have agreed with you before I found out that Fox told him "No" (the studio that released all his films) on Avatar. It wasn't until Disney gave him 40% of the budget that Fox then came in on it.
Naw, studios only made Inception to keep him happy, nobody believed in that film, and after it was successful they tried to ignore it like it was a fluke.
Money is a terrible “argument” to say something is high quality. It is high quality in this case but it has nothing to do with whether a movie made profit. Crap movies make a lot of money. So let’s raise the discussion a little bit.
For the life of me, I can't figure out how anyone could write this guy off. He made a $2.2 billion movie and followed it up with a $2.7 billion movie - not an easy feat
Becoming the highest-grossing film of all time is the working definition of making a cultural impact. The Avatar audience is a sleeping giant that will awaken in a big way when the sequels emerge. Do you realize that the Avatar Facebook page has more than 46,000,000 followers? That's more than the population of Spain. If just those folks turn up to the sequels and pay 20 bucks per head, each film will make $920m. But there are people who are going to see the sequels who weren't even born when the original came out.
@@mattpacker7027 Being the highest grossing film in history is just about the only thing that gets mentioned about Avatar. It's use of 3d technology is a distant second. Avatar made a ton of money, but it has had no lasting impact on popular culture. People don't obsess over it the way they do Star Wars or Harry Potter. It has no memorable shots or lines like Titanic. It's not revered by sci-fi fans the way the early Alien and Terminator movies are. Avatar came out, made a ton of money, and was then largely forgotten beyond that piece of trivia.
Michael Booth Agreed. I hope that the sequels will have more of a cultural impact than the original. I mean, they have to, in order for the audience to keep coming back to see what's next. Each has to be better than the preceding one, otherwise what would be the point? However, the lack of pop culture impact of the original is still not a valid reason to write James Cameron off. I've seen many opinion videos that refer to him as a has-been because of this reason as well as the hopefully justifiably delayed sequels. They also predict that because of the delay, the sequels won't do as well as there is no excitement being generated for them. But the one thing they don't take into consideration when making that prediction are the International markets, especially China and India. While cynical Americans may disregard the sequels, the Chinese and Indian screens will sell out well in advance.
True Lies definitely doesn't have an underdog protagonist, yet the action is still exciting even when his family isn't involved. There's room for both Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee characters in the world of cinema.
James Cameron is where my love for film started. And don't forget, he's amazing at sequels. EDIT: 4 min into the video, hell yes! Ordinary person against a powerful dude, I'm always how will they survive this! That's one of the things I really love about Cameron films.
I've been waiting forever for this. Finally, someone takes the time to really look at James Cameron's work and appreciate his craft. James Cameron is the Hitchcock of the action genre. It's that simple. His films should be studied for every shot and purpose. BUT no one cares enough....
Hitchcock? you got to be kidding me! he's a hasbeen director, he's Jimmy Cammy and the last film worth a damn by him was True Lies. Cameron will always be in the shadow of Steven Spielberg
I think people do. But it's as Patrick said, Cameron is not subtle, and the problem is one doesn't get a Terminator movie or a Titanic movie by simply copying how he moves the camera.
@@michelletackett9489 James Cameron use to be a great filmmaker and stopped making good movies after True Lies, Titanic and Avatar are both overrated. He's Jimmy Cammy now I have no interest in Avatar 2, i'll take Dune new movies any day and Denis Villenue.
I think, in a weird way, this just reinforces my belief that Sam Raimi's Spider-Man movies (obligatory omitting of 3 not withstanding) work so well. They portray Spider-Man as simultaneously superhuman while keeping danger firmly in place. Homecoming did this well, but Raimi's trilogy does it just a little better.
Exactly! Perfect example, along with the Train Fight in Spider-Man 2. Raimi knew when to make the action big and stylized like a comic book, and when to go in close and capture the brutality of what's happening. When something should be CG and when it should be practical.
The Spider-Man 2 fight with Doc Oc is still better than anything marvel have done since. I dont think we will be watching marvel films in 20 years but we will still watch Aliens.
Great video. James Cameron is my favorite hollywood rage monster and he generally doesn't get appreciated nearly enough especially among the film analysis community. It's almost as if he's delaying putting out those Avatar sequels just so he can get the deck stacked against him to have another impossible challenge to overcome.
Hey Vasquez, have you ever been mistaken for man? No, have you! Hey sarge, would you mind getting my slippers? the floor is cold. Look into my eyes Hudson, look into my eyes. Seventeen days, we're not gonna last seventeen hours. What don't you put her in charge.
Did you even mention The Abyss? It's a great example of survival scenes, and spectacle. In fact, _spectacle_ is to me the thing that Cameron does really well. You kind of undersell him as an iconic visual innovator and showman, and focus on him a really solid craftsman who keeps the focus on characters and story. Cameron is also the guy who gave us the water tentacle, the liquid metal robot, an entire ship breaking in half, an alien world realised in a way never done so before where the 3D was taken seriously... He is certainly all the things you say, but you're ignoring that he is a circus ringmaster, with a great eye and imagination for the next awe-inspiring main attraction. Even when the special effect is just Arnold Schwarzenegger he creates iconic images, like our first shot of him crouched on the ground and slowly rising. It's this side of him married with his control of action, character and narrative that has created his runaway successes and in particular created so many iconic moments.
You wanna know why I still like Avatar? Because it's a movie that has a scene between a big blue cat lady and her tiny crippled human boyfriend that finally share physical feeling and it's done with 100% sincerity. Like, how can I hate a movie that does that?
Because it's also a movie that thinly veils Native Americans as blue aliens and gives them a random white, American soldier to become their leader and greatest warrior?
James Cameron is my favourite director of all time His timing is perfect and he never lets me have a moment to zone out of each scene. I always care about the story, the dialogues and I specifically love the fact that he usually uses strong female characters in all his movies.
I asked Russell Carpenter what he thought about Cameron and DPing for him. He said "that you have to admire the man (Cameron). You just watch him work and you learn from him." There's your answer. Oscar winning DP is admiring his Oscar winning director.
Well done. I'd like to talk a bit about The Abyss, which is probably his most personal film. During production, Cameron was in the process of divorcing his wife and producing partner, Gale Anne Hurd, who also produced The Abyss. They've kept most of the details of their marriage private (as they should), but from interviews with his other ex-wives, it seems his relationships suffer because he's a workaholic. Perhaps coincidentally, lots of his work involves diving. So, what's The Abyss about? A guy, played by Ed Harris (who looks suspiciously like Cameron at that time), who works for his wife, who is divorcing him because he's a workaholic who spends too much time diving to focus on their marriage. Over the course of the movie, he proves to his wife that he loves her, and also his diving work saves the world from an undersea apocalypse. Get it? Compare it to True Lies, made while he was divorcing Kathryn Bigelow, where the main character is an awesome, charming, super-spy, whose wife just doesn't understand how awesome he is and considers an affair because she doesn't know what a great man she landed. Get it?
What is your take on Terminator/Titanic where the guy dies after... I don't remember the exact word Cameron used, I think it was 'awakening' or something like that - the guy dies after awakening the woman's soul?
Despite his poor marriage batting average it’s kind of surprising how well he’s maintained amicable, working relationships with almost all of his exes. He co-wrote and helped produce several of Katherine Bigelow’s films after their divorce and even managed to convince Linda Hamilton to come back to play Sarah Connor again. Most recently he was the guest speaker at an awards ceremony honoring Gale Anne Hurd with a lifetime achievement award. I’ve never heard him speak negatively about any of his past partners. It’s always complimentary.
This aged so well :) remasters of The Abyss and True Lies coming to blu ray finally and Avatar 2 destroyed expectations and made the haters eat their words.
Of all the Marvel movies, I still think Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the exception when it comes to action sequences. As you mentioned, the film opens with Captain America in a situation where he isn't in any real danger, but the rest of the film shows him trying to survive in tense, impossible situations. The winter soldier is treated like a slasher villain, and there's genuine suspense whenever he shows up. I think the action in that film is very kinetic and inventive, with great car chases, shootouts, and fist fights. The action sequences alone make The Winter soldier one of the best MCU movies, along with a solid story, good acting, and engaging characters. Even though the Russo Brothers would go on to direct more Marvel films, I still think The Winter Solider is their best work so far.
@@Icanonlycountto4 I constantly go back and forth on whether I prefer Winter Soldier or Civil War. I think Winter Soldier is the better made film overall, but I found Civil War to have a more surprising story and stronger character studies, specifically with Tony Stark and Bucky which I absolutely loved.
@@robertwild9447 I'll admit I am pretty biased because Civil War is what got me into comics and back in 2006 I thought "This would be a cool movie, but it'll never happen." Then in 2016 I freaking got it!!!
That Nick Fury car chase is probably one of my favorite action sequences of all time. It’s so visceral and intense. And not to mention the elevator scene where Cap is aware of the threat by analyzing small details. Man, the Russo’s deserve more credit for that film.
Or the scene where the terrorist guy rides his motorbike off a rooftop, soars clear across the freaking city and lands in a swimming pool. That movie was AMAZING!
You are 10000% correct. The reason I hate the modern blockbuster is because character development is sacrificed for wowing the audience with bigger is better. That will work on a first viewing, but those movies will not hold up 10-15-20 years from now. Every Cameron movie delves into those characters and you really care about them. That gives the movie’s depth and that’s why they hold up so well. CGI was the death of the blockbuster because you have a generation of directors who only know how to use it to sell the movie. Cameron’s generation didn’t have that luxury in the 70’s and 80’s so they HAD to write an interesting story and flesh out the characters because they were limited by technology. Although there are a few modern day directors like Chris Nolan who still make character driven blockbusters.
How the hell has THE ABYSS and TRUE LIES never been put on BluRay!? Also, I've always been a...well, not a strong defender of AVATAR, but still a defender. The story is derivative, but it's a a gorgeous, incredibly well-paced movie (as Cameron is the king of pacing) with, as this movie points out, phenomenally shot action. I highly doubt the sequels will make the same amount of money, but I'm looking forward to them and hope they're just as fun.
@@johnmellor932 wet transfer means the film is dipped in special liquid that helps reduce the amount of scratches and dust. I do have a 720p version of the Abyss that is in very good quality, have no idea where it came from.
I watched Avatar in theaters (like most people). I hadn't watched Ferngully, or Dances with wolves, and I didn't know what a white savior was. Perhaps for those reasons I was the perfect target for that movie. I loved every second of it. The visuals, particularly of Pandora, I still think are unparalleled in cinema. And the simple corny (even then) story somehow seemed perfect because it let me focus on the beauty of the whole thing without having to worry about whether I'm understanding what the movie is about (ehem Annihilation).
I agree. The story may not be very original or mindblowing, but it was one hell of an experience. I've rewatched it several times and I still think it's great. Also people crying about white savior bullshit and the like just wants something to whine about so they'll be heard.
I constantly think I'm just getting too old for action scenes, and that's why I don't enjoy them the way I used to. Then I see great, older action films, and realize I'm just as involved as I ever was.
This happened after this video was published, but he recently was a producer (and helped write the screenplay) on 'Alita: Battle Angel,' which has been in production since the early 2000s.
Have you seen the Raid? It's a great action movie, and although does not focus on the points you mentioned or discussed, is well-cheographed and directed (which is an understatement).
Thank you! I feel like I'm one of the only people in the country that's actually excited for the Avatar sequels. The man has struck cinematic gold every time, if he believes in this franchise then so do I. I can't wait to see what he comes up with for them.
T2 pushed the brakes making T1000 and the helicopter crash on the truck. The crowd in the cinema shouted like a goal was scored in a football match. It was hilarious. I was 13 with my parents in a big theater. It took some years for me to understand and appreciate the craftsmanship of the people involved making such movies. And TBH I didn't realize there are only 7 Cameron films. Which in my mind makes him a Kubrick(ish) "specimen" of a director.
I can't wait for the Avatar sequels. It's James Cameron, all he does is innovate! Great video. Even with his multiple Oscars and multiple billion dollar grossing films, he is criminally underrated.
You're one of the only content creators that gets a like before I even watch the video. I click "like", then maximize the screen, and sit back with a glass of whisky.
12:40 I disagree. I think watching Children of Men was one of the most involving experiences I've ever had watching a film. It took me about 20 minutes to get back in touch with reality when it was over.
If there is one scene in infinity war that follows these tips, it’s Tony vs Thanos at the end, because Thanos outclasses Iron man and the Hulk in brute strength without infinity stones. His punches chip away at the suit, which was shown to have withstood a meteor shower and recovered. Every time Tony tried to get back up, Thanos knocked him down, destroying his armour further. Even Tony’s last attempt to stab Thanos failed and Thanos returned the favour, which really had an impact. Easily the best scene of the movie IMO.
The great thing about the shot at 11:15 is that the only other thing in the shot that's important aside from Jack and Rose is the falling guy. Cameron completely rotates the entire geography of the boat, but then include a lone extra falling to make things clear again.
The university memoire i wrote on Cameron 8 years ago was pretty much about everything you talked about so i'm happy to hear all that. I remember comparing two actions sequences in Titanic and Avatar talking about verticality (the giant tree/the boat). Anyway Love your work man !
The way you describe the James Cameron formula makes him a perfect candidate to direct a Trollhunters movie (if they ever decide to do that). P.S I know that Del Toro was going to make a movie on it, but couldn't due to budget concerns.
Can you please talk about the feeling that a practical affects create compare to green screen using scenes. The MCU compare to T2, for instance. Practical affects for the win!!
Patrick, I don't usually agree with all of what you say (thankfully) but this time I pretty much do. Cameron is often underestimated, I just wish he was a bit more productive these days. By the way, if you hadn't pointed it out I really wouldn't have noticed the non-HD clips. Overall, your narration and editing is improving and I think this is your best video yet (no, I haven't seen them all but take a compliment, ffs!). Basically, just keep them coming!
"James Cameron doesn't do what James Cameron does for James Cameron. James Cameron does what James Cameron does because James Cameron *is* James Cameron."
This was beautiful Patrick. I know you gotta chase those clicks whenever starwars is in the headlines for any reason, but this is the content I subscribed for.
I've noticed with a lot of modern action movies, marvel movies especially, it feels almost like they've gotten rid of the 3 act structure and moved to 5 acts. It goes hand in hand with the constantly moving style of story / action telling that you mentioned.
@@tubulartopher I'm among those in denial (if such group exists)), don't think Cameron was significantly involved in Dark Fate. But I'm glad you liked it nevertheless.)
Just a little note, as a consumer and not an analyst/critic/creator NOBODY thinks about what the camera is doing. In fact I never have asked that question to myself nor thought about it, until you mentioned it today lol. I only point this out because most creators seem to think that consumers think like them but they do not, especially nuances and subtleties such as "I wonder what the boom mic guy is doing right now in this scene?"
Funny thing about the part where you mention James Cameron's use of camera VS Cuaron's long shots... If you watch Avatar, every time you may think "mmhhhh this shot starts to be a little bit long" it cuts there !! I love how Cameron doesn't use the CGI to make impossible impressive shots that never ends, that his storytelling and filmmaking is the same IRL or through computer. And what I love about his Actions Scenes... is that they tell something ! unlike most of the action films... the Truck Chase in T2 just personified the T1000.
0:00 No, but I used to wake up quite often and think "What's David Fincher doing these days?" Thankfully, then it was announced that he's doing Mank and I finally got bit less frustrated.
He is now much better at being less of a Jerk. When you do something iconic you need a maverick in you. Sometimes it means putting off a whole lot of people..
Oh, I meant more his being kind of a douche to women around them, usually because he was formerly romantically involved with him, and he moved on. Like Gale Ann Hurd, or Linda Hamilton.
I love the mention of the horror elements of the high stakes action scenes. there have been 3 movies in my life that have given me proper nightmares. and 2 of them were the first 2 terminator movies. Judgment day and the T1000 literally gave me nightmares for a week. Also 2023. For those wondering.. You're gonna get at least a couple more blue alien movies before you get to see a horse take a lift in HD.
I think Cameron is the only person in Hollywood that can walk into literally any studio and say, "I'm making a movie. Give me a blank cheque." and they would to it.
You forgot Christopher Nolan.
I would have agreed with you before I found out that Fox told him "No" (the studio that released all his films) on Avatar. It wasn't until Disney gave him 40% of the budget that Fox then came in on it.
Spielberg. Proof: Ready Player One and another Indiana Jones movie.
Cameron isn't the ONLY director who can do this, but he is definitely part of a very small group of directors capable of it
Naw, studios only made Inception to keep him happy, nobody believed in that film, and after it was successful they tried to ignore it like it was a fluke.
James Cameron doesn't do what James Cameron does for James Cameron. James Cameron does what James Cameron does because James Cameron is James Cameron!
Hermann Abt lol
Names Cameron
*James Cameron*
Statistically, he's the most successful director of all time.
Money is a terrible “argument” to say something is high quality. It is high quality in this case but it has nothing to do with whether a movie made profit. Crap movies make a lot of money. So let’s raise the discussion a little bit.
@@AquaticMammalOnBicycle ... No one said money equaled quality except you, my friend
For the life of me, I can't figure out how anyone could write this guy off. He made a $2.2 billion movie and followed it up with a $2.7 billion movie - not an easy feat
Cameron will dominate any movie he does, cause he takes time to make it good.
I think it's because Avatar has had no cultural impact. It came and went and was barely spoken of again. It's the answer to a trivia question.
Becoming the highest-grossing film of all time is the working definition of making a cultural impact. The Avatar audience is a sleeping giant that will awaken in a big way when the sequels emerge. Do you realize that the Avatar Facebook page has more than 46,000,000 followers? That's more than the population of Spain. If just those folks turn up to the sequels and pay 20 bucks per head, each film will make $920m. But there are people who are going to see the sequels who weren't even born when the original came out.
@@mattpacker7027 Being the highest grossing film in history is just about the only thing that gets mentioned about Avatar. It's use of 3d technology is a distant second.
Avatar made a ton of money, but it has had no lasting impact on popular culture. People don't obsess over it the way they do Star Wars or Harry Potter. It has no memorable shots or lines like Titanic. It's not revered by sci-fi fans the way the early Alien and Terminator movies are. Avatar came out, made a ton of money, and was then largely forgotten beyond that piece of trivia.
Michael Booth
Agreed. I hope that the sequels will have more of a cultural impact than the original. I mean, they have to, in order for the audience to keep coming back to see what's next. Each has to be better than the preceding one, otherwise what would be the point?
However, the lack of pop culture impact of the original is still not a valid reason to write James Cameron off. I've seen many opinion videos that refer to him as a has-been because of this reason as well as the hopefully justifiably delayed sequels. They also predict that because of the delay, the sequels won't do as well as there is no excitement being generated for them.
But the one thing they don't take into consideration when making that prediction are the International markets, especially China and India. While cynical Americans may disregard the sequels, the Chinese and Indian screens will sell out well in advance.
That Stop Motion T-800 always gave me chills!!
Yes me too....when Kyle Reese is taking time to close the door and the t800 is approaching....stop-motion gives some uneasy effects
The Terminator and The Blair Witch Project are the scariest movies I've ever seen @@sudiptoghosh53
True Lies definitely doesn't have an underdog protagonist, yet the action is still exciting even when his family isn't involved. There's room for both Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee characters in the world of cinema.
James Cameron is where my love for film started. And don't forget, he's amazing at sequels.
EDIT: 4 min into the video, hell yes! Ordinary person against a powerful dude, I'm always how will they survive this! That's one of the things I really love about Cameron films.
I've been waiting forever for this. Finally, someone takes the time to really look at James Cameron's work and appreciate his craft. James Cameron is the Hitchcock of the action genre. It's that simple. His films should be studied for every shot and purpose. BUT no one cares enough....
Hitchcock? you got to be kidding me! he's a hasbeen director, he's Jimmy Cammy and the last film worth a damn by him was True Lies.
Cameron will always be in the shadow of Steven Spielberg
I think people do. But it's as Patrick said, Cameron is not subtle, and the problem is one doesn't get a Terminator movie or a Titanic movie by simply copying how he moves the camera.
@@abuamaanpal
Luke aka Pukelovesrose is an antisemite hypocrite who thinks he's gonna be a "great" filmmaker, he's not
@@Johnlindsey289 Oh grow up. He is a legend. You'll be forgotten in 1 month.
@@michelletackett9489
James Cameron use to be a great filmmaker and stopped making good movies after True Lies, Titanic and Avatar are both overrated. He's Jimmy Cammy now
I have no interest in Avatar 2, i'll take Dune new movies any day and Denis Villenue.
I think, in a weird way, this just reinforces my belief that Sam Raimi's Spider-Man movies (obligatory omitting of 3 not withstanding) work so well. They portray Spider-Man as simultaneously superhuman while keeping danger firmly in place. Homecoming did this well, but Raimi's trilogy does it just a little better.
Exactly! Perfect example, along with the Train Fight in Spider-Man 2. Raimi knew when to make the action big and stylized like a comic book, and when to go in close and capture the brutality of what's happening. When something should be CG and when it should be practical.
That is the nature of Spiderman. Some of his powers are op but his character is very grounded and human.
Noooooo. Damn.... that fucked me up abit. Cause you’re not wrong.
And Cameron wrote the original treatment for Spider-Man....
The Spider-Man 2 fight with Doc Oc is still better than anything marvel have done since. I dont think we will be watching marvel films in 20 years but we will still watch Aliens.
Nothing better that some more of Blue Flame Special.
I always called him the top 3 all time greats in directing. Dude you know your shit. Keep it up bro
Great video. James Cameron is my favorite hollywood rage monster and he generally doesn't get appreciated nearly enough especially among the film analysis community. It's almost as if he's delaying putting out those Avatar sequels just so he can get the deck stacked against him to have another impossible challenge to overcome.
"Game Over man, Game over!!"
Would a spy PEE HIMSELF, HUH?!
Haha. Love that line!
Hey Vasquez, have you ever been mistaken for man? No, have you! Hey sarge, would you mind getting my slippers? the floor is cold. Look into my eyes Hudson, look into my eyes. Seventeen days, we're not gonna last seventeen hours. What don't you put her in charge.
"They don't 'win' they just 'survive'" is my definition of the Fantastic Four and why I love them.
Did you even mention The Abyss? It's a great example of survival scenes, and spectacle. In fact, _spectacle_ is to me the thing that Cameron does really well. You kind of undersell him as an iconic visual innovator and showman, and focus on him a really solid craftsman who keeps the focus on characters and story. Cameron is also the guy who gave us the water tentacle, the liquid metal robot, an entire ship breaking in half, an alien world realised in a way never done so before where the 3D was taken seriously...
He is certainly all the things you say, but you're ignoring that he is a circus ringmaster, with a great eye and imagination for the next awe-inspiring main attraction. Even when the special effect is just Arnold Schwarzenegger he creates iconic images, like our first shot of him crouched on the ground and slowly rising. It's this side of him married with his control of action, character and narrative that has created his runaway successes and in particular created so many iconic moments.
You wanna know why I still like Avatar? Because it's a movie that has a scene between a big blue cat lady and her tiny crippled human boyfriend that finally share physical feeling and it's done with 100% sincerity. Like, how can I hate a movie that does that?
Because it's also a movie that thinly veils Native Americans as blue aliens and gives them a random white, American soldier to become their leader and greatest warrior?
@@adnanilyas6368 No.
Yes. Avatar is racist af.
It's a story about space aliens. Native Americans aren't the only possible interpretation for that story.
people like tarzan stories. they wouldn't keep getting made if there was no demand.
Patrick grew up being the very best at what he does
What's that? His hairline?
Talking about movies
@@adancingpieceofbread8109 ohhhhhh yeah that's probably 2nd
Except for when he made "Shut up about plot holes"
The action scenes in The Abyss are top notch and that film still holds up today
James Cameron is my favourite director of all time His timing is perfect and he never lets me have a moment to zone out of each scene. I always care about the story, the dialogues and I specifically love the fact that he usually uses strong female characters in all his movies.
Bruno Ferreira its clear that you didnt watch many action movie like Kurosawa Tarantino and many other Cameron is far from the best director
I said "its my favourite director". I never claimed he was the best director ever. Read the words before you cast judgement
@@liebertjohann8524 Cameron is better than QT. Kurosawa. Well, no. But QT is highly overrated.
Patrick, you’ve really helped me grow as a director with these entertaining breakdowns. Thank you and to your crew
Cameron the great Cameraman.
Nice play on words!
I asked Russell Carpenter what he thought about Cameron and DPing for him. He said "that you have to admire the man (Cameron). You just watch him work and you learn from him." There's your answer. Oscar winning DP is admiring his Oscar winning director.
More meaningless “look at me” comments ...you’re all sheep
Well done.
I'd like to talk a bit about The Abyss, which is probably his most personal film.
During production, Cameron was in the process of divorcing his wife and producing partner, Gale Anne Hurd, who also produced The Abyss. They've kept most of the details of their marriage private (as they should), but from interviews with his other ex-wives, it seems his relationships suffer because he's a workaholic. Perhaps coincidentally, lots of his work involves diving.
So, what's The Abyss about? A guy, played by Ed Harris (who looks suspiciously like Cameron at that time), who works for his wife, who is divorcing him because he's a workaholic who spends too much time diving to focus on their marriage. Over the course of the movie, he proves to his wife that he loves her, and also his diving work saves the world from an undersea apocalypse.
Get it?
Compare it to True Lies, made while he was divorcing Kathryn Bigelow, where the main character is an awesome, charming, super-spy, whose wife just doesn't understand how awesome he is and considers an affair because she doesn't know what a great man she landed.
Get it?
You're probably reading too much into True Lies considering it's a remake (no, I haven't seen the french original - who has?).
What is your take on Terminator/Titanic where the guy dies after... I don't remember the exact word Cameron used, I think it was 'awakening' or something like that - the guy dies after awakening the woman's soul?
Despite his poor marriage batting average it’s kind of surprising how well he’s maintained amicable, working relationships with almost all of his exes. He co-wrote and helped produce several of Katherine Bigelow’s films after their divorce and even managed to convince Linda Hamilton to come back to play Sarah Connor again. Most recently he was the guest speaker at an awards ceremony honoring Gale Anne Hurd with a lifetime achievement award. I’ve never heard him speak negatively about any of his past partners. It’s always complimentary.
This aged so well :) remasters of The Abyss and True Lies coming to blu ray finally and Avatar 2 destroyed expectations and made the haters eat their words.
Of all the Marvel movies, I still think Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the exception when it comes to action sequences. As you mentioned, the film opens with Captain America in a situation where he isn't in any real danger, but the rest of the film shows him trying to survive in tense, impossible situations. The winter soldier is treated like a slasher villain, and there's genuine suspense whenever he shows up. I think the action in that film is very kinetic and inventive, with great car chases, shootouts, and fist fights. The action sequences alone make The Winter soldier one of the best MCU movies, along with a solid story, good acting, and engaging characters. Even though the Russo Brothers would go on to direct more Marvel films, I still think The Winter Solider is their best work so far.
Agree all way Infinity War is badass but The Winter Soldier is something on his own that actually stand in the MCU with IM1 and GOTG.
Civil War imo is their best because of how well they translated that comic to film. Great work
@@Icanonlycountto4 I constantly go back and forth on whether I prefer Winter Soldier or Civil War. I think Winter Soldier is the better made film overall, but I found Civil War to have a more surprising story and stronger character studies, specifically with Tony Stark and Bucky which I absolutely loved.
@@robertwild9447 I'll admit I am pretty biased because Civil War is what got me into comics and back in 2006 I thought "This would be a cool movie, but it'll never happen."
Then in 2016 I freaking got it!!!
That Nick Fury car chase is probably one of my favorite action sequences of all time. It’s so visceral and intense. And not to mention the elevator scene where Cap is aware of the threat by analyzing small details. Man, the Russo’s deserve more credit for that film.
Why didn’t you mention that scene in True Lies where that gun falls down on the stairs and kills all the people? That was epic!
Or the scene where the terrorist guy rides his motorbike off a rooftop, soars clear across the freaking city and lands in a swimming pool. That movie was AMAZING!
My favorite scene in True Lies is that chase that ends with the brigde exploding.
@@SammEater the effects on that scene was amazing! in fact all Cameron movies has amazing effects!
WOW! The fact that you broke down the "left to right" camera/character battle scenario.... WOW! Patrick ftw,.
You are 10000% correct. The reason I hate the modern blockbuster is because character development is sacrificed for wowing the audience with bigger is better. That will work on a first viewing, but those movies will not hold up 10-15-20 years from now.
Every Cameron movie delves into those characters and you really care about them. That gives the movie’s depth and that’s why they hold up so well.
CGI was the death of the blockbuster because you have a generation of directors who only know how to use it to sell the movie.
Cameron’s generation didn’t have that luxury in the 70’s and 80’s so they HAD to write an interesting story and flesh out the characters because they were limited by technology. Although there are a few modern day directors like Chris Nolan who still make character driven blockbusters.
Citing every frame a painting to re in force his point, is Patrick writing the book on the TH-cam video essay style guide 😆😆 luv yooooou
Great video Patrick!
I adore Cameron's films, and I see that you also have an understanding of them. Cheers!
Every single Blue Flame is sooo great. Informative and fun to watch. Keep up the good work, Patrick.
Cameron is probably the most competent director alive.
How the hell has THE ABYSS and TRUE LIES never been put on BluRay!?
Also, I've always been a...well, not a strong defender of AVATAR, but still a defender. The story is derivative, but it's a a gorgeous, incredibly well-paced movie (as Cameron is the king of pacing) with, as this movie points out, phenomenally shot action. I highly doubt the sequels will make the same amount of money, but I'm looking forward to them and hope they're just as fun.
i heard that's it"s coming , at least for abyss , but cameron wants to do it properly ,and he's been very busy with the avatar sequels.
He said they had done a 4k wet transfer of the abyss ages ago. whatever that means.
@@johnmellor932 wet transfer means the film is dipped in special liquid that helps reduce the amount of scratches and dust. I do have a 720p version of the Abyss that is in very good quality, have no idea where it came from.
@@Kinkoyaburi The DVD is dreadful. Just a thumb nail in the middle of the screen.
So glad you mentioned Every Frame a Painting.
I watched Avatar in theaters (like most people). I hadn't watched Ferngully, or Dances with wolves, and I didn't know what a white savior was. Perhaps for those reasons I was the perfect target for that movie. I loved every second of it. The visuals, particularly of Pandora, I still think are unparalleled in cinema. And the simple corny (even then) story somehow seemed perfect because it let me focus on the beauty of the whole thing without having to worry about whether I'm understanding what the movie is about (ehem Annihilation).
only Americans hate it especially those who justify the American invasion in Middle east because the movie was about Imperialism.
I agree. The story may not be very original or mindblowing, but it was one hell of an experience. I've rewatched it several times and I still think it's great.
Also people crying about white savior bullshit and the like just wants something to whine about so they'll be heard.
@@randomly_random_0 not all Americans
Great vid. Subscribed! Cameron is the best because he takes his time. Quality takes time.
THANK YOU for this video !
A lot of people dont get it when I say James Cameron is the best action Director of all time.
I constantly think I'm just getting too old for action scenes, and that's why I don't enjoy them the way I used to. Then I see great, older action films, and realize I'm just as involved as I ever was.
This happened after this video was published, but he recently was a producer (and helped write the screenplay) on 'Alita: Battle Angel,' which has been in production since the early 2000s.
1:12 All his films will be available in 4K in 2024!
Have you seen the Raid? It's a great action movie, and although does not focus on the points you mentioned or discussed, is well-cheographed and directed (which is an understatement).
Watched your Bay video and now this tonight. Fantastic stuff man, really fascinating information.
The CHVRCHES poster in the background only cements for me how much I love this channel.
Thank you! I feel like I'm one of the only people in the country that's actually excited for the Avatar sequels. The man has struck cinematic gold every time, if he believes in this franchise then so do I. I can't wait to see what he comes up with for them.
T2 pushed the brakes making T1000 and the helicopter crash on the truck. The crowd in the cinema shouted like a goal was scored in a football match. It was hilarious. I was 13 with my parents in a big theater. It took some years for me to understand and appreciate the craftsmanship of the people involved making such movies. And TBH I didn't realize there are only 7 Cameron films. Which in my mind makes him a Kubrick(ish) "specimen" of a director.
I can't wait for the Avatar sequels. It's James Cameron, all he does is innovate! Great video. Even with his multiple Oscars and multiple billion dollar grossing films, he is criminally underrated.
Awesome hoodie! and great video as always.
Thanks Patrick. Keep it up
Love this essay! time to share and spread the wisdom.
You're one of the only content creators that gets a like before I even watch the video. I click "like", then maximize the screen, and sit back with a glass of whisky.
Patrick H willems you are doing a service for fellow lovers of cinematic art!! Respect brother!!I can't tell you enough but sure can say Thank you:)
12:40 I disagree. I think watching Children of Men was one of the most involving experiences I've ever had watching a film. It took me about 20 minutes to get back in touch with reality when it was over.
Nailed it! Great video!
If there is one scene in infinity war that follows these tips, it’s Tony vs Thanos at the end, because Thanos outclasses Iron man and the Hulk in brute strength without infinity stones. His punches chip away at the suit, which was shown to have withstood a meteor shower and recovered. Every time Tony tried to get back up, Thanos knocked him down, destroying his armour further. Even Tony’s last attempt to stab Thanos failed and Thanos returned the favour, which really had an impact. Easily the best scene of the movie IMO.
The great thing about the shot at 11:15 is that the only other thing in the shot that's important aside from Jack and Rose is the falling guy. Cameron completely rotates the entire geography of the boat, but then include a lone extra falling to make things clear again.
Fantastic! No one broke down action genre like Blue Flame Special series.
TRUE LIES (1994) one of the best action scripts -- totally underrated.
The university memoire i wrote on Cameron 8 years ago was pretty much about everything you talked about so i'm happy to hear all that. I remember comparing two actions sequences in Titanic and Avatar talking about verticality (the giant tree/the boat). Anyway Love your work man !
The way you describe the James Cameron formula makes him a perfect candidate to direct a Trollhunters movie (if they ever decide to do that).
P.S I know that Del Toro was going to make a movie on it, but couldn't due to budget concerns.
Superb analysis. Really made me appreciate JC more. Thanks for a good video, Patrick.
Patrick I enjoy when you make videos they are always so well thought out thank you 🙏
This piece was Genius, Thank you
Yep I definitely agree that he is the best action director of all time. Really wish he made more movies
Maybe he's the best, because he takes his time, and pushes the boundaries of what's possible with each of his movies...
Can you please talk about the feeling that a practical affects create compare to green screen using scenes. The MCU compare to T2, for instance.
Practical affects for the win!!
100% agree about Cameron being the best. Always said it, too. Subbed.
1. Aliens
2. T2
3.Titanic
4.True Lies
5. Terminator
6. The Abyss
7. Avatar
omg I fucking agree with whatever you said! James Cameron is the best! Do you know that the root word for "Cameron" is "camera"? There you go!
Patrick, I don't usually agree with all of what you say (thankfully) but this time I pretty much do. Cameron is often underestimated, I just wish he was a bit more productive these days. By the way, if you hadn't pointed it out I really wouldn't have noticed the non-HD clips. Overall, your narration and editing is improving and I think this is your best video yet (no, I haven't seen them all but take a compliment, ffs!). Basically, just keep them coming!
"James Cameron doesn't do what James Cameron does for James Cameron. James Cameron does what James Cameron does because James Cameron *is* James Cameron."
When the video started with that shot of waking up, somehow I expected to hear: "Hey, VSauce, Patrick here...".
I'm convinced
This was beautiful Patrick. I know you gotta chase those clicks whenever starwars is in the headlines for any reason, but this is the content I subscribed for.
Spot on. Well done.
I do too actually-
Maybe plotting which studio house & banks to drain on the next movie(s)
*I'm stoked :)
Dude...
Terminator 2 is so fucking GOOD
Only 7? Shit! His movies are spectacular and so rewarding. With the exception of Avatar.
WHATTT AVATAR IS ABOUT THE ENVIROMENT?!?!?! That was all put on... I think we all knew this.
100%. Loved this!
Dude, you've got to make one of this on Miyazaki and the action scenes in Laputa in particular
I've noticed with a lot of modern action movies, marvel movies especially, it feels almost like they've gotten rid of the 3 act structure and moved to 5 acts. It goes hand in hand with the constantly moving style of story / action telling that you mentioned.
You ever just wake up and think:
“Patrick is Vsauce for film.”
Amazing video. Couldnt agree more
superbly said.
Respect craft when you see it, is the best way to describe this channel as well.
James Cameron is the Goat when it comes to Hollywood!!!
Fantastic video essay, as always.
Preach preach preach! *loved* this
I'd love to watch you compare these action scenes to those in Hacksaw Ridge. Never been more disoriented in my life.
Oh, and man, that moiré patterned shirt... Haven't seen one of those since I ditched my lineskipping canon dslr. :P
I agree with all movies, except for Avatar!... loved your work!
I hear he is actually playing a role in the making of Terminator 6 (Dark Fate)
I'm not sure what to expect from it but boy am I excited!
And I was sent here from 2020 😒
@@imotogin I know audiences are divided but I personally really enjoyed this film.
@@tubulartopher I'm among those in denial (if such group exists)), don't think Cameron was significantly involved in Dark Fate.
But I'm glad you liked it nevertheless.)
Just a little note, as a consumer and not an analyst/critic/creator NOBODY thinks about what the camera is doing. In fact I never have asked that question to myself nor thought about it, until you mentioned it today lol. I only point this out because most creators seem to think that consumers think like them but they do not, especially nuances and subtleties such as "I wonder what the boom mic guy is doing right now in this scene?"
Sums up my thoughts on Cameron to the letter. Great video.
Funny thing about the part where you mention James Cameron's use of camera VS Cuaron's long shots... If you watch Avatar, every time you may think "mmhhhh this shot starts to be a little bit long" it cuts there !! I love how Cameron doesn't use the CGI to make impossible impressive shots that never ends, that his storytelling and filmmaking is the same IRL or through computer.
And what I love about his Actions Scenes... is that they tell something ! unlike most of the action films... the Truck Chase in T2 just personified the T1000.
11:17 I can still hear the 'bonk' as that guy hits the railing on the Titanic then flips off it
5 years later and we're finally getting the blu-rays for True Lies and The Abyss.
0:00
No, but I used to wake up quite often and think "What's David Fincher doing these days?"
Thankfully, then it was announced that he's doing Mank and I finally got bit less frustrated.
One of the greatest of all time!!!
🤩I WATCHED AVATAR 2...THREE TIMES...WORTH WATCHING FOURTH TIME ALSO
He's kind of a jerk, but he's a good filmmaker, and yes, two of my fave action movies of all time are by him --Aliens 2 and Terminator 2.
He is now much better at being less of a Jerk. When you do something iconic you need a maverick in you. Sometimes it means putting off a whole lot of people..
Oh, I meant more his being kind of a douche to women around them, usually because he was formerly romantically involved with him, and he moved on. Like Gale Ann Hurd, or Linda Hamilton.
Cameron just won't coddle punks or suffer fools.
@@WedgeOfSpite I always thought they were in a pretty good relationship? Cameron with exes.
I love the mention of the horror elements of the high stakes action scenes. there have been 3 movies in my life that have given me proper nightmares. and 2 of them were the first 2 terminator movies. Judgment day and the T1000 literally gave me nightmares for a week.
Also 2023. For those wondering.. You're gonna get at least a couple more blue alien movies before you get to see a horse take a lift in HD.
There is no Blu Ray for True Lies but there is a HD version copied from HD VHS.
MATT'S PLAYING WITH MODULAR SYNTHS! WHAT?!