China Blocks Avatar
The People's Republic of China decided to drastically limit screenings of James Cameron's Avatar, allowing only the 3D version of the film to be screened. Since only a handful of Chinese theaters have 3D equipment this move acts as a de facto ban of the film.
According to the Central Publicity Department their reasonings for Avatar's block was due to that fact that the film "took too much money and has seized market share from domestic films," and that, "it may lead audiences to think about forced removal, and may possibly incite violence." Despite the fact that many in China won't be able to experience Avatar's stunning landscape, or its message to the consumer-materialist driven human culture on the big screen, many will still be able to view the film through one of the largest pirate economy in the world.
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- 1-25-10
- Chris Kaplan's blog
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Makes no difference
The Chinese people are no different, in their curiosity, than anyone else. They will simply get a bootleg copy and view it as often as they want.
What the Chinese share in common with their own people is an anthill or hive sensibility, which is a juxtaposition of classic American individuality that prevents us in the US from accomplishing things together as a unified nation.
I personally witnessed their unique ability to sense each other's presence and to act in unison, and I was completely blown away by it! Once the Chinese people realize that their emperor has no clothes, they will react as a hive and revolt en masse. Chinese leaders have very good reason to be afraid of such a scenario, and are wise to keep their people on a short leash. But once that control is lost, hold onto your hat because they will act according to their natural behavior; as one person/one nation. There will be no confusion, and nobody to stop them.
What used to be our strength has become a weakness, and what might currently be considered their weakness, will soon become their strength.
But… then…
I'm amazed at all this 'avatar this', 'avatar that'.
It is true that avatar is visually amazing and that there is this message of anticonsumerism and planet preservation. But why do you think this is screened instead of a thorugh video documentary of the destruction of the amazon and ayahuasca trips?
In my opinion, it is, first, another commodity of the society of the spectacle. An opportunity to entertain yourself through a 'relevant story' made clearly 'irrelevant'.
Second, It is also another brainless movie, another display of what has gone wrong with culture: brainless alienating movies occupying consciousness space necessary for real and relevant issues. Whoever wants to take this only as a popcorn movie will do it.
It is like so many other things produced by those with money and property something that preserves the status quo. 'Antienlightening', I guess...
Third, the real world is not a movie. This is going trough so many naive and ignorant commodified rich white men filters before reaching our eyes. Real life and suffering is out there.I see this as a good sign, though not as good as others want it to be. If you want my opinion you should avoid paying for seeing this in theaters.
It is so anticonsumerist and so ambientalist... yes...Where is the money from the producers to further the noble cause of saving the rainforest and their valuable indigenous cultures?Where are the caring words from James Cameron for ambientalism?
Don't give more money to a pack of institutionalized hyenas, please.
And Reality Sandwich rules, honestly.
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My good blade carves the casques of men,
My tough lance thrusteth sure,
My strength is as the strength of ten,
Because my heart is pure.
still haven't seen the movie