In a new interview with Discussing Film, the legendary filmmaker addressed complaints about the ultra-smooth look of his films, pointing to their massive success. “I think $2.3 billion says you might be wrong on that,” Cameron said. He then added, “That’s the argument from authority. But the argument from artistic is: I happen to like it, and it’s my movie.”
Most of Avatar: The Way of Water and the upcoming sequel Avatar: Fire and Ash were shot at 48 frames per second, double the traditional 24 frames per second used in most films. This higher frame rate makes movement appear smoother, especially during action-heavy and underwater scenes.
Cameron explained that the decision wasn’t just artistic — it was also technical. He said higher frame rates improve the 3D viewing experience by reducing what many people mistake for eye strain. According to him, the discomfort actually comes from the brain.
“When people say they get eye strain watching 3D, it’s not eye strain. It’s brain strain,” Cameron said. He explained that the brain uses special neurons to process depth and parallax. When images jump or strobe at lower frame rates, the brain struggles to process the 3D effect smoothly. Using a higher frame rate, he said, helps eliminate that problem and makes 3D easier to watch.
Avatar: Fire and Ash picks up one year after the events of The Way of Water. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) are still living with the Metkayina clan as they mourn the loss of their son, Neteyam. Their fragile peace is threatened by the Mangkwan, a dangerous new Na’vi tribe allied with their old enemy, Quaritch (Stephen Lang).
Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to arrive in theaters on December 19.
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