Did you know ? James Cameron is not just a brilliant filmmaker. He is also a brilliant artist. The exhibition The Art of James Cameron which takes place at the Cinémathèque française until January 5, 2025 reveals this lesser known aspect of his talent by putting it in parallel with his films, Titanic, Avatar Or Aliens Or Terminator 2.
“I don’t consider myself a great artist as such,” James Cameron said at a press conference. Visiting this exhibition made me feel like I was reliving my life, from my childhood drawings to my career as a filmmaker. » He remembers the time when, when he was very young, he only had paint to express himself.
Drawings, paintings, models and exclusive filmed interviews retrace the career of James Cameron. “I find the organization of the exhibition very successful because it clearly shows my evolution, film by film with extracts which contextualize the graphic works. This allows you to understand my work, which was initially solitary before becoming collaborative,” declares the director. From geek fan of pop culture to filmmaker surrounded by a close-knit team, the filmmaker reveals his first ideas and how they were modified to achieve the final result.
Original works
The Cinémathèque did very well in collaboration with the master who lent dazzling originals. We remain amazed in front of the original drawing of the nude of Rose (Kate Winslet) that Jack draws (Leonardo Di Caprio) In Titanic. It was James Cameron himself who drew this sublime sketch. We can also see the magnificent model of the Terminator (the one that was actually animated for T2) and the exoskeleton puppetAliens. It’s a real emotional moment to imagine the special effects magicians animating them as these figurines look like luxury toys for grown-up children touched by grace.
By submarine
The exhibition also allows us to understand the major influence that James Cameron had not only on cinema but also on underwater exploration and ecology. “I am a storyteller,” he explains. That’s what exploration is really about, he says. Going where others have never gone and telling a story they’ve never heard before. »
The underwater world is very present in his filmography and his work in this area is widely highlighted, particularly with magnificent drawings. This expert diver shares his love for these unexplored territories and their protection. A room is dedicated to them for the greatest joy of the totally disorientated visitor who discovers in particular the secrets ofAbyss. Note that simplified labels judiciously placed at child height make the creative process bright for the youngest.
Human above all
The evolution of the work of James Cameron and his team is detailed, allowing us to dispel some preconceived ideas according to which he is a fan of Artificial Intelligence “We use it less than people think,” says he during the conference. For Avatar, it allowed us to develop forests but everything had been designed beforehand by human beings. AI is never used to produce definitive or leading images, if only because we need the real performances of the actors. Everything that matters is created by humans. »
However, James Cameron passionately explores the technical side of his art which he revolutionizes in the service of his overflowing imagination. It is fascinating to see confirmation of the extent to which cinema has benefited from the filmmaker’s inventions both for shots and for special effects. The geek in us is all excited when he sees the camera that James Cameron cobbled together for Titanic.
Long live France !
James Cameron admits to being particularly happy to be celebrated in France where his films are a hit. “France continues to defend theaters and the unique experience it offers while other countries have thrown in the towel,” he says. Here, we continue to consider cinema as an important form of human expression and not as frivolous entertainment. »
The Art of James Cameron, a vibrant declaration of love to the director and his work, resoundingly confirms his words. Whether you are a fan of his work or not, it is fascinating because it reveals the creative process of a visionary filmmaker.
