James Cameron talks Golden Globes, 'Star Trek,' and Kathryn Bigelow

Despite all the Smurfs/"Delgado"/"Land Before Time” talk, "Avatar" is not only scoring highly with critics, but the movie also nabbed four Golden Globe nominations, including ones for best picture (drama), best director, best original score and best original song.

Heat Vision caught up with James Cameron as he was in New York, driving to the airport.

Heat Vision: Where are you in a rush to?

James Cameron: I’m trying to get back to L.A. for the cast and crew screening tonight to celebrate with all the people who worked so hard on the film over the year. And now were getting accolades, so I'm sure they must be pumped by it.

Heat Vision: You must be pretty pumped yourself.

Cameron: Absolutely I'm pumped. It's been a 4 1/2-year journey, and this is not typically the kind of film that critics love, being a genre movie and being seen as a big commercial movie. It’s really exciting that the HFPA saw something more in the movie. We knew we were putting more in the movie, but it’s nice that it was seen and recognized.

Heat Vision: Genre movies did seem to get a short shrift, as usual. "Star Trek," which is one of the best movies of the year, was totally left out.

Cameron: I loved "Star Trek." I thought J.J. Abrams reinvented that franchise in a way that we all wanted to see in a long time. But that’s typical. I had quietly resigned myself that "Avatar" would be thought of in that way: celebrated commercially and by fans of science fiction and fantasy but not necessarily by critics and reviewers. And here we are getting these reviews and these nominations. And not only for film but also for the score and the song. The music is such an important part of the emotional reaction people are having to the film. I think it's James Horner's best score to date.

Heat Vision: The actors weren't nominated, however. How do you feel about that?

Cameron: I'm sad for them. Look, Sam (Worthington) and Zoe (Saldana) have enormous careers ahead of them. Sam is going to be a huge star and is going to have many bites at this apple. That is probably how they thought about this. Maybe there’s a sense that acting for performance capture isn’t the same as acting for a lens, which is going to take an education. I think that will eventually go away. Do I think they deserve it? Absolutely.

Heat Vision: Have you seen a lot of the movies this year?

Cameron: I've seen a few, but I haven't seen them all. "Inglorious Basterds" is a lot of fun. I've seen Kathryn (Bigelow’s film, "The Hurt Locker”) several times, and it’s a very strong picture.

Heat Vision: How do you feel about going against her? (Cameron and Bigelow were once married.)

Cameron: Well, the two films are completely different. I’m sure she would think it’s very funny. Everybody sees in irony in this, but I see it as a celebration for both of us. She’s been a strong supporter of my film, I've been a strong supporter of her film. She’s seen every cut of "Avatar" going along and offered advice.
She showed me "Hurt Locker" for comment. And I said, “Comment? Here’s the comment: Cut negative. It’s great!" I had no notes for her because she has done such an awesome job on the film. I think we’ll have a good laugh over this. And I think she’s finally getting the recognition she’s deserved for a long, long time.

Comments

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Great post.I would like to say I’m glad I’ve been as easily able to see films like Gomorrah, Moon and In The Loop as I have Transformers 2 and Star Trek this year....I have enjoyed a lot to watch Star Trek....

[kim]

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[kim]

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[Michael]

I think you mean "Delgo."

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Hi Guy's,
The Loop as I have Transformers 2 and Star Trek this year....I have enjoyed a lot to watch Star Trek

[aion kinah]

Sam is going to be a huge star and is going to have many bites at this apple. That is probably how they thought about this.

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Thank You Kim !! I have just download the Avatar movie from you given link. Thank you very much !! It is very good movie. But I highly recommend you that first you must watch this movie on big screen as it is 3 d movie.

[mouse pen tablet]

I must say I didn't like Avatar at all but I like other things from James Cameron a lot.

[hollister]

Well said, such a person should be a good sentence, or the future will be more rampant.

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Looks cool but I felt they have shown little too much in the trailer.My cousin brother was saying I’ll get bored. Hopefully it’s not the case

[ed hardy uk]

Congratulations Chris, this sounds like a great oppertunity.