Why Stanley Kubrick’s films filled James Cameron with anticipation: “Can he pull it off and amaze me again?”
James Cameron has created a unique legacy for himself in the film industry through his colossal blockbuster films and revolutionary use of technology, pioneering new ways to voice the language of the medium. This first became recognised in his 1997 romantic epic Titanic, in which the director used special effects to create an immersive representation of the ship’s sinking and a visceral reflection of this tragedy.
The director then took this to new heights with his animated classic Avatar, which forever changed the use of technology in film production. While this has been both praised and criticised in recent years, you cannot deny his commitment to realism and entertainment, despite the issues that have arisen through the construction of these types of films.
Despite his fascination with fantasy and modern filmmaking methods, the director is most inspired by someone who very much represents the opposite of this philosophy, but draws inspiration from their ability to reinvent their craft and do something different.
Enough has been written about Stanley Kubrick for everyone to know that he is an undeniable genius, with a range of films that demonstrate a staggering ability to tap into multiple different genres and understand the language of film vividly and forensically. Each film is a masterpiece in its own right, from the social commentary of class, wealth and image in Barry Lyndon to the slow buildup of terror in The Shining and the critique of masculinity and sexuality in Eyes Wide Shut.
More than anything, Kubrick is most well-known for his incisive approach to his craft and inability to gloss over any details. Everything within his control is deeply considered and planned out, with behind-the-scenes stories of his sometimes gruelling work ethic and painfully demanding process.
Naturally, technology was not as evolved during his career, but even then, he preferred authenticity and realism as opposed to using CGI or special effects. His sets were beautifully constructed and often shot on location, with elaborate ways of tricking audiences into believing something was real when actually, it was painstakingly crafted to create an illusion.
I can’t imagine the director being fond of movies entirely made with special effects, CGI or AI, as Kubrick was a stickler for detail and pushing the limits of human ability, cutting no corners during his pursuit of perfection. However, this is what Cameron most admires about Kubrick, describing his ability to push the boat out and never play it safe.
Cameron described his respect for Kubrick, saying, “I remember going with a great sense of anticipation to each new Stanley Kubrick film and thinking: ‘Can he pull it off and amaze me again?’ And he always did. The lesson I learned from Kubrick was; never do the same thing twice”. Cameron has mirrored these qualities in his own work, switching from genres as he works within animation, science fiction and historical dramas. Despite being executing these stories in a very different way, the same underlying principle is there, and the director makes an effort to reinvent his technique as he adapts to opposing stories, much like Kubrick did.
