Differences from the Script

[Sempu]

I've read the script a couple of times now (see the sticky thread at the top for the link), and I continue to be blown away at how every single change in the version on the screen is an improvement.

Let me say right now I know many of you disagree with some of those changes. I don't deny you your right to those opinions for a moment, and I respect them. I'm simply expressing how it worked out for me.

What I noticed was that many of the changes were the removal of cinematic clichés. There isn't a single cliché left in the movie. When I start imagining sequels I realize just how hard it is to avoid clichés. Examples: In the script, when the shuttle approaches Hell's Gate, there is a reverse shot of a blue face pulling aside a branch to look at them from the jungle. Cliché - gone. Before the big battle, there is a gearing up montage intercutting between RDA arming their gunships and Na'vi strapping on knives. Cliché - gone.

Okay, some of the more contentious differences (not clichés now): After Neytiri says "We are mated for life," the script has Jake saying, "Huh?" or words to that effect, and she coyly replies, "Oh... did I forget to tell you," or similar. That line would have spoiled the moment by turning the mating into comedy. This ain't Seinfeld. And the scenes of Earth - not needed. They were there to draw a contrast with Pandora, to show how bad things had gotten on Earth, but Pandora turned out to be so beautiful it wasn't necessary - people get all the effect they need from comparing it with today's Earth (as we know in the PAD thread). And (as long as I'm annoying so many people), the spirit animal vision scene - vision quest dreams have been done to death and it would have given just that little excuse for some people to say the Na'vi were stoners.

Most of the bigger changes are in the last battle. The script doesn't have Jake and Neytiri saying "I see you" to each other in the lab shack - kudos to whoever put that in. It has Jake saying he's going to a funeral in his last videolog instead of a party - major downer, and there's no chance of thinking that it's Tsu'tey's funeral, because we also had a shot of Neytiri being pregnant, which means it's months later.

In the script Jake is more of a hardbitten Marine, and his transition to sympathizer is more abrupt. (Worthington said he played Jake like a 10 year-old boy, which was perfect). The tiniest of differences were improvements: The script has Jake telling Eywa, "I'll stand and fight, you know I will." The screen has him saying, "I will stand and fight, you know I will." Much better to put that emphasis in.

There's a lot more I could point out but I figure I'll give someone else a chance first...

[EarthLover18]

I agree, some of the cut scenes from the script would have been awsome. For example, I would have really liked to have seen Jake's Dream Hunt and the fireside party where he dances with Neytiri and has an odd conversation with Tsu'Tey.

But I think overall it turned out perfectly. By cutting out the affair between Trudy and Norm and also the scene where Jake puts Tsu'Tey out of his misery, it really kept the story on track as ultimatley all about the love between Jake and Neytiri.

*but don't forget, we will get to see some of these in the Augst re-release and in the November special edidtion Blu-Ray

[Fko Lrrtok]

For me, the Grace's detail of the schoolyard incident would have been good to be left in as it would have shown a lot more, the compassion the Grace had toward the Na'Vi and as well, that throw away line that Grace said to Selfridge earlier on about how the Na'Vi do not respond well to machine gun fire.

As well, all the scenes where Tsu'tey was in, if included would have developed his character so much more that I think that many would consider Tsu'tey as a hero that he deserves to be portrayed as.

[Pandora In Dream]

I've realized the differences as well and I like the cinema version better.
Looking forward to seeing the dream hunt scene, it sounds very interesting.

[Grifff]

have your read the original script named project 66 (i think)

[Tree of Souls]

You made some very interesting points. I had never thought about some of the negative implications people could have made of some of the scenes that were left out. It makes me appreciate the filmed version even more.

[Sempu]

have your read the original script named project 66 (i think)

Project 880, and no. Gotta link?

[limxuxu09]

You've given really good points... I haven't read the script yet but is there really a romantic relation between Norm and Trudy?

[Sempu]

You've given really good points... I haven't read the script yet but is there really a romantic relation between Norm and Trudy?

Yes. In the script, Trudy dies crashing her Scorpion into the Dragon Ship, and calls out "I love you, Norm" right before.

[limxuxu09]

Yes. In the script, Trudy dies crashing her Scorpion into the Dragon Ship, and calls out "I love you, Norm" right before.

Oh wow thanks very much... That's a very interesting relationship... They're the total opposites... Well, just like Jake and Neytiri...

[Ashen Key]

You've given really good points... I haven't read the script yet but is there really a romantic relation between Norm and Trudy?

Indeed there is! There is a little scene where she hits on him in the Samson as they are flying to Station 61, and some other little scenes here and there - Jake wheels in on them, and when she breaks them all out of the brig, she kisses Norm. Glad they cut the 'I love you' as she dies, though, that would have made me cringe. Not because I think she doesn't, but because cliche.

Flirting scene, as I love it:

TRUDY
It only takes tiny inputs. Here, put
your hand on the cyclic --

She points to the stick between her knees. Norm hesitantly reaches over and rests his hand on hers.

TRUDY
Feel how small the moves are? You barely
have to think it, and the aircraft reacts.

ON NORM -- reacting to tiny inputs from the hot lady-pilot.

[Sempu]

And in the script, Quaritch says to Jake, "You got a little local pu*sy." Whoever changed that to "You got a little local tail" was a genius.

[Colonel Badass]

Also, in the script, when Quaritch is testing out his AMP suit:




Jake nods. Quaritch brings the ‘suit to life. He steps
forward and pivots smoothly.
He balances the two ton machine on one foot while sweeping
the arms in strong, graceful arcs. Jake realizes he is doing
a WU-SHOO KATA. A flawless display of strength and control.
He’s impressive, and Jake is impressed. Quaritch is the kind
of man he respects -- focused, hard. Determined.


In the movie he just throws a couple of punches like a Rock'em Sock'em robot. I would have loved to see Quaritch pull some crazy martial arts during the movie...guess I never will:ncry:

http://www.avatar-forums.com/images/imported/2010/04/48.gif

[aoitennyo]

Project 880, and no. Gotta link?

What, Josh and his creepy jointless fingers? XD I assume by now you've found a link ;)

[electrosphere11]

There's alot I would of liked to see from the script, unfortunately, I dont think the additional 6 minutes in the extended release will fulfill it all.

[edplane]

I think EVERY thing should have been left in. It all helps to clarify the story and reinforce the point. Like Jake mating with Neytiri. I think the scene in the movie was too short, but in the script, it helped to let us know about their mating for life type ritual. I know I would have felt a more deep, intimate connection with them if the scene was left in the movie. But JC wanted to keep it PG-13. I think it would have been anyway, because that ritual is like a wedding, being bonded for life, and not reproducing. I hope....

[Colonel Badass]

Personally, I would rather Avatar have been made into a miniseries or even a season long dramatic series, there is so much material to work with.

[MarkD]

Maybe we'll see it become a tv series in the future. Who knows. IMO given some films are turned into comic books. I'm very surprised that Avatar hasn't. For example there is the recent Star Trek movie now turned into a comic as well as a follow up comic to the two Alien vs. Predator films. Avatar should be included in this too.

[Grifff]

Project 880, and no. Gotta link?

yeah, i'll get you a link

[Grifff]

here (http://www.docstoc.com/docs/14294813/Avatar-Scriptment-by--James-Cameron) and here (http://chud.com/articles/articles/21969/1/PROJECT-880-THE-AVATAR-THAT-ALMOST-WAS/Page1.html)

[SnowRider]

Personally, I would rather Avatar have been made into a miniseries or even a season long dramatic series, there is so much material to work with.

This.

Personally, I think the story we saw in the movie is simply too big for one movie. The story we saw on screen really should have been two movies, not one.

(note: I am not talking here about the sequel, I am just suggesting that the story was too big for the movie we saw on screen)

The story should have been separated into two movies about the point Jake gets to Pandora and the first movie should have been setting up the situation, showing Jake on Earth, explaining what Unobtanium is and how it is used, humanity's dire situation, Jake's brother, etc.

That way we would have been able to appreciate the second part of the story, which would have started about when Jake gets to Pandora.

(and that way, there could have been more time for more Pandora, Neytiri, the Na'vi, their backstory, etc.)

[Colonel Badass]

This.

Personally, I think the story we saw in the movie is simply too big for one movie. The story we saw on screen really should have been two movies, not one.

(note: I am not talking here about the sequel, I am just suggesting that the story was too big for the movie we saw on screen)

The story should have been separated into two movies about the point Jake gets to Pandora and the first movie should have been setting up the situation, showing Jake on Earth, explaining what Unobtanium is and how it is used, humanity's dire situation, Jake's brother, etc.

That way we would have been able to appreciate the second part of the story, which would have started about when Jake gets to Pandora.

(and that way, there could have been more time for more Pandora, Neytiri, the Na'vi, their backstory, etc.)

My point exactly! Forgive me for saying this about a three hour movie, but the story felt so rushed to me and so many times are we expected to accept certain plot developments on faith, that I felt kind of railroaded through the narrative in order to get to the SUPAR AWESUM fight scenes. I would have loved to see more backstory on the characters, more depictions of life among the Na'Vi that didn't center around Jake learning how to be a tribesmember, maybe even some character flaws among the Na'vi. Flesh it out, mine the gold that you've spent all these years in developing, Mr. Cameron, don't make us wait for the prequel novel! I'm not saying you can't leave some points to the imagination, just don't leave us hanging with plot and character wallbangers.

[electrosphere11]

I definitely agree that there was much more to be included. A miniseries would be interesting. I'm not sure how well it would do in that format.

[Harrie]

In the script, the Dragon crashes into a lake, and then Quaritch emerging in his AMP out of the water (there ia a concept art of this scene). This scene would have been more dramatic and awesome than the movie version where he just jumps off the ship.