James Cameron with water is George Miller with the desert. Two absolutely delusional madmen just doing whatever the fuck they want, and it’s pretty insane. But truly, The Abyss feels like reading a very engrossing and huge sci-fi novel. Incredibly ambitious. Though intensely cinematic (because that is Cameron to the bone), it travels a more circuitous story path and climaxes with wonder rather than violence or triumph. That rich blue-pink aquatic cinematography, the ocean-floor station, vehicle pods, the looming dangers of pressurization, claustrophobia, and drowning. Such a heady little world to descend into each time, and you know a perfectionist like Cameron is going to envelop you in the experience via elaborate methodology. He's a die-hard visionary with the balls to pull it off. Just Bananas filmmaking through and through, showcasing a blend of awe-inspiring practical effects and revolutionary CGI in these massive set pieces, coupled with an unbridled hope and optimism for the future. Just an absolute beast of a film. A shining example of Cameron's legendary ambition and passion for his craft. A real film for the ages.
James Cameron with water is George Miller with the desert. Two absolutely delusional madmen just doing whatever the fuck they want, and it’s pretty insane. But truly, The Abyss feels like reading a very engrossing and huge sci-fi novel. Incredibly ambitious. Though intensely cinematic (because that is Cameron to the bone), it travels a more circuitous story path and climaxes with wonder rather than violence or triumph. That rich blue-pink aquatic cinematography, the ocean-floor station, vehicle pods, the looming dangers of pressurization, claustrophobia, and drowning. Such a heady little world to descend into each time, and you know a perfectionist like Cameron is going to envelop you in the experience via elaborate methodology. He's a die-hard visionary with the balls to pull it off. Just Bananas filmmaking through and through, showcasing a blend of awe-inspiring practical effects and revolutionary CGI in these massive set pieces, coupled with an unbridled hope and optimism for the future. Just an absolute beast of a film. A shining example of Cameron's legendary ambition and passion for his craft. A real film for the ages.
