The scene in which Jake first experiences his new Avatar body, was a powerful scene for me when I first saw the movie. The reason for this was because I was watching the film with my 13 year old little brother, who is in a wheelchair and has been since childhood. From the time the movie started, I watched as he related to and idolized Jake. My brother has always been fascinated with the army. I could tell he looked up to the military man, refusing to be bound by his limitations, powerfully wheeling himself around the complex and handling his own equipment. He was one of the few wheelchair bound characters I had seen, depicted with agency, strength, and power. Watching my brother experience, through this character, a fantasy world in which he could be transported into another more able body was strange, and heartbreaking. It made me imagine what it would be like for him to be able to run again for the first time. I imagine his reaction to be much like Jake's, filled with excitement, disobedience, and uncontrollable passion.
This analysis may not be deeply rooted in cultural theory, but for me this scene was a commentary on how often we fail to appreciate our abilities, and how things we take so easily for granted, can mean the world to someone else. In some ways it also references how agency can sometimes be wrongfully associated with physical ability.
When Jake stands up, we see for the first time, an embodiment of the power and strength shown in his spirit. Up until this point in the film, he is strong -willed, and self-sufficient, but in this moment his power is materialized, tangible, and brought into the space of those around him. We watch as the doctor's become afraid and attempt to control him, because of the potential threat his body now poses to them.
When he finally gains control of his body, he "breaks free" from the wires, monitors, and hospital bed that he was bound to and exits the cold sterile environment. His new body allows him to escape to the new outside world. His ability to run, and the passion with which he does it, stands for a realization of a new ability, but also for every possibility for action and expression that his new body opens up to him.
In more ways than one, this scene is about how Jake has entered a New World, a world that I would give anything for my brother to have, and that I pray someday will become his reality.
I really like how personal this is to you, that I can see it through your brothers views. I didn't even think about what our society thinks of disabled individuals. I have seen people angry over the fact a bus has to stop longer to let a wheel chair on or off, like its that persons fault.
ReplyDeleteThe fact they showed himself so strong willed, I think portrays everyone like that. They have to be strong, beat the odds. Jake as an idol to every person who can no longer walk, is an ideal I never thought of till now.
Its nice to see that point of view, and I hope that in a way in gives people with disabilities hope that they can obtain their dreams if they fight for it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love how you related this scene as "a commentary on how often we fail to appreciate our abilities, and how things we take so easily for granted, can mean the world to someone else". I myself grew up with health complications and it was hard to hear about people who had what I had. I wished I was as normal as others but that was not the case although I never stopped hoping for a miracle. We all hope for miracles and if we are are lucky enough... miracles do come true. :)
ReplyDelete