First Day in an Avatar Body

The First time Jake experiences the Avatar body is a scene filled with emotion displayed though many different aural and visual elements. The scene starts out in a typical setting of a science lab where the lighting is dark and people are walking around in lab coats looking all science-like. The two scientists in focus are examining an x-ray and talking about Jake's brain. Their footsteps are heavy, highlighting their every movement, and their voices are serious and strong; these elements portray them as important. The music in the background is quiet, but intense, drawing us to feel the importance of what is being said.

The camera then focuses on Jake, laying down, with closed eyes while they shift back and forth underneath his lids. This image of Jake signifies the idea of some state of unconsciousness, continuing through to the next shot where we are brought into the "mind of Jake". Images of active neurons and inner-brain activity signify that we are inside of his brain activity, showing that some sort of 'change' is occurring within him. Meanwhile, the sound of his beating heart increases also insinuating that change could be happening.

The audience 'wakes up' inside the body of Jake and we begin to literally see through his eyes as he wakes up to bright lights and doctors surrounding him. This is a recognizable archetype of an operating room in a hospital, and because viewers identify this environment they relate and expect certain rituals and praxis to be present. As the camera then zooms out to show Jake as an Avatar, we hear the shutter sound of his eye blinking. This tool is tying together the 'gap' from being inside Jake's character to now looking upon him, as we are able to connect the sound of each blink with the eye motions on this new avatar creature. The camera is also moving with Jake as he wobbles and gets used to his new body. He appears speechless and joyful guiding the viewer to feel the excitement Jake is going through. He finally is able to walk, and with each step the camera becomes more stable. The music begins to crescendo as Jake sprints through the field with an indescribable expression of happiness. Melodrama plays a key role in this part of the scene leading viewers to become emotional and begin to connect and find meaning with Jake's character.

This scene is a mini version of the white messiah complex. Jake, unable to use his legs as a human but otherwise as Brooks says, the "manly young adventurer" overcomes his weakness and wins the battle against his legs. This scene draws emotion from all viewers by the way we are put into Jake's shoes guided through his exciting journey. It's that cliche part of the movie where the adventurer prepares for his big journey and finally sees himself as ready to take on this "righteous crusade". Viewers tend to identify with the character more and find a connection within themselves after being placed in the viewpoint of the character at an ideal, meaningful and emotional point of their adventure.