CNN.com: Audiences experience ‘Avatar’ blues
James Cameron’s completely immersive spectacle “Avatar” may have been a little too real for some fans who say they have experienced depression and suicidal thoughts after seeing the film because they long to enjoy the beauty of the alien world Pandora.
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“One can say my depression was twofold: I was depressed because I really wanted to live in Pandora, which seemed like such a perfect place, but I was also depressed and disgusted with the sight of our world, what we have done to Earth. I so much wanted to escape reality,” Hill said.
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Within the fan community, suggestions for battling feelings of
depression after seeing the movie include things like playing “Avatar”
video games or downloading the movie soundtrack in addition to
encouraging members to relate to other people outside the virtual realm
and to seek out positive and constructive activities.
Otherwise known a getting a life. Depression is real, but if it’s not Avatar getting you depressed, then it’s going to be something else. Maybe we need a warning that “this movie may cause you to think a little” or “may cause emotional reactions”.
I saw Avatar and enjoyed it. It’s an entertaining film and a technical accomplishment, but the world of Pandora is not a virtual world anymore than the world of Harry Potter. Yes, there’s a message to the movie- the best movies are those that make you think a little. But, if you can’t handle the idea that Cameron’s putting forth, that humanity needs to stop using the Earth up at an unsustainable rate for its resources, then you’re not paying attention to the world around you. It’s going on right now.
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