James Cameron Breaks Down His Most Iconic Films | GQ
Filmmaker James Cameron breaks down his most iconic films, including 'Titanic,' 'The Terminator,' 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day,' the 'Avatar' series, and 'The Abyss.'
00:00 "I almost bailed on being a filmmaker."
00:21 Titanic
07:45 The Terminator / Terminator 2: Judgment Day
15:02 Avatar
21:54 Aliens
25:36 The Abyss
Director: Robby Miller
Editor: Gerard Zarra
Celebrity Talent: James Cameron
Producer: Kristen Rakes
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Production Manager: James Pipitone
Production Coordinator: Jamal Colvin
Casting Producer or Talent Booker: Luke Leifeste
Local Producer: Anthony S. Pratt
Camera Operators: Dylan Patel, Robbie Perrigo
Audio: Benny Jennings
Production Assistant: Jon Brun
Covid Supervisor: Andrew Knight
Post Production Supervisor: Rachael Knight
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
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This man was working as a truck driver - never went to film school - and would drive to USC (University of Southern California) on the weekends, sneak student & professor papers on acting & technical aspects of filmmaking out of the library and photocopy them to read in the cab of his semi truck. He is, if nothing else, a lesson in determination.
Having hundreds of mexicans working for a dollar a day was genius
@@pierreo33 you knows it
Awesome perspective! Thank you for sharing that :)
Didn't know that. That's incredible!
@@pierreo33 no comment thread is complete without some utter wanker inserting an accusation of racism / oppresion anywhere it can be wedged in!! It was filmed in a town called Rosarito and on account of the movie being filmed there, the small towns economy was absolutely thriving. The downfall of the town came much later when Mexican drug cartels moved to the area and the subsequent violence repelled tourists who stopped visiting Rosarito, killing the economy. So, the creation of misery was caused by other mexicans and not by the millions of dollars worth of tourism revenue created by the filming of one of histories most compelling stories there.
Wow. Did not expect for him to be so straight forward. He does not sugar coat anything. Refreshing honesty.
Haha yup. This is a guy that once said “I think I once saw a bill for digital willy removal” during the commentary for Terminator 2. He doesn’t care lol
Why would he sugar coat anything. It’s a 200 million project. Plus he’s the guy who created the Terminator. Leo is a great actor but he hasn’t done anything comparable to JC. At least up to that point.
If he was still about, you might ask Harlan Ellison about that honesty.
@@UtahGetMe2 english, please.
That's what made his success
Love his candid and no bs attitude. It’s so refreshing. Video went by so fast. Like others said I can listen to him talk about the movie making process all day.
This MAN said that testosterone is a toxin that should be removed. Does science fiction and doesn’t understand science.
Totally agree
i literally fell asleep yesterday listening to him. not because he’s boring, but because his voice is relaxing
I have no respect for this guy since he declared in 2022 that "testosterone is toxic". It's the same as any Hollywood propaganda slave.
I like how he always knows what to say it seems like. When no studio wanted to make Avatar- he said " Well when this movie makes 3 billion dollars you'll be the studio that didn't want it ". And then it did make 3 billion.
James Cameron is underrated for giving room for many great female performances in his blockbuster action movies. Kate Winslet, Jamie Lee Curtis, Linda Hamilton, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana all gave amazing/iconic performances in his films.
Oh, shut up already... no one cares what someone's got between their legs, we just want to see a great movies
@@showmehowyouplayit5949 who is ''we''? this is just my opinion. some people do care about representation, WAKE UP.
@@showmehowyouplayit5949 shut up bro
He is not underrated. Everyone who grew up watching Cameron knows this. Just saying. Definitely not underrated as he was very well known to push female leads. It was always talked about
bro stfu no one cares
The way he schooled Leo on pre-production of Titanic is my absolute favorite part. Pure collaboration.
Jack Dawson is so dreamy 🥰
@@TitanicFan97 nope
@@TitanicFan97 My great grandfather survived the sinking of the Titanic, Cameron is brilliant,but a lot of money was made off of the terror of 2200 people.
Leo kind of sounded like pompous douchebag while in pre production. Good thing he was great in the movie though.
@@borisa5642 My grandfather served in the Pacific, I’m very familiar with Second World War.
Nearly all of his movies changed Hollywood. The Abyss pushed underwater photography to new levels. T2 redefined how CGI can be used to enhance practical effects. Titanic unlocked new levels of box office success previously thought unattainable. Avatar featured next level motion capturing and was the first real 3D movie experience for the masses. He's a genius. He's probably a tyrant going by the many testimonials given by people who worked with him. But he's a certified genius.
Have you seen Titanic in 3D? its really good ... Yeah I don't think James Cameron is somebody to mess with. He comes across a tad aggressive/blunt here
He is definitely a prick, hard demanding prick. But nobody is perfect. Too bad his career slumped after T2 and Titanic and Avatar are basically overrated melodrama, the latter though used cutting edge visuals.
And! He made Aliens
However all of his films start with the letter A or T :)
“The distance between genius and insanity is only measured by success.” Elliot Carver (Jonathan Price’s character in TND)
Leo was so enamored playing troubled character that sometime he forgot the "normal" character can be challenging and charming. I would like to see him playing "normal" and charming
He played the normal-est normal character in Don't Look Up! and i thought that was cool. It seemed very new to see him in the role.
@@chupcook his character still ended up being flawed though. He cheated on his wife and was starting to play into the fame. Just sayin
@@royaltyblessed2454 that’s not a flaw tho that’s a mistake the character does. Without anything negative you can hardly have a character arc. I would agree that his character in dont look up was mostly a normal guy. At least as normal as a world famous astronomer can be
@@chupcook Too bad that movie was absolute garbage. Not only was it unfunny, it was SO incredibly heavy handed it ruined whatever chance it had at any kind of impact.
@@hrothgarnogar You didn't find Blanchett and Leo's scenes worthwhile? I know a movie isnt worth seeing for just a few scenes necessarily, but I thought their stuff together was top notch.
I still remember being a teenager, and seeing Titanic in the theater with my friend. As two teenage guys we were expecting an action movie as the original trailer showed guns being waved around lol. By the time the credits rolled he and I were trying so hard to not admit we were crying 😂.
haha I was 5 or 6 when I saw it on vhs with my parents, and I remember my mom looking at me after it was over and going 'are you crying?' and I shouted 'NOOOO!'... but I lied lol
😅😅😅😂
Horner's Titanic score is so iconic that hearing just three seconds of it gives me the chills. Even after all this time.
RIP
His Titanic and Braveheart scores are mesmerizing, really game changers for each film.
@@tuneman7688 I'm ashamed to say I've never seen Braveheart all the way through, but the blu-ray is on my shelf and ready to watch.
Exactly the same here! It's easily my all time favourite movie score. He does such a cool job with combining classical orchestra with digital choirs and synths. It truly gives me chills as well. Amazing movie with an amazing score. RIP James Horner.
Yes. I will always love it.
I could hear James Cameron speak about his films for two hours. A modern day creative genius who writes, directs, draws and produces.
Listen to his Titanic and T2 commentaries, he's a fountain of filmmaking information. The man is nothing if not passionate about his craft and a good storyteller to boot (well, if those things weren't already obvious).
Exactly the same thing I was gonna write here 🤣🤣🤣
There’s a James Cameron masterclass, where he breaks down some of his movies, techniques, or how a scene was done. It’s on masterclass you have to pay. But there are other ways. Definitely worth a watch.
I literally had the same thought as you lmao. Could listen to him speak about his films and behind the scenes stuff for hours. He keeps it real
yes, could listen to him all day, too
Kate's "shooooot" is so adorable and professional. And thats how she appears in interviews too. She isnt concerned about the perfection of her looks but the whole art of acting. Loved James's laugh
I'm SO glad GQ gave Cameron 30 minutes to explain these films PROPERLY! Loved every second!
Mutual interest, buddy, you're the product ;)
Just like Paramount is giving him his 3h40 min for avatar 2.....can't wait to watch that movie
@@MegaLilei not shilling or anyting
@@MegaLilei It’s not Paramount or 3 hours and 40 minutes.
I must stop with smoking, my condition is very bad...where is the hidden camera? Why ?
Him and Spielberg pretty much defined the modern blockbuster. What a legend.
It's all his fault
And George Lucas.
Man I hope they did this for Spielburg and Lucas
@@rayvega3163 Agreed. Spielberg maybe, but probably not Lucas. The filmmakers only do these when they are on marketing campaigns, and I doubt George Lucas will be on a marketing campaign for a movie for the rest of his life.
Not true
I think this is the first of GQ's "Iconic" series where all of the topics featured were actually iconic/game-changing.
Seriously? You think this is the first? Coppola has been here dude.
At least its not like whats his face who played harry potter "lets go through your most iconic roles! Harry potter... aaaaaand... thats about it" that must be embarassing
@@ryckarduhryckarduh180 Seems someone’s whiffed too much aerosol after lacquering their furniture today. Daniel Radcliffe ofc isn’t an acting mogul but he’s proven himself as a formidable actor and has played plenty of roles, what are you on about?
@@ryckarduhryckarduh180 nah I agree with you mate. Potter can not act 😂
@@PRTZN wrong
Someone needs to interview James for a whole day! We need a long series of interviews!
I think he has a series on Masterclass.
@@smileychess he does thank you I just watched it..
Lex or Joe
I’m sure James got better things to do
@@JGunit and olllklllll
I remember seeing Terminator 2 in the movie theater as a young teenager and was blown away. Still the best movie going experience ever.
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Greatest movie of all time.
Still holds up today.
Watch RRR
agree %100 to this day people say this movie that movie im always faithful and willing to debate anyone that T2 best movie ever made
I genuinely can't put into words how important this dude was and still is to the film industry as a whole.
I feel he's the type of filmmaker George Lucas THINKS he is.
Totally.
Yep. And yet so many people are rooting for him to fail. Sad.
@@Labyrinth1010 😢
if he quit, it would be a tragedy for the industry. But we all have to live our lives with whats important to us. cant fault him if he thinks helping various tribes is more important. but while movies arnt directly saving lives, they can save people in other ways, improve their day or week, may them dream of something, take them out of a rut they might be in. im sure his movies have helped countless people. A world without his movies would have been quite a sad place.
Hearing James Cameron talk just speaks to how intelligent and capable he is with cinema
I guess, I'm not really impressed
Everything he ever directed he wrote himself too
Not very intelligent or capable with people though. I love plenty of his movies but the stuff that he consistently does behind the scenes is not good at all.
Name one impressive thing you’ve done in your life. I’ll wait.
And what an arrogant douche Leo is. Cameron could relate and he happens to be intelligent enough to convince him to do the part as written.
Titanic is the only movie I've ever fallen in love with. To this day when I see clips, I still get starry-eyed.
I hear you. The only other movie that shook me to the core outside of Titanic was Brokeback Mountain in 2006 - about 50- 60% the strength of my Titanic "obsession." Years went by and the Brokeback "obsession" dissipated, but the Titanic one is still going strong, now in its 25th year.
It was such a legendary film. The props. The actors. The music. It’s like you were there seeing the Titanic in all her glory.
I was 5 in 1997 and it was my absolute favourite movie. Completely obsessed, watched it so many times. It’s still stuck to my mind.
I’ve seen Titanic about 7 times and still could watch it again.
The half out of focus shot in Titanic is so brilliant, the fact that it wasn't meant to be out of focus is absolutely insane. It's so natural to the movie I couldnt picture anything else.
Sucks he didn’t speak about True Lies. One of the greatest action films of all time and has been long overdue for a 4K remaster release.
Agreed. The combination of comedic timing, great pacing, and top-tier action makes True Lies an all-timer for me.
or strange days, which he wrote and help direct with kathryn biegleow
Its the perfect 007 style parody. The score is awesome.
That movie was incredible
4k Jamie Lee Curtis. Yes please.
I could listen to Cameron talk about movies & the filmmaking process for hours. Absolutely fascinating.
Me too
21:58 "I had people who were trying to advise me on my career after 'Terminator' say, 'Absolutely do not do this film.' Meaning, 'Aliens.' [They] said, 'If it's good, they're gonna attribute it to Ridley, and if it's bad, it's all you, there's no upside.' And I thought, 'Well, you know, you're probably right and that's very logical, but I just dig it, and I'm gonna do it, I just like it.'"
It’s crazy how he turned down Leo lmao and just kept telling Leo no. I love it
Leo: what about.. Cameron: no.
Cameron always struck me as a technician or an engineer or scientist because of his other hobbies ... I never realized how in tune and engaged he was with the filmaking itself
True Lies never appealed to me tbh
That’s why his films are so engrossing, he’s a scientist doing films
Same. I thought he just did all the technical/engineering stuff on these films, then they put 'Written and Directed by James Cameron' because he worked real hard
@@edwardnygma6691 I meant more like he had a DP/Editor/Screenwriter/assistantDirector etc handle the filmmaking side of things and he took a back seat by just making high level decisions. Which is kind of what a director does but the degree to which a director is involved varies on a case by case basis. I just wasn't sure how involved he was on the artistic decision making aspects
@@chriswayneevans okay. 😂
7:40 when your half out of focus shot becomes probably the most iconic single shot in movie history. There's a lesson there for every artist out there, no matter what their artform is.
Kate and Leo to Cameron's point deserve a lot of credit as well. There had been so many movies about the Titanic made, and they could have very easily phoned in a generic blockbuster performance with over-the-top romance and action, but their chemistry feels so real you believe they're in love despite only knowing each other for 2 days.
❤
An absolute genius of filmmaking. He has literally changed how films and special effects are done in every movie he makes. His passion for creativity and the world around him is amazing.
Titanic was a fantastic departure for him because it’s more of a romantic epic. People never expected James Cameron had that romance in his soul.
Of course we know James Cameron has a romantic soul. Terminator is a love story. All his films revolve around love.
The broken relationship in the Abyss also is kind of like an echo of what's to come with Titanic. Definitely strong romantic undercurrents there.
Titanic really is THE biggest film of all time, and it wouldn't have been if it weren't for James, Kate and Leo. This movie was not only amazing in terms of scrip and direction, but in cast too. A true masterpiece!
it is bigoted movie. too many white ppl in it and no LGBTQ+ romance. 0/10
Don't forget Billy zane
@@patriceaqa288 I mean... The whole cast is absolutely amazing!
David Warner ! Lol
It's still one of the most romantic onscreen kisses to this day :)
This guy's such a legend. His movies don't just end up as movies, they end up as cultural events. Wouldn't say he's underrated, but a lot of people unfairly label him as overrated. Excited for Avatar "zero cultural impact" 2.
@@AsylumSaint I think people who say that genuinely don't understand how storytelling works and how stories evolve. Titanic is just Romeo and Juliet on a ship, Lion King is Hamlet with animals, Star Wars is Dune/Hidden Fortress. Ideas never exist in a vacuum.
He is a legend but he's also a sellout now
@@AsylumSaint Just ignore these bandwagon people, who in 2009 were just as much enjoying the first Avatar.
@@Conorp77 that's a poor excuse for lazy writing and lack of creativity. We don't need to see the same stories over & over. People watched Titanic to see the ship sink. That's it. We need more Jordan Peeles not guys like crybaby Cameron.
@@AsylumSaint The worst are gonna be the "anti woke" crowd, I just know it!
T2 is still one of the best movies ever made. A true cinematic masterpiece.
Probably the greatest of all time.
100%
The CG still holds up today. And they did it all by writting their own software. The story is god tier as well.
I think so too
@@stonecold5373 definitely not
This is nothing like I pictured him. Down to earth and a straight shooter. I would buy him a beer! btw - Aliens is still one of the best movies ever made.
Have you seen his recent quotes on toxic masculinity? He's a social justice warrior now of the worst and most hypocritical kind. Do you remember at the Oscars many years ago when Amy Poehler and Tina Fey made that crack about how being married to Cameron would be the worst? It was no secret that he is a prick. An incredible filmmaker who belong on the mount Rushmore of Directors, but that doesn't mean he's not a piece of garbage.
@@jasondashneysocial justice warrior does not equal piece of garbage 😂 he has a big ego, yes. Full of himself sure. Calling him trash isn’t justified
@@jasondashney No decent director can truly get the most out of a crew or actor by being too nice.
He gave women lead roles in his movie though , don’t understand
@@jasondashney toxic masculinity is toxic masculinity, there is also toxic femininity which hasn't gotten any coverage yet
When the pandemic hit in 2020 a local cinema screened Titanic. For years I'd been obsessed with the movie and watched it dozens of times and it was truly magical finally seeing it on the big screen :)
Why were movie theaters showing movies during the pandemic when the whole reason new movies weren't being made was because theaters were shut down?
Glad you got to experience it the way it was meant to be seen. My girlfriend begged me to see it with her just after new year's in 1998 and I left the theater in complete and total awe. Back then no one knew that spectacle of that magnitude was even possible.
@@FUGP72 Many theaters were still open. Ya know, different states and all
I saw it opening week. It was actually the Last movie that was worth seeing...until Chris Nolans Dark Knight came out
@@robd1329 I'd have to throw in the Lord of the Rings films and No Country For Old Men but yeah, The Dark Knight was a pretty great theatrical experience as well.
Really glad he covered the abyss. It gets overlooked when compared to his other films but the behind the scenes on that film are incredible to watch.
My fav' film. Always has been.
That Abyss making-of is bonkers. It's almost a movie by itself.
Ed and Mary were phenomenal together
The Abyss had one of more crazy movie set ever crated, as you said there are some good documentaries/making off on it.
Me too. Wish they hadn't skipped True Lies though. I think it gets even more overlooked.
This guy is so good its rare he made a sequel more famous than the first movie
All his sequels including The Way Of Water are at least as good if not better than the original.
@@DavidOakesMusic what about titanic 2
@@ThePsychicFishlmao
@@ThePsychicFish you mean Titanic: Jack is Back
@@randomly_random_0 Titanic : Resurrection
Only 8:00 on Titanic?? I wouldn't of minded watching the entire clip just on the making of the Titanic! 😍 I had no idea the director(s) & production crews planned out kisses so detailedly!
It just depends on the director and the film.
SAME HERE, the reason I am watching this video.
This MAN said that testosterone is a toxin that should be removed. Does science fiction and doesn’t understand science.
@@ScottSullivanTV I’m good, hot shot. Look it up. Good luck in your adventures and struggles.
They have the behind the scenes of Titanic that runs for almost 2 hours. Someone posted several parts of it few years ago. Might be deleted due to copyright.
That was the most candid take on DiCaprio I’ve ever heard.
Cameron dropped the two highest grossing films of all time--back to back. What a boss!
@@atriptothescreen1085 Titanic and Avatar.
I think what’s most impressive is that he set those box office records without needing the branding of a franchise to stand out. Movies like Endgame and Force Awakens made a lot of money, but they are part of an IP. Cameron and Spielberg’s movies stand out on their own.
@@bikramarora1819 Yeah. And both films were claimed to be production disasters before release. He really showed the world
@@plr2473 now people are doubting him again with Avatar 2. People never learn
A decade apart no less.
Terminator, Aliens, and T2 - three of my all time favourite movies. This guy is a genius - I'd love to hear him talk about his films for longer.
Agree and The Abyss to the list -- that is so underrated
@@arunrajan8412the abyss basically a remake of lord of the deep
Aliens and Terminator are the defining moments in 80s. Terminator 2 in the 90s. Avatar in 00s. Alita: Battle Angel 10s. Each decade James Cameron has changed cinema. Can't wait to see what he does in 20s.
He didnt direct Alita.
excuse me you forgot TITANIC?!!
90s isn't complete without Titanic. In fact, the biggest blockbuster.
Avatar 2 is his worst movie, by a significant margin. It's a bloated mess.
This MAN said that testosterone is a toxin that should be removed. Does science fiction and doesn’t understand science.
Jesus Christ, this is so good - best GC interview I've seen. I could listen to this guy for hours. I tend to feel you sometimes need to drag the answers out of the actor/director, but Cameron just effortlessly tells a vivid story about each movie he's made and interactions he's had. No wonder he's such a great film maker!
If you're interested in hearing him talk for hours, check out his masterclass. It was really, really great. He speaks in the same manner as in here with interesting details and it's supposed to be one of the best masterclasses (it's the only one I've watched myself).
@@coryoutubechannel Cheers, dude. I might just do that - loved his science fiction 6 part documentary!
JC *
Half an hour is too short for this man's career and how he changed modern cinema.
⬆️🔝 text me on telegram... Congratulations you are among our shortlisted winners claim your PC📩⬆️🔝.
I highly recommend listening to the James Cameron series on the Cinema Shock podcast. They spend hours on every movie he’s done.
@@arachosia thanks.
You said it sister
Right? Was waiting for true lies to come up
I never say this, because usually I don't like listening to people in Hollywood, but I wish this interview was a lot longer. It's incredibly fascinating and he's a great storyteller.
I’m so unbelievably grateful Gwyneth Paltrow was not cast in Titanic
Titanic never gets old for me, it’s a masterpiece, I must’ve seen it about a hundred times, it’s just so artistic, beautiful, tragic and historical all without feeling cheesy like romance movies became after that
Ive seen that one part where the lady takes her clothes off a hundred times.
@@jeremyphillips3087 Appreciating beauty isn't a bad thing.
XD titanic is as cheesy as it gets.
@@carlosluismendez7392 not really it’s a whole cinematic experience it’s not like it’s the notebook
@@EclecticallyEccentric I'm sure he was "appreciating" it all right.
James Cameron and Bill Paxton are one of the most underrated duos in the industry. RIP BP.
Here is someone, as usual on KZhead, that doesn't understand the word "underrated"
@@nickbusch7860 17 likes? Your comment is so overrated.
@@nickbusch7860 ur overrated trying to be smart guy
I love him talking about Titanic and Leo. "He was so negative and then I said action and he became Jack...Kate and him hit it off, and I was like alright, he's the guy."
I love how he dragged Leo in a very polite, matter of fact way. Haha, James Cameron just keeping it all the way real!
Love how candid he is, and how much he is willing to share his knowledge and experience.
His no-nonsense cussing is really charming!
whether anyone likes his films nor not, it cannot be denied that James Cameron's film production quality value is one of the best of all.
⬆️🔝 text me on telegram... Congratulations you are among our shortlisted winners claim your PC📩⬆️🔝
💯
Rumor has it he is one of the most complicated perfectionist you could ever deal with. But in the end it always pays off for him.
I think its just ok
@@jeremyphillips3087 you can think whatever, you can’t deny the dude has changed cinema multiple times throughout his career.
Alita: Battle Angel is criminally underrated. Loved everything about it. Wish there would've been a sequel where we get to see Zalem
James Cameron didn't direct Alita. He was just a producer (financier). Big difference.
Remember seeing Abyss as a kid and my jaw was dropped for two hours. Fantastic movie
Particularly the Special Edition with the proper ending
Incredibly edited movie as well as amazing proformances
I found it terribly boring, but as an adult I'd probably like it.
The Abyss (extended edition aswell) is frigging epic film experience, full of amazing teachings. 💙
Aliens is one of the greatest movies to exist, it blends so many genres together and reaches so many audiences.
That's what makes James Cameron such an amazing filmmaker (well, one of the things): He hits the magic "four quads": Young, adult, male, and female. Most movies fail to hit all four demographics but many of his do. Titanic is probably the best example of this.
It’s a tough one. Aliens or T2? Both are truly epic. What a great filmography.
The fact that James Cameron remembers what kind of bulbs they used and that they used "double inline ground fault interrupters" is pretty impressive. Either he worked on the lighting for so long that it was ingrained in his memory, or he has a really really good memory lol
Actors don't want to die. These details matter for technical people and even more so for non-technical
I once read that Cameron had a piece of paper taped to his computer that said 'Good Enough Isn't', pretty much sums his whole philosophy. He's a genius filmmaker.
One of the greatest of all time. Never misses, redefines technology, expands what we think a blockbuster can be, wins awards, comes back ten years later and does it all again.
@Jake E You will never know the touch of a woman, or the respect of your father.
@@jakee5059 Your right hand doesn't count, son.
@@jakee5059 Right after you stop self-pleasing. Clown.
@@jakee5059 Self-pleasing clown.
The ideas for The Terminator and Avatar came to him in a dream, man’s mind is just built different.
Avatar has basically the same story as Pocahontas, but sure, the 3D, motion capture and CGI was futuristic.
@@AwesomepowPOW avatar as in the world mate
He stole Dances with wolves and put it in space. Watch the film and tell me otherwise. He never admits it either
Jim Cameron hasn’t aged in about 25 years. Also his movies are absolutely incredible.
Steven Spielberg as well never aged
This was great. I could watch another hour and a half of this. I took summer school at USC film school and we had a private screening of The Rock one night. Afterward, we got a 1 on 1 chat with Michael Bay after most of the other students left. It was just the five of us with Michael Bay sitting in the seats of the theater talking about movies, directing, careers, the insanity of Hollywood. I thought it was the greatest night of my life until I heard that the year before, they had James Cameron do the same thing.
I was already a fan of James Cameron, but after this interview…I’m a HUGE fan of him.
same
This was fantastic.. seriously the most interesting thing I have seen in weeks or months in an interview. Make a part 2!! id watch 2-hours of him explaining his movies like this not even playing.
There are some outstanding long interviews with Cameron on KZhead. Charlie Rose is a good one
yeah it was interesting to see his choices and the stories of making some of those epic movies
So true! Been wading through such mediocre content for months.
His Masterclass series is absolutely amazing and totally worth the $90. Hours and hours of him walking you through his creative process. You will want to go make something after watching it!
His movies just paved the way for our generation to the next. Undeniably one of the best directors of all time!!
Bout to watch Avatar tonight
Terminator 2 has basically defined the early 90s, even though it holds some retro 80s elements (naturally when you transition over to a new era). It was that perfect late 80s/early 90s sci-fi pop that was becoming a mega trend and just embedded itself into pop culture.
I love how funny and incredibly blunt James is. He's a great storyteller and a living legend. Looking forward to Avatar 2
This video should be at least 5 hours long.
I'd watch it in one sitting
Thank God this man didn't quit and bail on being a filmmaker. DON'T QUIT! YOU CAN DO IT!
He should have retired on top. Avatar 2 is bad.
@@nicktubby9710 1 billion box office says otherwise.
@@nicktubby9710 NO. we dont want to be left with mediocre directors who only knows to film big franchise and remakes. He's the only director that can create original films and explode at box office
As famous and well-regarded as James is, he is still underrated in my book. As a film maker, his vision is boundless. Sometimes, I think movie screen is not big enough for his imagination and ambition. More importantly, his bravery and commitment to jump through all the hoops to make his vision become a reality is inspiring. Any other people would have given up because life is too short to spend that many years in a project when there are other easy-money things that they can do. That thought never occurs to him it seems and I respect him for that.
I watched Aliens (1986) for the first time recently and was impressed with the razor-sharp and touching character moments (“Where you want it?”). James is a gem and I’m looking forward to being transported to the world of Avatar 2
How have you only just seen aliens?
@@theironshiek Personally, I'm not a fan of horror. Although I saw Aliens 30 years ago, it is not one that I have ever cared to rewatch more than a couple of times. It's just too bleak, and the stuff about Ripley being a mother figure for Newt is just too on-the-nose manipulative. Abyss, T2, Titanic and Avatar are all more rewatchable to me. Terminator 1 is another one I avoid going back to, especially because of the gross gore scenes put in there to pander to horror freaks. True Lies is a great entertainment, but the comedy takes it off the rails sometimes (the gun falling down the stairs, ugh), and the effects are surprisingly bad in the third act (Terminator 1, of course, also has that problem in the third act).
@@jedijones It's more action sci/fi than horror, and not really that bleak at all
HA HA HA BAY 12 PLEASE
Easily in my Top 10 films of all time. Masterpiece.
I hope James knows that he has marked himself in history through his great skills in directing. The films he directed are a couple of the greatest ones. Thanks for the entertainment, James!
Oh yea, I think Cameron knows how good he is and he is not ashamed of letting people know it lol
I'd happily listen to another 30 min of this man talking about film. He's such a bold visionary, he makes everything sound so easy.
James Cameron is ruthless. And this is why his movies are excellent.
This man made two of the greatest sequels. Terminator 2 and Aliens
Now he's about to make the the 3rd greatest sequel.
Avatar 2 will be added to that list
@@ethanholgate2512 I hope I'm wrong, I honestly do, but I sincerely doubt Avatar 2 is going to be anywhere near a masterpiece. I don't give the benefit of the doubt anymore, too many movies and shows are just crap nowadays--I go in expecting to be disappointed like with Rings of Power, and sometimes I get surprised like House of the Dragon. I really hope Avatar 2 is good and i see it as many times as i saw the first one, but in my heart I feel it's going to be a Rings of Power level of failure
@@KrazzeeKane I agree. I fully expect Avatar 2 to be visually stunning and a VFX masterpiece, but nothing more.
He's coming with the third great sequel.
Titanic is my favorite movie ever!!! So historically accurate and such a tragically beautiful love story as well!!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
True, being just a character that doesn't have to have something wrong with them is more challenging to play, because you still need to make them engaging. That does take talent.
"James Cameron doesn't do what James Cameron does for James Cameron." "James Cameron does what James Cameron does because James Cameron is James Cameron" - James Cameron
His name is James, James Cameron The bravest pioneer. No budget too steep, no sea too deep. Who's that? It's him, James Cameron James, James Cameron ...
@@tigermunky James: Systems are normal, you guys hearing the song okay up there?
2:39 made me laugh! "But our accountant" was funny!
Wow James is super direct. I can imagine him on the set giving on point instructions. The Aliens story on how Sigourney was finally cast is a great example of the stuff one can imagine to happen, but rarely hears about.
The Abyss was such a great movie. James Cameron knows his stuff. You can tell he lives and breathes these movies. Reminds me a little of Stanley Kubrick.
Director who make films in different genre. As an action film is Terminator , as romantic is Titanic and as adventure / Sci Fi is Avatar. He didnt stuck in one genre and what he has done always got recognition and made good money amd profit at cinema. But Avatar was revolution in history of cinema. One of my favorite directors that I adore his project 🔥.
Terminator and Aliens are sci fi
@@DMalltheway fern gully with aliens
@@matthewcornelius8941 every movie was inspired by something else!
I'd echo others that Terminator and T2 are unquestionably sci-fi, as is Aliens, although I agree that they all have really strong action elements as well. Same with The Abyss -- Sci-fi with strong action.
Yeah he seems to skewer more towards sci-fi and fantasy more than anything else. Stanley Kubrick is the prime example of a director mastering different genres, to the point where so many of his movies are considered the best in each respective genre. The Shining is considered one of the best horror movies ever made, Full Metal Jacket with war movies, 2001: A Space Odyssey for sci-fi, Dr Strangelove for satire/comedy, Barry Lyndon for period dramas, Spartacus for swords-and-sandals epics, A Clockwork Orange for dark, violent movies, even something like Eyes Wide Shut is one of the best erotic dramas.
True Lies is one of the most slept on films ever. I’d love to see him talk about that in depth like he did these, in fact his less popular films would be even more fascinating than his big ones
Yessss!!!!! Missed opportunity!
Super interesting and truly amazing to listen to. His achievements as a film-maker and as an environmental activist should be an example for all to follow.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day is one of my favorite movies! This guy is a genius
My best friend (RIP), his uncle works in visual effects in Hollywood. His name is John Dietz. He’s worked on Terminator Salvation, X-men origins, Watchmen, Get Smart and other films here as well in China. He told me he had a meeting with James Cameron about working on Avatar and he said that he’s one of those people that’s so smart but can’t understand why everybody else isn’t as smart as him sometimes. It shows in his movies. He knows so much which is why his films do great especially with him directing.
I just realised I love all his movies. Truely a genius.
They should have a challenge where the toughest of men have to watch Titanic without getting emotional. Would be a difficult task. The character development and investment is off the charts in my eyes.
This guy cast and directed the two most iconic and badass women in cinema history: Sigourney Weaver and Linda Hamilton. For that alone, he deserves respect.
Sigourney Weaver would have been in it anyway, she was in the original. So he didn't cast her, she was already in the first film.
Aliens is good despite Cameron directing, not because of it.
@@peterlenham3180 Well, considering it wasn't until Aliens that Ripley was truly cemented as one of the best female charactes in film, plus the fact that without Cameron's behind the scenes manipulating Weaver probably wouldn't have even been in a sequel, if one even got made, I'd say he's responsible for Ripley's inconic status. Even though he didn't cast her, he made her.
@@jameswallace5235 No, she was already iconic in the original. Cameron just made a bigger sequel, that's all.
@@peterlenham3180 No, she became iconic as soon as she walked out in the power loader and said the immortal line, you know, the one that everyone quotes and remembers? That made Ripley and icon. Before that she was just a really good character, just like Sarah Connor in the first Terminator. She was good, but her legacy wasn't cemented until the sequel.
Fun Fact: The titles of James Cameron's non-documentary feature films all start w/ either the letter T or A, except for Piranha II (1982) which he barely had any control over.
He has made my top 3 favorite movies of all time. GOAT
I knew he made many amazing movies, but somehow it didn't occur to me he made all these great movies that I adore. I think Titanic is my top movie of all time. But funny story, I went to the movie theatre to see Avatar 2, currently pregnant. My mom went to see Terminator 2 when she was having me and my friends mom went to see Alien when she was expecting him. I just realized that all these pregnant women went to see Cameron movies in this 20-30 years period haha
I could see how actors/crew bump heads with him big time. He also seems to understand the bigger picture, the vision and the goals. Im glad he’s still making movies for sure, and seems reflective which probably helps with the attitude
No one asks about James Horner's absence in these times . What a Composer he was . RIP .
Glory is possibly the greatest score ever written, love Horner.
Yup. Legend.
James Cameron is a great and creative director one the Best in Hollywood
I could listen to him for hours, so smart, no nonsense, isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and I love that he's doing what he can to help the planet
There's something so comforting to me about 90s movies, and how some of their scenes are slightly out of focus. There's a warm nostalgia there.
I love how JC managed Leo’s slight onerousness at various points. JC has his head screwed on and knows what he wants, no wonder he’s been so successful.
I wish JC would sail me away on the ship of dreams 🙂
@@TitanicFan97 Username checks out.
Leo was so young, love those stories
Just watched avatar 2 and i must say what a great movie to end this year. It was an awesome 3d experience in theater. 5 out of 5 stars movie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really? I didn’t like it personally. Visually stunning but that was about it imo. First one was way better.
Great interview, one of my favorite directors after Spielberg! Still waiting for the 4K streaming version of The Abyss - or ANY streaming version (at least in Finland we don't have it).. :/
I love this man. His story about how Aliens was nearly lost is amazing, I mean if it wasn't for Cameron it wouldn't exist. What a dude, everyone was trying to get him to not do it, so he told the studios to F-off or make it, thank you James Cameron for being so brave and standing up for creativity and film!!!!! : )
You should try watching again and absorbing what was said. Of course an alien sequel would exist but his version would not. Since the orginal is Amazing a sequel was inevitable.
Yea he seems like the type guy who likes to tell tall tales
If he just made Terminator and Aliens he would be still one of the best directors, but The Abyss was something else, so jaw dropping and recommend watching the directors cut.
Among the absolute greatest modern directors. No question. He earned that. His track record cannot be faulted.