DIRECTOR James Cameron has told of his relief at finally attending the world premiere of Avatar – a movie that took years to make.
The 3D world of Avatar was conceived by the Canadian 15 years ago and has been in production for more than four years.
Groundbreaking technology makes the sci-fi epic the most expensive film ever made.
The director joined Avatar’s stars Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Michelle Rodriguez in London’s Leicester Square.
James said: “It’s a great feeling of satisfaction.
“It’s a big relief for me to be done with the film and to know that people are finally going to be seeing it; that it’s out of my hands at this point.”
Avatar is set in the future on an alien planet which mankind is pillaging for natural resources, and sees the indigenous species harmonise with nature to fight invading humans.
The director won three Oscars for his blockbusting 1997 movie Titanic, his last feature film, but played down hopes for another Best Picture Oscar for Avatar.
“I think they should give serious attention to the technical work, the visual effects and photography, sound, music ... it’s a beautiful score,” he said.
“As for the other stuff, the Academy tends to be not that interested in science fiction films, fantasy films but we’ll see.”
James said of the film: “I see it as a broader metaphor, not so intensely politicised as some would make it, but rather that’s how we treat the natural world as well.”