Zoe Saldana: Avatar Motion Capture Is 'Most Empowering Form of Acting'
Zoe Saldana, in an interview with Beyond Noise, revealed that James Cameron is considering a documentary about the making of the Avatar movies, which she supports. This documentary will finally give us a chance to explain, in meticulous detail, why performance capture is the most empowering form of acting. Saldana, a long-time champion of motion capture acting, has been vocal about award bodies needing to recognize it. She believes it gives actors full credit and ownership of their performance on screen.
Saldana, who plays Neytiri in the Avatar films, including Avatar (2009), Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), and the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash, emphasizes the dedication and skill required for motion capture. She describes the process of wearing a unitard with dots and stepping into a volume set with cameras, feeding information into the system that creates Pandora. This technology, she says, empowers artists by giving them complete ownership of their characters.
Saldana also discusses the challenges of the Avatar franchise, noting that it takes an average of seven years between each film. The production involves archery, martial arts, free diving, scuba diving, language creation, and physical training with gymnasts, circus performers, and acrobats. She praises the stunt actors who bring her character to life, calling them 'bionic'.
Despite her success, Saldana has faced criticism from award bodies like the Oscars, which have yet to recognize motion capture performances. She acknowledges the resistance to change within established institutions but remains determined. Saldana's passion and dedication to her craft are evident, and she continues to advocate for the recognition of motion capture acting, believing it to be a powerful and transformative form of performance.
