The theme in Avatar is about an individual discovering himself

Rating: 10/10 (9 December 2011)

The movie Avatar is based upon a futuristic fictional world called Pandora. In Pandora, lies the precious mineral unobtanium, which is highly coveted by RDA Corporation. The native people of Pandora, the Na'vi, are blocking Administrator Parker Selfridge played by Giovanni Ribisi, of RDA Corporation from expanding its mining efforts. Colonel Miles Quaritch played by Stephen Lang is the head of RDA Corporation's security and offers Jake Sully played by Sam Worthington to restore his legs if Jake will go undercover and learn of the native Na'vi defenses and secrets. Jake is a former marine who is also paraplegic due to an accident while on duty. While Jake is discovering the Na'vi tribe, with the help of scientist Dr. Grace Augustine played by Sigourney Weaver, in his Avatar body he meets Neytiri played by Zoe Saldana, a female Na'vi. From Neytiri, Jake soon discovers information needed by RDA about the Na'vi people but also learns to love their people and customs. Jake at first betrays the Na'vi people but then comes back to help save the Na'vi people and their land.
The theme in Avatar is about an individual discovering himself. When Jake is first introduced he is down and angry about being paraplegic. Being an Avatar enables Jake to walk upright and return to the joy of being mobile. As Jake learns of the Na'vi ways, he also begins to discover himself and who he truly is. Jakes finally realizes his full potential and himself when he connects with the feared but honored Toruk. With the Toruk, Jake helps the Na'vi fight back and save the people and the land.
Avatar is also similar in theme to Star Trek. Avatar and Star Trek are also similar in setting, both being based in a futuristic, science fictional world. As Jakes Sully learns to be an Avatar, James Kirk trains to be in Starfleet. Both individuals hit bottom before overcoming obstacles to help save their world and people.
Two techniques in Avatar that helps the theme in Avatar are lighting and computer generated imaging (CGI). The land of Pandora and the Na'vi people are shown surrounded by soft lights and illuminated settings. This helps Pandora look like a spiritual and peaceful world. The RDA Corporation is portrayed in a darker lighting, particularly in the security training facility. This helps give the RDA Corporation the look of a dark force in the movie.
The CGI in Avatar is exceptional. The CGI helps make the Avatar body of a primal, native humanoid. The CGI also helps create the look of the security force of the RDA Corporation. The security force is shown as massive, destructive, robotic machines. This helps in the look and feel of good versus evil in the film. It also helps portray the theme of an individual discovering himself, as Jake starts off in a dark self destructive individual (RDA)to a strong spiritual leader (Avatar) in the film.