The theme of the movie is focused on plot

Rating: 8/10 (11 March 2012)

Avatar the movie is based on army and scientists from earth traveling to a planet known as Pandora for the excavation of a substance known as unobtainium. The humans have developed avatars to infiltrate the Na'vi . Jake Sully (Sam Worthington)the main character has taken place of his killed twin brother the scientist who was suppose to operate the avatar specifically developed for him along with fellow avatar scientist Grace(Sigourney Weaver), and Norm (Joel David Moore).
The theme of the movie is focused on plot in my opinion. This is because of the great amount of effort put into the actions and ideas throughout the movie. However, it has a great emphasis on characterization and the idea of the struggle for human dignity according to relevant themes in the book The Art of Watching Films (Boggs & Petrie, 2008).
This is an adventure story that focuses on what happens, the events. This storyline is an escape from everyday life through the uniqueness of the movie. The characters backgrounds and ideas play a big part of this movie with Jake having a military background changing his approach from the other avatar scientist. Also the idea of one group of humans who represent bad (the military) and another who represents good (the Na'vi & scientists) displays the struggle for human dignity. However the most focus is placed on the plot, the events, such as the fight for Sully to walk as an avatar, to do the right things to protect the Na'vi and stay true to his military background. Also, the battle that leads to the epic outcome.
This movie is similar to other movies you might enjoy such as The Dark knight, which focuses more on character but plot is a main point of the movie. The Classic Jumanji which focuses on plot, and other movies that capture audience's attention such as inception and other James Cameron movies.
One of the techniques used in the film are the motif of the Na'vi's tails which symbolize the connection to every animal, plant and everything else on Pandora. Which also, symbolizes the same connection that humans on earth can have with nature/ or used to have. Another technique is the scenes that are all computer animated to WOW the audience. This is a big feature to capture the audience's attention along with to keep them attentive outside of the battle scenes and other action.
References Boggs, J. M., & Petrie, D. W. (2008). The art of watching films. (7th. ed.). Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill Irwin.