Avatar: Science Fiction Channels the Culture Wars
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James Cameron's Avatar is more than a 3-D blockbuster. The New York Times says it has "burrowed into the cultural consciousness" from the US to China. It's even accused of causing a heart attack in Taiwan. We hear from critics and fans. Also, a possible power shift at the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve. On Reporter's Notebook, will there be snow in Vancouver for the Winter Olympics?
Making News
Obama Picks a Fight with the Big Banks ()
Former chair of the Federal Reserve, Paul Volker, is gaining clout with the Obama Administration, pushing a crackdown on Wall Street. Meantime the current chair, Ben Bernanke, may not have the votes to be reconfirmed when his term runs out in a little over a week. David Cho reports for the Washington Post.
Segment image of yesterday's Obama-Volker. Official White House Photo: Pete Souza
Guests:
- David Cho: Staff Writer, Washington Post
Main Topic
Avatar: Science Fiction Channels the Culture Wars ()
On its way to becoming the top grossing film of all time, James Cameron's Avatar is already famous for more than its mind-boggling 3-D special effects. It's causing arguments about war and peace, religion, the environment and technology, race relations, patriotism and chain smoking. What is it about what some call a flimsy script and cartoon characters that transforms a sci-fi entertainment into a forum on real-world issues? We talk with critics and fans about the latest Hollywood blockbuster and its influence on culture worldwide.
Guests:
- Rebecca Winters Keegan: author, 'The Futurist: The Life and Films of James Cameron'
- Michael Medved: Film Critic and Host, 'The Michael Medved Show'
- Annalee Newitz: Editor-in-Chief, io9.com
- Scarlet Cheng: Senior Lecturer in Film Studies, Otis College of Art and Design
- Stephen Asma: Professor of Philosophy, Columbia College Chicago
Links:
- David Brooks' NYT article on Avatar's 'White Messiah'
- KCRW's 'Film Reviews' on 'Avatar'
- Keegan discusses 'Avatar' on KCRW's 'The Business'
- Keegan's 'The Futurist: The Life and Films of James Cameron'
- Medved's (audio) review of 'Avatar'
- Newitz's article on whether 'Avatar' is too realistic for its own good
Reporter's Notebook
Winter Olympics without All the Snow ()
Canada has poured big money into the 2010 Winter Olympics, with high hopes of winning its first gold medal on home soil. But with competition scheduled to begin three weeks from today, it may take what amounts to a military effort to get enough snow to Cypress Mountain, a major venue 30 minutes from Vancouver. Where there is snow, two hours away at Whistler Mountain, there could be financial trouble. That's according to Bruce Constantineau, who covers business and sports for the Vancouver Sun.
Segment image of Whistler Mountain Sliding Center. © VANOC
Guests:
- Bruce Constantineau: Reporter, Vancouver Sun
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