One of this generation’s best filmmakers, James Cameron, had a deep interest in science-fiction books while growing up, the influence of which can be seen in his best movies. Known for his creativity, Cameron’s films have managed to set a new standard for cinematic storytelling. From Terminator to Avatar, the director’s vision is certainly the biggest factor that made him one of the best directors in the history of Hollywood.
However, all this could’ve been lost due to Cameron’s father’s beliefs. When he was growing up, his father saw his science-fiction fascination as something useless. Thankfully, the director remained passionate about his interests and gave Cinephiles some groundbreaking science-fiction movies after becoming a director.
James Cameron’s father hated his science-fiction books
In 2010, legendary director James Cameron appeared for an interview with Playboy Magazine to talk about his remarkable filmography as well as his personal life. During the interview, he revealed that his father didn’t like his science-fiction books,
“They were pretty much against everything. I can’t think of anything my dad was for except hockey. He used to throw my comics and science-fiction books in the trash because he considered them mental junk. I’d go out, wipe off the coffee grounds and spaghetti and read them under the covers at night. He treated science fiction as if it was p*rn. I actually don’t think I had any p*rn, but I had the occasional playboy I kept well hidden.”
Cameron’s father, Philip Cameron, was an electrical engineer. The director’s mother, Shirley was an artist and nurse. Cameron also has two brothers and two sisters.
The director talked about his father
In the interview, Cameron also explained the type of person his father was. His mother, however, was different as she valued Cameron’s interests,
“I’m a pretty representative fusion of their DNA, a Mendelian genetics experiment gone well. That created a lot of tension, though, because my father was very authoritarian and pragmatic, but my mom had a romantic sense of wanting to head for the hills, to explore. My mom used to nurture what I was about by taking me to the Royal Ontario Museum to draw. My idea of a great weekend was to spend it drawing, going hiking, or building something, like a medieval siege engine.”
As a kid, Cameron always exhibited creative ideas, all he needed was a platform to execute them. After high school, Cameron enrolled at a community college in 1973 to study physics, however, he left it at the end of 1974.
At the time, he worked odd jobs, including as a truck driver and a high school janitor. In 1977, Cameron watched George Lucas’ Star Wars and decided to enter the entertainment industry.
James Cameron is a visionary filmmaker
In a way, we can thank George Lucas for inspiring Cameron to work toward his passion. Cameron has created many outstanding films throughout his career including,1997’s Titanic, 1984’s The Terminator, 1986’s Aliens, and 2009’s Avatar.
The director is still active today and working on many highly-anticipated projects that will further contribute to his legacy as a legendary director whose work will continue to inspire and shape the future of filmmaking.
Source: Playboy Magazine
