Many dream of meeting their idols, but for filmmakers, encountering a legend like Stanley Kubrick (the genius behind classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining) is whole lot of a different experience. Well, that’s what happened to James Cameron, the visionary director behind Avatar and Titanic.
Once, Cameron decided to surprise Kubrick with a visit, hoping to chat about filmmaking and maybe get some tips. However, upon arriving, he discovered that the big-shot director was actually interested in his own work!
James Cameron’s 1994 Flick Captivated Stanley Kubrick’s Curiosity
James Cameron, who has always been vocal about his admiration for Stanley Kubrick‘s masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey, wanted to make his 40th birthday truly special. So, he took a bold step and decided to surprise Kubrick with a visit, intending to celebrate his idol’s birthday.
However, things didn’t quite go as planned. When Cameron arrived at Kubrick’s secluded English home, the conversation took an unexpected turn. The Titanic director recounted in an interview with the Directors Guild of America:
“So I went to see this reclusive guy knocking around this big house and he just totally wanted to know how True Lies was made. He had a print of it on his KEM down in his basement, and made me sit there and tell him how I had done all the effects shots. So I spent the whole time talking about my movie with Stanley Kubrick, which was not where I thought the day was going to go. But I want to be like Stanley, I want to be that guy. When I’m 80, I want to still be the guy trying to figure it all out.”
It was a surprising twist for Cameron, as he had anticipated discussing Kubrick’s iconic works, but instead, the discussion centered entirely around his action-comedy film, True Lies.
Even though True Lies wasn’t (exactly) scientifically accurate, it really wowed Kubrick with its cool special effects when it was released in 1994. The film was a critical and commercial success. It showcased Cameron’s skill in seamlessly blending action, comedy, and suspense together.
Stanley Kubrick’s Creation Influenced James Cameron to Purse Filmmaking
James Cameron’s life took a sci-fi turn at the young age of 13. Already a science enthusiast with a love for sci-fi books, the release of 2001: A Space Odyssey was a pivotal moment for Cameron. The film’s breathtaking visuals left him in awe, despite the slight dizziness it induced.
The film showed him how powerful cinema could be. Even when he was 22 and working as a truck driver, he couldn’t shake off the excitement 2001: A Space Odyssey sparked in him.
The Canadian director then went on to learn everything about the cool techniques used in the film. He read a plethora of resources, and even made his own filmmaking guide by photocopying materials (via Block Buster). This dedication paid off big time when he got into film school at USC. There, he learned all sorts of great tricks, all thanks to the massive impact 2001: A Space Odyssey had on him.
Watch True Lies and 2001: A Space Odyssey on Amazon Prime Video.
