1Day to Go for ...Avatar

Sigourney Weaver talks to TOI about Avatar and her role in the movie...
Tell us something about your character
Dr Grace Augustine is a no-nonsense person. She is funny in her own way, but really a kind of scientist who is fed up with the way things have been going, but loves the Avatar program and runs it.
What is the conflict between the humans and the Na’vis?
The humans, who have come inside this colony (Pandora) don’t know the Na’vis and don’t really think of them as humans.They think of them as kind of blue aliens, kind of monkeys or something. So they don’t respect their way of life.
How was it working with James Cameron?
He is patient and has managed to be convincing about your brain in an Avatar body. The whole thing is so convincing I can’t believe we can’t do that.
How did the part come about for you?
James called me. He said ‘I want you to do this and I’m sending you the script.’ We had stayed in touch and he was kind enough to come and give me a big speech when they gave me my star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so I have always felt very close to him. I knew with this film he would take me to a place I hadn’t been.
Are you inspired by him for your role?
Sometimes I would refer to him because he is a perfectionist. He is very driven, warm hearted, relaxed and he is always getting things done. So there were things about him that I did steal – not the personality, but some of his rhythm.
How do you think the audience will react to Avatar?
I think as soon as you sit down you will be taken far, far away and I think that’s something we all love. There is enough going on in the world. I love to be taken away to somewhere else by cinema.