JC: Avatar would have been 'terrible' if it was live action

[Human No More]

Avatar 'could have been terrible'

Hollywood director James Cameron believes his digital movie spectacular Avatar would have been “terrible” if it was live-action.

...

“Here’s the thing: if it had been in live action, she would have been in blue make-up and it would not have had the power,” Cameron said. “Her eyes would not have been those eyes.

“The blue make-up would have looked terrible. I know – every time I go to a convention where someone decides they’re going to be a Na’vi, I’m reminded why we didn’t do it.”

hmm...I don't think it would have been anywhere near as amazing as it was, but I doubt it would actually be bad, it's too well written for that and really, Zoe and Sam are both amazing actors.

Don't like the comment about people going as Na'vi though... we do our best, but it's not easy

[Isard]

Like said, there's a reason its CGI. Makeup cant make Na'vi look "real" enough.

Now when holographic overlays are developed, well, the fun of costuming will be gone, but it'll look perfect.

[Hunter of the Glade]

What do you think would be more work?
Dressing up a person to make them look like a Na'vi, or
creating a Na'vi with a computer from scratch?

[Helicoradian]

It would have been more like impossible. No amount of makeup or costuming could make a actor look like the Na'vi we know. It's just the size and proportions of the Na'vi that can't be replicated IRL.