discuss what you feel are the differences and similarities between the character Dren, in Splice, and any of the Na’vi characters (or these “digital peoples” in general) from Avatar (if need be, just Google video clips of the films to jog your memory).

For this week’s Assignment, I’d like you to discuss what you feel are the differences and similarities between the character Dren, in Splice, and any of the Na’vi characters (or these “digital peoples” in general) from Avatar (if need be, just Google video clips of the films to jog your memory).
In particular, what I’d like to read from you is not only how the two characters (or types of digital beings) are different (that’s the easy part), but how are they similar as well? What kind of generalized cultural fantasies or “subconscious” issues do we project onto these two types of digital beings? Do they perform these (subconsciously assigned) roles successfully (i.e., if they are frightening in some way, how so and what does that say about us as humans)? Why do you think most alien-like digital creatures in movies (whether from outer space, or from a genetic lab) are often monster like, and do you feel that the “sweet” and “lovable” Na’vi are a radical departure from this tradition? Also, a more difficult question: do you feel that the Na’vi are portrayed in such a way that their portrayal induces (disrespectful) “pity” in the viewer for the “Other” (Na’vi)? If so, do you think that the (subtextual) goal of the film’s narrative may have been to induce such “pity”, or is it a “natural” outcome for any film which engages difficult issues such as colonialism?