James Cameron, Avatar

Back in the big-budget blockbuster business for the first time since Titanic broke teenage hearts and parents' wallets 12 years ago, James Cameron returns with Avatar, the most expensive movie ever made, which he wrote, directed, produced and often shot. His depiction of the 22nd century planet called Pandora is of the uncommonly epic variety that begs comparison with the imaginary worlds of George Lucas and J.R.R. Tolkien. Interviewed at London's Claridge's Hotel three days after the world premiere of his movie, a relaxed Cameron reflects on the influence of Roger Corman's bare-bones filmmaking, the colonialist undercurrents of Avatar and why he isn't worried about an Oscar showdown with his ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow, who is expected to be nominated for The Hurt Locker (27 minutes).

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