James Cameron: A Successful Box Office Subscriber
James Cameron started his directing career in 1979 with the short film “Xenogenesis”. Over the years, he directed notable films such as “Piranha 2: The Flying Killers”, “Alien the Return”, “Abyss”, “Terminator 2”, “True Lies”, “Titanic”, “Avatar”, and “Avatar The Waterway”. In addition to directing, Cameron has also worked as a screenwriter and producer on projects like “Rambo 2”, “Point Break”, “Strange Days”, “Solaris”, “Sanctum”, “Alita: Battle Anger”, and “Terminator: Dark Fate”. His extensive work has earned him numerous awards, highlighting his significant influence in the industry.
Abyss: When Attention to Detail Becomes Excessive
Upon its release, Abyss initially faced commercial failure in the United States. However, it managed to recover and surpass its budget internationally, particularly with the release of a Special Edition. The making of this film involved intense dedication from Cameron, which resulted in a mutiny from some actors, including Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Ed Harris who portrayed Lindsey and Virgil Brigman in the movie. In an interview, Ed Harris revealed that several actors temporarily left the set, refusing to continue due to Cameron’s extreme demands.
During the filming of Abyss, Cameron’s attention to detail put him and others in danger. While submerged in the underwater set of a disused nuclear power plant, the person responsible for monitoring Cameron’s oxygen level suddenly disappeared. Concerned for his safety, Cameron made the decision to remove his equipment and resurface. A diver, witnessing this, handed him a faulty regulator, causing Cameron to inhale water. In the struggle that ensued, Cameron reportedly hit the diver multiple times but was eventually rescued unharmed.