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Russians Claim Avatar Rips Off Soviet Sci-Fi

Critics say Cameron owes a debt to the Strugatsky brothers

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 14, 2010 6:19 AM CST

(Newser) Avatar has prompted cries of plagiarism from Russians who say similarities between the 3D blockbuster and the Soviet-era works of the Arkady and Boris Strugatsky are more than just coincidence. James Cameron's movie and the Strugatsky brothers' World of Noon cycle of sci-fi novels both take place in the 22nd century on lushly forested worlds named Pandora, note Russian critics.

Some argue that Avatar's Na'vi race is strongly reminiscent of the Nave race in the brothers' books. James Cameron rejects accusations that his movie owes anything to the Strugatskys, whose work sold millions and was widely seen as a thinly veiled satire of the Communist system. The surviving Strugatsky brother, Boris, isn't among the complainers. He says he hasn't seen Avatar, yet but shrugs off any suggestions of similarities between Avatar and his creation.

Arkady, left, and Boris Strugatsky were the Soviet Union's best-known science fiction writers.
Arkady, left, and Boris Strugatsky were the Soviet Union's best-known science fiction writers.   (Wikipedia)
James Cameron denies that Avatar was influenced by Soviet science fiction.
James Cameron denies that "Avatar" was influenced by Soviet science fiction.   (Getty Images)
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In any genre you can find plenty of parallels. Of course there are similarities between the Strugatskys and Cameron. But I think in this case the parallels are marginal.
- Russian film critic Yuri Gladilshikov

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
mogbonofellyfelly
Jan 15, 2010 8:59 AM CST
if the guy himself says Cameron didn't rip him off, then people should mind their business
krymsonkyng
Jan 15, 2010 7:42 AM CST
They should use a subpoena that starts with: "HEY! LISTEN!"
Assassin
Jan 14, 2010 11:26 AM CST
Russians - Fuck Off - Fuck Yourselves & Get Fucked - Understandski?

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