James Cameron
Early Life
James Francis Cameron was born on August 16, 1954, in Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada. His family moved to Brea, California in 1971, when Cameron was 17 years old. He dropped out of Fullerton College, a community college, in 1974 to write when he realized he preferred creating stories to learning about physics.
Career
Cameron's first job in the film industry was as a production assistant on Rock and Roll High School in 1979. He then became an art director in the sci-fi movie Battle Beyond the Stars (1980). He did special effects work design and direction on John Carpenter's Escape from New York (1981), acted as production designer on Galaxy of Terror (1981), and consulted on the design of Android (1982).
Cameron was hired as the director for the sequel to Piranha (1978) but was fired after failing to get a close up of the lead actress on the first day of shooting. He then wrote and directed The Terminator (1984), a futuristic action-thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, and Linda Hamilton. It was a box office hit, leading to a series of successful science fiction action films such as Aliens (1986) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).
Cameron's Titanic (1997), starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, and was the highest grossing film of all time until Cameron's Avatar (2009) surpassed it in 2010. Avatar, a science fiction epic, was particularly noted for its groundbreaking visual effects and 3D cinematography.
Style and Themes
Cameron's films are often characterized by a high budget and visual complexity. He is particularly noted for his use of special effects and for his meticulous nature. His films often include elements of science fiction, action, and romance.
Personal Life
Cameron has been married five times, with four children. He is known for his environmental activism, particularly his efforts to combat global warming.
Legacy
Cameron's impact on the film industry is significant. He is considered one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of cinema, with his films having grossed approximately US$6 billion in global box office. He has received numerous awards, including three Academy Awards for Titanic.