James Cameron has publicly responded to a joke made by Amy Poehler during the 2013 Golden Globes, describing it as “ignorant” and stating that it crossed a line. At the event, Poehler joked about Cameron’s ex-wife, Kathryn Bigelow, in relation to the controversy surrounding Bigelow’s film, Zero Dark Thirty, and its depictions of torture. Poehler quipped, “When it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to James Cameron,” referencing their marriage from 1989 to 1991.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Cameron expressed his disappointment that such remarks were accepted humor at a celebration of cinema. “Amy Poehler’s remark was an ignorant dig at an event which is supposed to be a celebration of cinema and filmmakers, not a roast,” he said. He further added, “I’m pretty thick-skinned and happy to be the butt of a good-natured joke, but that went too far.” Cameron noted that the fact the audience found the joke amusing reflects a misunderstanding of who he is as a person and filmmaker.
Cameron’s reputation in Hollywood has often been that of a perfectionist. He has faced criticism for his intense working style, with actors like Kate Winslet and Sam Worthington once describing him as having a volatile temper. However, Cameron has defended his reputation, asserting that he fosters loyalty among his collaborators and clarified his approach to filmmaking. “Would I nail a cellphone to the wall with a nailgun? Absolutely, if it went off in the middle of a take,” he explained, insisting that his actions are calculated rather than rash.
Reflecting on his relationship with Bigelow, Cameron shared that they both faced challenges when they were nominated for Best Director Oscars in 2009. He was concerned that the narrative surrounding their former marriage might overshadow Bigelow’s achievements. Despite this, he expressed pride in her success when she won for The Hurt Locker.
Cameron’s films, including Titanic and Avatar, have achieved remarkable success, with three of them ranking among the top five highest-grossing films of all time. He has since married Suzy Amis Cameron in 2000 and continues to work on significant projects like the Avatar sequels, the latest of which, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is currently in cinemas. Cameron’s candid reflections on his past and evolving approach to filmmaking provide insight into the complexities of his character and career in Hollywood.