Among the most expensive--and most profitable--films of all time, the works of James Cameron have had a profound effect upon popular culture and the technology of moviemaking. Yet the very blockbuster nature of his films means that the political commentary, cultural discourse and rich symbolism within the works are often overlooked. From The Terminator to Avatar, the director has evinced a persistence of themes, concerns and visions that capture the contemporary zeitgeist. This collection of essays on James Cameron's films, written by a diverse group of scholars from a wide range of disciplines, provides a comprehensive exploration of the work and legacy of one of America's foremost filmmakers.

“a noteworthy and important addition to a lively ongoing conversation”—The Journal of Popular Culture; “the book clearly explores how Cameron’s films are a construction of their times, responding to a wide range of political cultural, and social influences”—Science Fiction Studies.

Matthew Wilhelm Kapell teaches American studies, anthropology, and writing at Pace University in New York. Stephen McVeigh is a lecturer in the Department of Political and Cultural Studies at Swansea University. He has written extensively on the representation of war in film and literature.