Filmmaker/James Cameron

	Mass Extinction	Extending Perception via Other Means
The Terminator (1984)	Skynet's nuclear apocalypse aims to exterminate humanity.	Through the cyborg's POV, we see an extension of Skynet’s perception across time, breaking the barrier of time to fulfill its mission.
Aliens (1986)	The aliens wipe out all but one of the colonists, showcasing a theme of near-total extinction. This is followed by the aliens themselves being mostly wiped out by a nuclear explosion, except the Queen mother that escapes.	The use of helmet-mounted cameras by the Marines extends the perception of characters and audience into the colony’s investigation, creating a direct, immersive POV.
The Abyss (1989)	A Navy SEAL, Lieutenant Hiram Coffey, attempts to use a nuclear device to wipe out the NTIs, introducing a threat of mass extinction. In turn, the NTIs use their water technology to present the specter of extinction over the human population, showcasing the precarious balance of power and survival.	The deployment of mini-submersibles with camera mounts allows characters (and the audience) to extend their perception into deep underwater crevices, exploring unknown territories.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)	The continued threat of Skynet's nuclear war and the extermination of humanity.	The advanced POV of both T-1000 and T-800 models further illustrates the extension of Skynet’s perception across time, showcasing a blend of human and machine capabilities.
True Lies (1994)	The use and detonation of nuclear weapons in Key West underscore the ever-present threat of mass extinction through nuclear war.	Harry’s use of a cigarette case with a hidden camera to observe terrorists underlines the theme of extending perception, allowing a different POV on his targets.
Titanic (1997)	The disaster serves as a microcosm for human tragedy and loss, touching upon themes of existential threat.	The film extends perception through both the abyss-like submersibles with cameras, offering a glimpse into the past, and old Rose’s storytelling, bridging a gap of 84 years to the present-day characters.
Avatar (2009)	The threat to the Na'vi and Pandora's ecosystem reflects themes of ecological destruction and potential mass extinction.	The use of Avatar bodies to explore and interact with Pandora extends human perception and experience into that of another species.