Writer/Director: James Cameron
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Paxton and Linda Hamilton
‘A Spectacular Science-fiction Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have earned the appreciation of Bill Paxton. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Paxton has made great movies. Whether it’s artificial terminators, seas explorers or bold tornado chasers, Paxton has played many interesting characters. Arguably, Paxton’s finest strength as an actor has often been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that would always pour his heart and soul into each role. Paxton did not at all fear taking risks in his career playing tough characters which aren’t always likeable. By his abilities to create characters which audiences relate to, Paxton became an icon which people value. However, recently in 2017 Paxton’s career came to a tragic closure when he passed away from stroke. Paxton’s death marked a huge loss for the film industry. In the wake of his devastating death, Paxton left behind several films which are definitely without a single doubt absolutely worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Paxton and appreciate all the movies which he made in his career. However, “The Terminator” is my favourite. Ever since its release in 1984, James Cameron’s movie has stood test of time as a science fiction classic. Packed with breathtaking production design, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the best science fiction films ever made. At the centre of it all is a terrific performance by Bill Paxton, who portrays a punk leader that embarks on a mission to defeat a terminator. Ultimately, what makes “The Terminator” a sci-fi classic is its strong appeal. Unlike most films in the sci-fi genre, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a powerful message about danger of artificial intelligence which would resonate with everyone. A riveting science fiction classic about machines that are frightening, there are many reasons why “The Terminator” is a movie which is definitely worth seeing.
Set in an apocalyptic future, “The Terminator” tells the story of a terminator machine causing disaster. Arnold Schwarzenegger portrays The Terminator, a cyborg assassin with dangerous intentions. The Terminator is a killing machine with dangerous intentions of murder. Sent on a mission causing disaster, The Terminator has a dangerous task to kill Sarah O’ Connor (Linda Hamilton). Sarah is a woman with a gifted son that poses danger to the fate of terminators. As he begins to discover shocking secrets of the human race, the Terminator soon begins to question whether happiness will be possible to face. Facing a dilemma, the Terminator starts to wonder whether he will ever be able to be a successful killing machine without causing any trauma.
James Cameron is a newcomer toward themes of artificial intelligence. Before he had directed “The Terminator”, Cameron had never made a science fiction film before. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the barriers endured by artificial machines causing disaster but he succeeded immensely. Through spellbinding cinematography, Cameron captures the lives of artificial intelligent machines engaging in a warfare catastrophe. Inspired by Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner”, Cameron effectively employs point of view shots to capture hardships which terminator machines go through. For instance, the point of view shoes elevate the terminator birth scene. During this unforgettable scene, the terminator is born with consequences that prove to frightening. One appreciates point of view shots capturing hardship terminators are facing. POV shots are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” suggested, POV shots elevate classic horror movies about isolation. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through stunning visuals, Cameron captures hardships that terminator machines are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Terminator” which merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is very well made. Cameron effectively uses costumes effects to capture the tensions experienced by terminator machines. Throughout the movie, the clothes worn by the Terminator play a role in showcasing his aggressive personality. For instance, costumes enhance the club action scene. During this tense scene, the Terminator enters a club in search of Sarah O’ Connor by causing a loud commotion. One appreciates costumes capturing tensions which artificial machines are facing. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Brad Fiedel’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the burden that terminator machines bear. Through gorgeous production design, Cameron captures the lives of commemorated terminator machines that experience heavy decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Terminator” is a film that is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses foreshadowing to capture tensions that terminator machines are facing. Throughout the film, Cameron uses clever foreshadowing to capture tensions terminator machines in a stressful situation are facing. For instance, the foreshadowing enhances the opening scene. During this memorable scene, the terminator engages in a tense act of violence hinting at dangers that his machine is posing. Through bold foreshadowing, Cameron crafts a strong character that audiences can easily relate to. Foreshadowing is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption” suggested, foreshadowing often enhanced celebrated prison dramas. Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” suggested foreshadowing elevates horror movies about scary sharks. However, it works immensely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Cameron captures the lives of terminator machines that face a price to pay.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Bill Paxton delivers one of his best career performances as a punk leader. Paxton achieved appreciation for playing space survivors facing alien invasion disasters. With “The Terminator”, however, he took on his most complex role. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. It isn’t simple to portray a punk leader that becomes victim of terminators causing tragedy but he succeeds immensely. It gave the actor chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most commemorated actors working today.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is amazing as a robot terminator that seeks to commit grim murder. Schwarzenegger first achieved appreciation for playing army commanders in war dramas. With “The Terminator”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a commemorated artificial intelligence machine engaging in acts of violence causing catastrophe but he pulled it off successfully. Whether he’s terrorizing the cops in a police station which is frightening or seeking to find answers to questions which are terrifying, Schwarzenegger uses compelling body language to create a commemorated character which is engaging. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the most celebrated movie-stars that’s working today.
The final, most notable standout in the cast is Linda Hamilton. As a female action hero, she brings a sense of authority to the movie.
Finally, “The Terminator” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing terminator machines that face disaster. Unlike most science fiction films, it tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. It discusses relatable themes of anxiety, identity and technology which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the genre to admire it. Therefore, “The Terminator” is one of those rare sci-fi movies about commemorated machines that everyone will adore.
Fans of Bill Paxton will definitely appreciate “The Terminator” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A riveting science fiction classic, it honours an actor that has built a legacy which is iconic.
Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking science-fiction film about terminator machines facing obstacles that are challenging, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has built a lasting legacy earning a huge fan following for his abilities to portray compelling characters in engaging movies audiences will forever treasure several years after his heartbreaking passing left the world of entertainment mourning.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 