The Terminator - 1984

Hemdale Film, Pacific Western, Euro Film Funding

Written and Directed by James Cameron

Cast:

• The Terminator – Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Sarah Connor – Linda Hamilton
• Kyle Reese – Micheal Biehn
• Dr. Peter Silberman – Earl Boen
• Lt. Ed Traxler – Paul Winfield
• Det. Hal Vukovich – Lance Henriksen
• Matt Buchanan – Rick Rossvich
• Future Terminator – Franco Columbu
• Punk Leader – Bill Paxton
• Punk – Brian Thompson

Story: SkyNet, a self-aware computer system in 2029, has waged an on-going war against the human race for more than thirty years, but the humans are about to conquer the machines. In an act of desperation, SkyNet has sent a Terminator back to 1984 to kill Sarah Conner, and prevent the leader of the resistance from being born. A soldier from the future, Kyle Reese, is sent back in time to protect Sarah Connor, the mother of John Connor. The Terminator is a cyborg, a machine with human flesh surrounding its components, so it appears human. While running from the machine, Kyle confesses to Sarah the reason he volunteered for this one way mission: he has fallen in love with Sarah. In a moment to themselves, they make love, and unknowingly conceive John Connor.

Review: Based on the writings of science fiction author Harlan Ellison, James Cameron's dark vision of the future was a launching pad for several careers in Hollywood. Arnold Schwarzenegger was at the height of his career and appearance in 1984, so his size and musculature made him the perfect choice to play the killing machine from the future. Linda Hamilton became a star after a somewhat lackluster career by portraying Sarah Connor, a role she reprises in T2: Judgment Day. Micheal Biehn, a heretofore minor character actor, gained overnight popularity as Kyle Reese and went on to film other action films, including Navy Seals and Aliens. Even Lance Henriksen can claim a large amount of his success on his role as Det. Hal Vukovich, and both Bill Paxton and Brian Thompson were seen early in their careers thanks to their brief but memorable roles as the punks who first confront the Terminator.
While the special effects were not what we would expect to see now, for 1984 they were exceptional. The mechanical movements of Arnold were timed and precise, and the skeletal movements of the Terminator at the end of the film are matched with his character. There are some disparities in the plot, but those are the normal disparities that come with any time travel story. The action, once we get past the initial introduction of characters, is fast. Even when the action slows, the plot moves forward with a consistency rarely seen in action films, and the on-going development of the characters is well written and acted. Its popularity is apparent, since it has spawned no less that three sequels which manage to cover every question, including how John Conner got the scars across his face. Rated R for sex, language, and violence, older teens will probably not find the solitary scene between Sarah and Kyle too embarrassing, and the younger kids should be in bed. Definitely a collectible for any good collector.