The Terminator (film)
"The Terminator" is a 1984 science fiction film directed by James Cameron, known for its exploration of themes such as artificial intelligence, time travel, and human-machine relationships. The plot revolves around a cyborg assassin, portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, sent from a dystopian future in 2029 by an artificial intelligence called Skynet. Skynet, which has gained self-awareness, aims to exterminate humanity by targeting Sarah Connor, the future mother of John Connor, the leader of the human resistance. To protect her, John Connor sends Kyle Reese, played by Michael Biehn, back in time.
The film is recognized for its innovative use of machine imagery and commentary on humanity's growing dependence on technology. It features notable elements like the portrayal of a relentless, emotionless assassin and the concept of time travel, which complicates familial relationships through the grandfather paradox. "The Terminator" was produced on a modest budget and became a significant success, earning $38.4 million in its initial release. The film not only established James Cameron's directorial career but also significantly boosted the profiles of its stars, particularly Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton. Its influence is still felt in the science fiction genre, inspiring numerous films and media.
On this Page
The Terminator (film)
Identification American science-fiction film
Director James Cameron
Date Released October 26, 1984
Representing a pessimistic view of technology, The Terminator contrasted with the positive view of technology in the films of the original Star Wars trilogy and the Star Trek: The Next Generation television series. Coupling nuclear war and computerized defense systems with the emergence of intelligent computers, the film reflected the technological and political situation of the mid-1980’s—the increasing presence of computers and President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative at the height of the Cold War.
Key Figures
James Cameron (1954- ), film director
The story line of The Terminator (1984) focuses on a cyborg assassin (Arnold Schwarzenegger) created by Skynet, an artificially intelligent computer defense network that developed self-awareness and attempted to annihilate humanity by starting World War III. Skynet built cyborgs to infiltrate the few surviving camps of humans. The film’s title character is sent back in time from the postapocalyptic world of 2029 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), who is to become the mother of the leader of the human rebellion. From the future, her son John sends Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) to protect her from the human-like assassin.
Machine imagery pervades the film. Appearing frequently are machines such as household devices, including an answering machine that exhorts callers to be nice to it, motorcycles and trailer trucks, and an automated factory where Sarah manages to crush the terminator in a press. In a larger sense, this story reflects contemporary concerns about the progression from human dependence on machines to being dominated by them. The extreme masculine physique of the terminator represents military technology gone awry.
The film uses common science-fiction themes, notably artificial intelligence. The terminator acts in a conscious, purposive manner, yet its alien nature is reflected by the images of internal, decision-making screens. Furthermore, the terminator has no emotions and cannot be reasoned with. Another theme is time travel, including a variation of the grandfather paradox, as John Connor sends Reese back in time to impregnate Sarah and thus to become John’s father.The Terminator garnered generally favorable reviews and became an unexpected sleeper hit. Shot on the relatively small budget of $6.5 million, it had collected $38.4 million by the end of its first run. During 1985, it was one of the most popular rental videos.
Impact
The Terminator was the first major directing effort by James Cameron, who went on to direct other highly successful films (notably, 1997’s Titanic). The film solidified the acting career of Schwarzenegger and also led to major roles for Hamilton and Biehn. Furthermore, it inspired a number of other science-fiction films, including RoboCop (1987).
Bibliography
Hollinger, Veronica, and Joan Gordon, eds. Edging into the Future: Science Fiction and Contemporary Cultural Transformation. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2002.
Kozlovic, Anton Karl. “Technophobic Themes in Pre-1990 Computer Films.” Science as Culture 12, no. 3 (2003): 3341-3372.
Telotte, J. P. Replications: A Robotic History of the Science Fiction Film. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1995.