Ever Increasing in significance

Rating: 9/10 (15 December 2005)

The Terminator, now over 20 years old, is a genre defining film that combines elements of noir film making with science fiction and action genres. It started off a whole movement in special effects and stunt orientated films, taking the hero against villain notion to a whole new level. Can you think of a film villain quite so iconic as the terminator? Often dismissed by many as a simple action movie responsible for launching Arnold Schwarzeneggers career, The Terminator has a message that is becoming more significant as we venture further into the 21st century.
Since the creation of planet earth, time has seen the inception of ever increasing forms of intelligent life. The principle of the natural selection and the very nature of existence, is that evolution progresses though natural processes of refining, developing and enhancing. Humans have for centuries been the dominant, most intelligent species on earth. As we continually create and innovate, probing technological possibilities, we are weakening the significance and purpose of natural selection and are playing the role of god increasingly. Computers become more advanced every year and scientists endeavour to pioneer methods in cloning and designer babies. Are we pushing too far, or are we simply approaching a new age of evolutionary development? Whatever our destiny, the line distinguishing computers and A.I, and possibly more importantly, humans and computers is becoming increasingly blurred. If we are indeed heading towards the creation of artificial intelligence, is the dark and apocalyptic vision created by Cameron just a nightmare, or does it present a possible future? A question as frightening as the looming Terminator in the movie.
The Terminator I believe, is one of cinemas modern classics and in 20 years time will be admired and revered as one of the great films of the 20th century. Not only does it have a powerful message, forcing us to ask questions about our increasing dependence on machines, but it also influenced a whole load of films in the late 80's, 90's and into the millennium.