Pure, dark brilliance

Rating: 10/10 (22 June 2003)

I have always loved this film, for well over half my life. I was about 6 when I first saw it, 12 years ago. T2 had always been my favourite film but recently, The Terminator has eclipsed T2 to become my favourite movie of all time. There is so much more to this film than its sequel. T2 is simple action whereas this film is an action, romance, horror and suspense thriller all rolled in to one.
The Terminator's story is very strong and eclipses every Sci-Fi film there is. The idea of time travel has always fascinated me and, whilst this film does not explore as much as Back to the Future does, the intricate description of Reese going back through time and the bleak setting of the future world is highly imaginative. Cameron does really well at capturing the audience's attention and imagination and shows how talented a director and writer he is. The love story between Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) and Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) is beautiful. The idea of a man travelling back in time to protect the woman he loves is so wonderful and sentimental. As well as having a good story, this film is highly entertaining. The TechNoir bar scene, the car chase and the police station scene are especially good and are absolutely stunning to watch.
The acting in this film is brilliant. Arnie was not at all developed when it came to acting which made him much less human which is very effective when playing a cyborg. Schwarzenegger is not in this film to deliver lines with any power, but is in more as a physical force and someone who appears unstoppable. Kyle Reese is, for me, the best hero ever and he is played by my favourite actor. His intense vulnerability makes him very interesting and the way he is so prepared to sacrifice himself for the mission objective, the love of his life. Biehn is so good in this role as he plays protector very well but does perfectly at playing someone 'lost in time'. Biehn's performance in this film is sadly underrated but for me, it is completely unforgettable. Linda Hamilton is brilliant in this film and her character's gradual transformation, which is completed in Terminator 2, is very convincing. Her ability at appearing terrified is equally convincing. There is also good support from Lance Henriksen and Paul Winfield as the policemen investigating the case. They do well to give the film a touch of humour and their contrasting personalities makes an effective pairing.
The fact that this film was made on a small budget also impresses me, especially as the special effects don't work out too badly, except for the stop motion scene where the endoskeleton is chasing Kyle and Sarah. Stan Winston is a special effects genius and it is incredible to look at all the films he has worked on. His wizardry at transforming James Cameron's artwork to solid matter is very impressive to say the least.
Also good is Brad Fiedel's score. Whilst it is simplistic and completely on a synthesizer, it matches the mood of the film perfectly, and is very effective at getting an adrenaline rush. Also, the Terminator theme is a classic tune that will live on in eternity just like the Jaws theme. Tahnee Cain and the Tryanglz make up the bulk of the small amount of songs The Terminator has to offer and like the score, their songs reflect the atmosphere of the film.
An intensely stylish film that benefits very well from being shot mainly at night to give a real dark atmosphere, Terminator rose above a moderate budget to become an all time classic. The Terminator did a fantastic job at bringing credibility back to the Sci-Fi genre and simultaneously show the importance of a human theme. Almost everyone has seen this film, if you haven't, you really must! James Cameron at his very best.