Genre-defining classic

Rating: 8/10 (28 July 2006)

Made on a relatively low budget, James Cameron's now-seminal sci-fi/action thriller should be considered a model of efficient film-making. Cameron and his fellow artisans managed to create a tightly-constructed and imaginative film under considerably meager constraints, and yet the finished film remains highly impressive even when viewed some 20 odd years later. Aside from a few shoddily obvious rear projection shots, the special effects are still realistic and credible, and much of the f/x makeup and prosthetic work remain seamless. Yet, as impressive as the film's technical merits may be, it is the sensitive and surprisingly effective storyline that has propelled this film to the status of modern classic.
A creative blend of time-travel science fiction, heart-pounding action, and organic, non-cloying romance, THE TERMINATOR manages to hit all of the right notes without ever condescending to the obvious nor feeling constrained and stilted. Playing the title role elevated Austrian actor/bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger into Hollywood's A-list virtually overnight, and the monosyllabic, impossibly built cyborg is still probably the best use of Schwarzenegger's steely screen presence. Linda Hamilton is likable and sympathetic as Schwarzenegger's intended victim, and Michael Biehn is terrific as a weary professional soldier. Although I also liked the high-octane, effects-heavy, multi-million dollar sequel, the comparatively low tech original remains a creative and highly influential watershed moment for the genre.