A Nightmare That Started Everything
James Cameron has described the image of a metallic torso emerging from flames as a formative inspiration for The Terminator.
Movie
The Terminator
Your future is in its hands.
In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the "Terminator" back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony. Meanwhile, the human-resistance movement dispatches a lone warrior to safeguard Sarah. Can he stop the virtually indestructible killing machine?
Why it's in the Vault
The Terminator remains a formidable piece of 1980s science fiction, combining the relentless suspense of a slasher film with a chilling vision of a future ruled by machines. Arnold Schwarzenegger is terrifyingly effective as an almost silent, unstoppable killer, while James Cameron turns nocturnal Los Angeles into a hostile maze of neon lights, industrial corridors and desperate escapes. Its practical effects, metallic soundtrack and uncompromising atmosphere give the film an identity entirely its own. The action and spectacle may feel smaller than those of its celebrated sequel, but this first chapter possesses a raw, almost horrific intensity that still makes it essential viewing. A landmark of science fiction, even if it is not necessarily the franchise's finest installment.
— Matty, Curator of the Vault*
Atmosphere
Relentless, nocturnal, industrial, ominous, retro-futuristic
Relentless tension
Technological dread
Action intensity
Dystopian mystery
Contains strong violence, shootings, bloody injuries, disturbing mechanical-body imagery, nudity, sexual content, strong language and sustained scenes of peril.
Dans les coulisses
Ce qu'on ne voit pas à l'écran
Schwarzenegger Almost Played the Hero
Arnold Schwarzenegger was initially considered for Kyle Reese before discussions with Cameron led to his casting as the Terminator.
The Terminator's Other Possible Face
Lance Henriksen was considered for the cyborg role before eventually playing police detective Hal Vukovich.
A Robot Built by Stan Winston
Stan Winston's effects team created the exposed mechanical endoskeleton and damaged cyborg makeup using practical techniques.
A Surprisingly Modest Budget
The film was produced for approximately $6.4 million, relying on inventive effects and carefully planned action.
A Future Classic Preserved
In 2008, The Terminator was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
Aux origines
An original screenplay
Palette
Les couleurs du film
Terminator Eye Red#D62832
Endoskeleton Chrome#A9B5BD
Tech-Noir Blue#345A82
Los Angeles Midnight#202632
Industrial Steel Grey#626C72
Future War Ash#8C817B
Images
