We look at this second edition of Sean French’s evaluation of the classic Sci-fi movie The Terminator, first released in 1984. This book is available from Bloomsbury here.
The Terminator, British Film Institute critical edition, by Sean French, reviewed
Sean French gets a lot right in this critical evaluation of, what is now seen as a classic movie, but, when released was very much felt to be a B-movie. Directed by Jame Cameron, on a very low budget, those constraints actually worked well for him to create a visceral and engaging film, which is, in many ways simply a classic. You could argue that he had some challenging elements to work with, Arnold Schwarzenegger included. Except of course that his rubbish English accent became a magnificent asset.
French captures the vibe that, back then, for many, the first time they saw this film, was on VHS, probably rented from the video shop, or borrowed from a friend. Expectations were low, and yet it worked. French takes you through some interesting backstory aspects. The fact that Cameron’s experience in a wide range of film making elements, ensured that he had near total control over the artistic vision of the film, allied with the fact that, as it was not costing the studio very much at all, they were not breathing down his back. His limited budget for special affects meant it could only be used sparingly, and, ultimately to great affect.
French is also correct in naming the fact that there is a lot of humour in this movie, sure a lot of it is dark, but, overall it mostly works. In many ways, as the film became a franchise you could say it worked again and again. Though again French is probably correct in wryly observing that every film after T2, is simply a reworking of the first sequel. This book is intelligent and well written.
French even almost called it right by saying that, in a jokey future reference, Schwarzenegger would become US president. Sadly he only got as far as the Californian Governors office, but his often honest and ethical behaviour suggest he would have made a far better occupant than the most recently departed Republican potus.
If you liked the film you will enjoy this book. If you haven’t seen the film, then this book will probably make you want to watch it.
About The Terminator
The Terminator quickly found a cult following who appreciated its deadpan humour, comic-book violence and elaborate variations on standard science fiction themes. Resolutely populist, accomplished and instantly memorable, The Terminator has dramatically outlived its humble beginnings.
Sean French’s insightful study traces the film’s production history, its sources and the extent of its influence. He argues that The Terminator‘s visual flair, stylised acting and choreographed violence are so compelling not so much because they offer intellectual rewards but because they traffic in the darker, more visceral pleasures of moviegoing.
In his foreword to this new edition, Sean French reflects on Terminator sequels and reboots, suggesting that the original film has more in common with the gritty visions of the New Hollywood than present-day action blockbusters.
More about Sean French from here ->
Sean French was born in May 1959 in Bristol, to a British father and Swedish mother. He too studied English Literature at Oxford University at the same time as Nicci, also graduating with a first class degree, but their paths didn’t cross until 1990. In 1981 he won Vogue magazine’s Writing Talent Contest, and from 1981 to 1986 he was their theatre critic. During that time he also worked at the Sunday Times as deputy literary editor and television critic, and was the film critic for Marie Claire and deputy editor of New Society.
Sean and Nicci were married in Hackney in October 1990. Their daughters, Hadley and Molly, were born in 1991 and 1993.
By the mid-nineties Sean had had two novels published, The Imaginary Monkey and The Dreamer of Dreams, as well as numerous non-fiction books, including biographies of Jane Fonda and Brigitte Bardot.
In 1995 Nicci and Sean began work on their first joint novel and adopted the pseudonym of Nicci French. The novel, The Memory Game, was published to great acclaim in 1997. The Safe House, Killing Me Softly, Beneath the Skin, The Red Room, Land of the Living and Secret Smile have since been added to the Nicci French CV.
Nicci and Sean also continue to write separately. Nicci still works as a journalist for the Observer, covering high-profile trials including those of Fred and Rose West, and Ian Huntley and Maxine Carr. Her novel Things We Knew Were True was published in 2003, and her second, Solace, is due for release in Spring 2005. Sean’s latest novel Start From Here came out in spring 2004.
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