
The Terminator
Sean French(Author)
BFI Publishing
2nd Edition
Published on 6. May 2021
Book
Paperback/Softback
80 pages
978-1-83902-212-8 (ISBN)
Description
Made on a low budget, The Terminator was one of the most influential films of the 1980s. Combining explosive special effects and an intricate time-travel plot, it set Arnold Schwarzenegger on the road to superstardom and allowed its director, James Cameron, to go on to make some of the most expensive films of all time. 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.
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 details
Series
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
60 colour illus
Dimensions
Height: 184 mm
Width: 131 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight
128 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83902-212-8 (9781839022128)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions


Person
Sean French was the Deputy Literary Editor at the Sunday Times between 1984-1986, Theatre Critic on Vogue between 1982-1986, Film Critic for Marie Claire between 1989-92 and Columnist for the New Society/New Statesman between 1986-2000. He is the author of biographies of Brigitte Bardot and Patrick Hamilton. In collaboration with his wife Nicci, he writes crime novels under the name Nicci French. He lives in London, UK.
Content
Foreword to the 2021 edition
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Beginnings
2. Borrowings
3. Making The Terminator
4. The Plot
5. Schwarzenegger
6. Defending The Terminator
7. Watching The Terminator
8. Afterlife
Credits
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Beginnings
2. Borrowings
3. Making The Terminator
4. The Plot
5. Schwarzenegger
6. Defending The Terminator
7. Watching The Terminator
8. Afterlife
Credits