The Terminator franchise has its roots firmly planted in science fiction horror and action, as back in 1984 the first movie created a non-stop ride of pulse-pounding dizziness in its journey of terror through the night-time streets of Los Angeles with a cyborg from the future hunting for the woman who would be responsible for changing the future. The woman responsible for creating a savior.
I know, by now we all know how the story goes – death, destruction, sacrifice, and ultimately, tragedy (ta-da! The birth of a franchise), but it’s more than that…
The Terminator (1984) didn’t just create legends in Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular character, or the first steps in Linda Hamilton‘s stunning evolution as Sarah Connor, oh no, – and let’s not forget the mesmerizing Michael Biehn as the wounded and stoic Kyle Reese (as if we could ever forget him); it also gave us the enduring and bittersweet love story of Kyle and Sarah:
“John Connor gave me a picture of you once. I didn’t know why at the time. It was very old – torn, faded. You were young like you are now. You seemed just a little sad. I used to always wonder what you were thinking at that moment. I memorized every line, every curve… I came across time for you, Sarah. I love you; I always have.“
Kyle Reese – The Terminator (1984)
The relationship between Kyle Reese and Sarah Connor gave the franchise a very real human heart – a reason to fight, even when the odds were stacked against them and everything appears futile; love is what moves them onwards. John Connor‘s love keeps Kyle alive, and in turn Kyle’s love keeps Sarah alive. It’s the most important loop within the franchise.
The humanity of the first movie is integral to the success of Terminator as a whole, but, somewhere along the line the movies which followed lost that human connection, attempting to replace a solid foundation with a flimsy imitation.
The love story of the first movie is difficult, painful, awkward, rough, and believable. It sits perfectly in the plot, balancing out the tension and claustrophobia of the dimly lit and darkened spaces, and the emotionless mechanics of unstoppable death, as we hope, against all odds, for the lovers to escape and find their own happy ending.
Happy Valentine’s Day Terminator Fans!
Will you be watching The Terminator this Valentine’s Day?
Leave a comment…
