The Terminator [Paperback]

Made on a low budget,The Terminatorwas 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 Terminatorquickly 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 Terminatorhas 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 thatThe 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 Frenchwas the Deputy Literary Editor at theSunday Timesbetween 1984-1986, Theatre Critic onVoguebetween 1982-1986, Film Critic forMarie Clairebetween 1989-92 and Columnist for theNew Society/New Statesmanbetween 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.