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DirectorAndrei Tarkovskyis often credited with being one of the most influential directors in thesci-figenre, despite not being overly fond of the label. This can be attributed to the way that Tarkovsky approached the genre as a means to explore the various themes and philosophical quandaries he liked to explore in his works. With a very clear vision of his work and how cinema should be expressed, it has also led Tarkovsky to be quick to put down other works, including big mainstream hits.
Yet, Andrei Tarkovsky would also be honest if he liked something, even when it came from the Hollywood system he seemed to despise. Out of all the works he has praised, one of the more unlikely ones is James Cameron’sThe Terminator. We will look at the sci-fi auteur’s opinion on many works, his legacy that gave his opinion merit, as well as what it was about the Arnold Schwarzenegger-led action epic that earned praise.
Why Andrei Tarkovsky Loved The Terminator
The Terminator
Andrei Tarkovsky has always been a bit of an enigma when pinning down his interests in cinema. Tarkovsky certainly favored the works of others, including his long-term appreciation of the works of Robert Bresson (Au hasard Balthazar, Mouchette), which saw him holding the director’s opinion in high regard. Additionally, Tarkovsky has expressed adoration for the works of Ingmar Bergman as a whole without mentioning specific titles from the director’s expansive filmography. For individual works, he has expressed favorable opinions of a few titles,including the landmark horror film The Exorcist.
On the other hand, Andrei Tarkovsky was quick to be vocal about critically acclaimed films that he felt were undeserved praise.He was particularly harsh when it came to Stanley Kubrick, calling2001: A Space Odyssey"a lifeless schema with only pretensions of truth." He was even harsher onLolita, talking about his experience with it as bringing him nothing but “sadness and disgust.” Other movies often held in high regard that have met the director’s scorn includeThe Godfather,Apocalypse Now, andManhattan. Tarkovsky was certainly vocal and honest about his takes on cinema, not worried about shaking things up, but this makes the movies he praised stand out more.
With many of the above choice words coming from his bookAndrei Tarkovsky’s World and Films,there is one surprise in the pages asthe director praisesone movie that seems counterintuitive to his approach and style, James Cameron’sThe Terminator. Well, maybe praise is a bit generous as it starts with a slight dig, but when compared to his scathing comments on other movies, the following line seems like a glowing review in comparison:
“The brutality and low acting skills are unfortunate, but as a vision of the future and the relation between man and his destiny,the film is pushing the frontier of cinema as an art.” from Andrei Tarkovsky’s World and Films
This Is High Praise Coming from The Beloved Sci-Fi Auteur
Director Andrei Tarkovsky is not a household name, particularly in the modern landscape of sci-fi movies. However, all nine of Tarkovsky’s feature-length films are highly regarded, withSolaris(1972) andStalker(1979) being among his most revered in the sci-fi genre.Stalker, in particular, is considered a masterpiece, with a challenging and experimental narrative with philosophical depth that became highly influential on other filmmakers;Lars von Trier, Gus Van Sant, and Christopher Nolan are among those who drew influence fromStalkerin their own projects.
Tarkovsky’s movies have had a profound impact on both audiences and filmmakers. They are often attached to the label of “cinema of the agnostic sublime,” which deals with transcendence and spirituality free of specific religious dogma. He set the template for many filmmakers after him both in themes and visuals; Andrei Tarkovsky is a true innovator of cinema.His works also had cultural importance and highlighted art as a means of protest, with his career marked by conflicts with Soviet authorities, leading him to leave the Soviet Union in 1979.
Even when he spoke ill of films that many hold in high regard while also praising a beloved big-box office Hollywood spectacle, his words have always held weight and been appreciated. The works of the famed director and the themes ofThe Terminatormay not even be as far off as some believe. Notably,Tarkovsky’s intrigue inThe Terminator’sexploration of time and space has grander implications that are not too far off from the director’s explorations of profound and philosophical themes. These includeour relationship to technology, fate vs. free will, and the value of human life.
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How to Watch Terminator and the Sci-fi Films of Andrei Tarkovsky
It is worthwhile checking outall the films of Andrei Tarkovsky, as the director was actually never a big fan of sci-fi and rather used it as a means to explore grander themes that interested him. Still, Tarkovsky created two prominent works in the genre:SolarisandStalker.You can stream both Solaris and Stalker on Max or The Criterion Channel. The James Cameron-directed and Arnold Schwarzenegger-led landmark sci-fi action movie is likely one that no sci-fi fans have overlooked, but if you want to revisit or watch it for the first time,you can stream The Terminator on AMC+.
