Iconic Film Intros: T800 in 'The Terminator'

When you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the ‘Terminator’ films, there are several quotes, sequences, and styles that come to mind. What’s interesting is that one moment that I rarely see brought up is his actual introduction in the original film.

Let’s take a look at that first sequence with Arnold, and how it sets the stage for not only the rest of the film, but the rest of the franchise.

The Scene Itself

When we first see Arnold, like everyone else around him, we don’t immediately assume he’s a robot. Why would we? He looks like a strange, impossibly muscular, naked man strutting through the night, and seemingly walking with a purpose. That’s how he’s greeted by the Bill Paxton-led group of punks who were the unfortunate first round of folks to stand in his way. They greet Arnold by making fun of and taunting him, assuming that he’s probably inebriated on some form of substance.

When he commands them to give him their clothes, they become hostile, pulling knives, and that’s when Arnold shows his force for the first time. He leaves all but one member dead, and steals his clothes, before heading off on his mission. Within just these first couple of minutes, we get an almost perfect sense of who the T800 is as a character, and what he’ll grow to be in future installments.

His Unshakeable Strength

‘Terminator 2: Judgement Day’Credit: TriStar Pictures

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