Watch The Making Of: Terminator

As one of the most iconic and influential sci-fi films ever made, the behind-the-scenes story of The Terminator has always been an interesting and highly sought-after topic. In this 1984 documentary, appropriately titled The Making Of: Terminator, fans of the movie are given an intimate look at the creative process behind the film, including interviews with key cast and crew members.

The film begins by exploring the origins of the Terminator concept, which was first conceived by writer/director James Cameron following a nightmare he had while working on the set of another film. We learn how Cameron worked tirelessly to develop the story, juggling multiple script rewrites and a limited budget, all while trying to convince studios to greenlight the project.

Throughout the documentary, we hear from some of the film's key players, including actor Michael Biehn, who played Kyle Reese, the soldier sent back in time to protect Sarah Connor from the titular cyborg assassin. Biehn gives insight into the physically demanding nature of the shoot, including the many early morning call times and long days he and the rest of the cast and crew endured during production.

Other key cast members, such as Linda Hamilton, who played Sarah Connor, and Earl Boen, who portrayed the villainous Dr. Silberman, also discuss their experiences on set. Hamilton reveals how she physically transformed herself to inhabit the role of Connor, undergoing rigorous training in martial arts and firearms, while Boen relays how he approached playing the character of Silberman, a role that was originally written as a one-dimensional, generic villain.

In addition to the cast interviews, the film also offers a glimpse into the technical aspects of filmmaking, including the special effects used to create the movie's signature "Terminator vision" and the groundbreaking use of stop-motion animation to bring the titular robot to life.

Perhaps most interestingly, The Making Of: Terminator explores the challenges and innovations that went into creating the film's climactic action sequences, such as the iconic car chase that sees Reese and Connor pursued by the relentless T-800. From the ingenious use of miniatures to the complex choreography required of the stunt performers, the documentary offers a deep dive into the intricate planning and execution of these high-octane set pieces.

Throughout the film, there is a palpable sense of excitement and passion that permeates every aspect of the production. Despite the numerous setbacks and obstacles faced during filming, it's clear that everyone involved in The Terminator was deeply invested in the project and its vision.

By the time the end credits roll, viewers are left with a newfound appreciation for the work that went into creating such an enduring classic. The Making Of: Terminator is a truly fascinating glimpse behind the curtain of one of the most beloved films of all time, and one that any fan of the franchise is sure to appreciate.

The Making Of: Terminator is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.