The James Cameron movie Arnold Schwarzenegger called “a straight 10”
Hollywood’s action blockbusters have become synonymous with colossal figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, emblematic of the allure of the industry’s meticulously crafted fantasies. The methodology of the movie industry in the action genre has significantly impacted global cinematic spectacles, influencing action films across various regions — from extravagant Bollywood productions to enthralling South Korean thrillers.
Because of culturally influential works like The Terminator, Schwarzenegger has remained a pivotal figure in the progression of action films for an extended period. In previous discussions, the esteemed actor has candidly mentioned the movies that have motivated him to refine his skills and surpass his own boundaries. While highlighting these cinematic gems, Schwarzenegger has also delved into some of his favourite movies of all time.
One of his picks may surprise some, especially considering its status as one of the defining epic love romances of a generation. Nonetheless, it is James Cameron’s blockbuster hit Titanic. “Titanic is just — the storytelling, and the size of it, the visual effects…the first thing was just brilliantly — every character was brilliantly fleshed out,” Schwarzenegger said. “Which is typical Cameron. He’s just so good at that. And then, he adds the action.”
Schwarzenegger added: “You know, which is what everyone looks forward to. Everyone knows the story of Titanic and that it’s going to hit an iceberg. So you just wait the whole movie for that major crash; but then in the meantime, he builds all these stories and all the relationships — all the different characters and all that. I thought that it was just really well done, visual effects, personal stories about people, the character’s development, the action, and then the end. The emotional roller coaster ride was –and the music. Everything was a straight 10.”
Regarding other action greats, Schwarzenegger also commends Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. “And then The Godfather, I think, when you talk about action movies, the combined story with action,” Schwarzenegger said. “And again, you know, really well-fleshed-out characters and all that. I mean Godfather is without any doubt one of the best of that kind. And it happens to be that Al Ruddy, who produced it, is a good friend of mine also. And he has, of course, the best stories of during the making of Godfather. Really wonderful stories.”
Schwarzenegger similarly acknowledged Michael Crichton’s highly influential sci-fi western, Westworld, as a source that influenced his approach to action films. He noted: “Now that’s not — kind of — the most known movie, but it just had the most profound impact on me — what got me to be really interested in playing The Terminator. Because Yul Brynner plays a machine that malfunctions, and it’s a very well-made movie, a very well-written movie.”
Discussing other favoured classics, the actor discussed Clint Eastwood’s 1992 revisionist western Unforgiven. Recipient of numerous Academy Awards, Eastwood’s distinctive project served as both a homage to the genre that shaped his career and a sincere endeavour to construct something fresh from its exhausted conventions.
Talking about Eastwood, Schwarzenegger said: “I always idolised him since before I came over to America. I loved his western movies and followed his career very closely, then became friends with him and really admired him.”
