The Making and Release of the First Terminator Movie
The first Terminator film was born out of a challenging process that crossed over several important years during the 1980s. The principal photography of this groundbreaking film took place in March and April of 1984, marking a significant milestone in the making of one of the most iconic science fiction series to this day. Following the completion of principal photography, the production period entered a detailed editing and post-production phase, continuing into the middle months of 1984. Finally, the film was released in October 1984, bringing this intense period of development to a thrilling conclusion.
Planning and Hitches
The initial plans for the film suggest a release date of 1983. However, these plans were disrupted when Arsenio De Laurentis Productions triggered an option clause in Arnold Schwarzenegger's contract for the role in Conan The Destroyer. This decision required Schwarzenegger to first complete the filming of Conan The Destroyer in 1983, thereby delaying the shooting of the Terminator until 1984. This delay muddied the waters a bit in terms of the film's timeline, creating an interesting piece of trivia.
A Weekoffs and Timeline Curiosities
One small and intriguing detail that adds to the lore of this film is the use of a particular date. When the character Ross (played by Paul Winfield) is interrogated by a police officer at gunpoint, the officer mentions a specific date to him. According to the script, the plot is set in 1984 when Ross says it's "Thursday, May 12th." However, in the actual calendar for 1984, May 12th is a Saturday. In the earlier planned release year of 1983, May 12th was indeed a Thursday. This similarity between the two years led to the deception being maintained in the film without needing to alter the original script.
Production and Release Timeline
Given that the principal photography took place in the late spring of 1984, it would have taken approximately one year for the film to be completed and ready for screening in theaters. Therefore, the film's release date in October 1984 can be seen as a logical consequence of the extended production period. Hence, while the film was conceived and released in 1984, it's important to note that the shooting took place in the year before its release, indicating a complex and meticulous production process that spanned more than just one year.
Conclusion
The making and release of the first Terminator movie is a fascinating journey through the complexities of production timelines, contractual obligations, and the meticulous planning that goes into bringing a groundbreaking film to the screen. From its initial conception in 1983 to its release in 1984, the film's development was marked by both planning and unexpected delays, all culminating in the iconic release that would go on to shape the Terminator franchise.