Terminator Vault by Ian Nathan Book Review

James Cameron, a struggling director recently fired from Piranha II was searching for new ideas from his modest, dreary apartment in Rome, Italy. His depressed state of mind found an outlet in an idea about alienation and “how we become inhuman, how society and technology can dehumanize.” The Terminator was born in those moments of personal despair and frustration for Cameron.

Ian Nathan’s impressive new book Terminator Vault details the development and production of The Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) with interviews, concept drawings, storyboards, scripts, behind-the-scenes special effects and 170 color photographs. We learn how Cameron sold the film rights to The Terminator for $1 with the understanding he would direct the film. How first choice for the lead role was Cameron’s close friend Lance Henriksen with O.J. Simpson not far behind (although Cameron firmly rejected the studio’s mention of Simpson). Upon meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger Cameron knew he had his T-800 and the original concept of “a lean, mean infiltrator” as envisioned in Henriksen’s original depiction would be transformed into “a killing machine with an endoskeleton”.

We also learn that Jennifer Jason Leigh and Rosanna Arquette were the top choices for Sarah Connor until Linda Hamilton secured the role. A role partly inspired by Cameron’s former girlfriend, Sharon Williams, who worked as a waitress at ‘Bob’s Big Boy’.

The major success of The Terminator attracted the detractors and those marking territory. When author Harlan Ellison filed a lawsuit claiming similarities to his published and filmed work on The Outer Limits television series Orion and Hemdale capitulated. Cameron was left to boil while a gag order stayed in effect. When it was finally lifted he called Ellison “a parasite who can kiss my ass.”

Nathan’s book includes many personal viewpoints of interest from the backstory of those involved in the films. A must-have for any Terminator fan as the 30th Anniversary of the franchise approaches . Highly recommended.

Terminator Vault:

The Complete Story Behind the Making of the Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgement Day

By Ian Nathan

Publication Date: October 15, 2013

ISBN: 9780760344767

Hardcover with Slipcase

176 pages with 170 color photos

$40.00 US | $44.00 CAN