This movie is an action-packed sci-fi thriller that has
carved out a lasting impression in the hearts of both action movie lovers and
science fiction fans. Released in the American summer of the year 1987, ‘Predator’
was a movie that caught audiences by a whole new surprise. Many associate the
movie with the broader aura of the mid-1980s action movies. The movies were
spammed by iconic one-liners, muscular heroes and “over-the-top” violence. While
it initially appeared to be another testosterone-fuelled action movie which was
typical of the era, it quickly evolved into something far more mind-blowing.
Blending the elements of action, horror and science fiction, Predator cemented
itself as a cultural touchstone of 1980s cinema and transcended it’s genre
trappings. The movie’s impact extended far beyond its initial release, leading
to a sprawling franchise and solidifying its position as one of the best sci-fi
action movies of its era.
However, beneath the surface Predator was full of concealed
production details, innovative storytelling and technical breakthroughs that
are not as well-known as it’s iconic alien design and popular one-liners. Directed
by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role, Predator
offers a unique blend of military action and extra-terrestrial horror. This
movie was also a pivotal part of Arnold’s rise to stardom because it was coming
right after ‘The Terminator’ (1984) but before ‘Total Recall’
(1990). Predator was showcasing his unmatched screen presence during the peak
of his career back then.
The movie blended the explosive intensity of military action
with the terror of an alien hunter which created a unique and lasting impact in
cinema’s history. From the subtextual themes and it’s troubled production
history, it made Predator a movie far ahead of it’s time. For a movie that
started out with relatively modest ambitions, Predator surpassed all
expectations. It transformed into a cult classic and became one of the most
influential movies of all time. Predator has left an indelible mark on
crossovers, pop culture, spawning sequels and filtered out a dedicated fanbase.
There are many lesser-known details, behind-the-scenes challenges and thematic
nuances that have added to its enduring appeal which will be explored. This
blog delves into the movie's background, cinematic techniques, it’s lasting
impact on cinema, plot and themes.
Concept and development
The movie's screenplay was written by the brothers Jim
Thomas and John Thomas. Initially conceived as a standard action movie, the
Thomas brothers introduced the idea of an extra-terrestrial hunter. This idea
immediately transformed the narrative into a unique blend of action and science
fiction. The script went through multiple changes with the earliest drafts
featuring different creatures and settings before arriving at the iconic
Predator concept that we know of today.
Plot overview – From a military mission to existential crisis
The plot of Predator begins with a rescue mission gone awry.
Dutch’s team is sent into the jungles of Central America ostensibly to rescue several
hostages from guerrilla forces. They arrive equipped with excessive confidence,
high-powered weapons and the kind of bravado you'd expect from an elite
military unit in an ’80s action movies. Early on, they make quick work of the
guerrillas and thereby demonstrating their military superiority in explosive
fashion. However, things take a dramatic turn when they find out that they are
being hunted. To their horror, it was not the guerrillas but by technologically
advanced alien who thrives on hunting and killing for sport.
The Predator (as the creature is called) had a brutal
hunting style, cloaking abilities and superior weapons. One by one, Dutch’s
team is taken out and the movie transitions from action-adventure to survival
horror. The predator turns into a seemingly unstoppable force to overcome.
Then, the movie becomes less about defeating an enemy and more about outwitting
and surviving against an incomprehensible invincible threat.
Themes – Masculinity, survival and technology versus nature
1) Instincts and the struggle for survival – Predator
explores the theme of survival in the extremes of life-or-death situations. The
movie contrasts human instincts with the primal nature of the alien hunter. As
the characters lose their lives eventually, the others’ survival instincts kick
in. This is showcasing their adaptability and desperations. The movie raises
questions about what it means to be a hunter and a prey. It also demonstrates
the fragility of the human body about how it is no special from other animals.
Towards the end, Dutch is stripped of all his armour and
weapons. He is left relying on his survival instincts alone. Alone with nobody
to help or weapons, he has to demonstrate his intelligence and learnings from
his military training to outdo this peril. There is no other option but to
create options now. In many ways, the movie challenges the traditional notions
of ’80s masculinity. It goes on to showing that true strength comes not from
muscle but from the ability to adapt and think under pressure.
2) Heroism and masculinity – The movie presents a
hyper-masculine display of heroism with the characters embodying traditional
masculine traits such as bravery, emotional stoicism, experience from conflicts
and physical strength. Dutch represents the archetypal action hero. There’s
also an interesting commentary on masculinity. At the start of the movie,
Dutch’s team is the epitome of macho military bravado. They are confident in
their abilities from swaggering through the jungle with grenades and machine guns.
But as the movie progresses, his vulnerability becomes evident. As the Predator
picks them off one by one, their bravado crumbles which totally begins to
reveal fear and vulnerability. This complexity adds depth to Dutch’s character
and thereby making him relatable amidst all the chaos.
3) Nature versus technology – One of the central themes of
Predator is a contrast between nature and technology. The Predator has advanced
technology on it’s side like advanced tracking devices, breathing mask with
some sort of air supply, climbing as well as leaping abilities, cloaking
technology, contact combat athleticism, infrared-UV vision, physically
intimidating height advantage against humans, plasma ammunitions, sharp
in-built blades and a very scarier face than that of a lion. Yet it ultimately
gets outwitted by Dutch who uses nothing more than his wits and rudimentary
traps.
The clash between advanced technology and the primal
instincts of nature is a routinely surfacing theme in Predator. The Predator's
high-tech weaponry contrasts with the jungle's raw untamed environment. This
juxtaposition serves to highlight the limitations of technology when faced with
the unpredictability of nature. The movie can be seen as a critique of the
over-reliance on technology. It can be seen as an assertion that human
ingenuity and primal instincts are more powerful than any gadget.
The origin – From a joke to a sci-fi blockbuster
One of the most fascinating aspects of Predator’s history is
its somewhat tongue-in-cheek origin. The inspiration for the movie came from an
unlikely source. In Hollywood folklore, the idea for Predator stemmed from a
joke in the mid-1980s about the ‘Rocky’ series. After the success of ‘Rocky
IV’ movie in the year 1985, a joke began circulating in Hollywood that
Rocky had run out of human opponents and would need to fight an alien next in
his next tournament. In that movie, Sylvester Stallone’s character had defeated
the seemingly invincible Russian boxer, Ivan Drago. As he had already conquered
every other human threat, only an alien could be quipped for his next opponent.
Screenwriters Jim and John Thomas took this up seriously and
not as a joke. They began conceiving an idea where an elite military team would
be hunted by an extra-terrestrial being. The original script was titled ‘Hunter’.
However, it was much different from what eventually appeared on the screen as
Predator. In it’s early drafts, the Predator alien was not a technologically
advanced being but more of a brutish and large creature. The plot, even though
focused on a group of soldiers in the jungle, was less refined. It wasn’t until
the project caught the attention of producer Joel Silver that it began to
evolve into the movie we know today. He was known for his work on the movie ‘Lethal
Weapon’ from the year 1987.
Interestingly, the idea of pitting an extra-terrestrial
hunter against elite soldiers turned out to be far more complex and
genre-defying than initially planned. In its final form, Predator became an
exploration of survival and primal fear which was wrapped in the guise of an
action blockbuster.
Casting the commandos – A “who is who?” of the 1980s muscle
At the core, Predator is a story about a team of highly
skilled soldiers who are gradually stripped of their confidence and lives by a
foe that they cannot understand. This kind of dynamic needed a cast that could
believably portray both supreme confidence and vulnerability. Schwarzenegger
was already a proven action star by then; thanks to his hit movies like ‘Conan
the Barbarian’ (1982) and ‘The Terminator’ (1984). But Predator
needed more than just one superstar. The supporting cast reads like a roll call
of 1980s action figures. They are as follows.
John McTiernan as Director – He was well-known for his work
on ‘Die Hard’ and so he was chosen to direct the Predator movie.
McTiernan's expertise in crafting suspenseful narratives contributed
significantly to the movie's pacing and tension.
Carl Weathers as Dillon – He was famous for playing Apollo
Creed in the Rocky series. Weathers brought charisma and tension to the role of
Dillon. Dillon is a CIA agent and Dutch’s former friend. The chemistry and
competition between Weathers’ and Schwarzenegger’s roles is one of the movie's main
highlights. It is punctuated by the now-iconic moment where they clasp hands in
a bicep-bulging arm-wrestling handshake. As a former comrade of Dutch, Dillon
represents the political angle of the mission which adds complexity to the
dynamics of the team.
Jesse Ventura as Blain – A former professional wrestler and the
future governor of Minnesota, Ventura’s character is a walking stereotype of
1980s machismo. Blain’s memorable line “I ain’t got time to bleed” epitomizes
the movie’s over-the-top bravado. Ventura’s presence added to the
testosterone-heavy atmosphere of the movie set. Ventura's character is
memorable for his iconic one-liners and tough persona.
Bill Duke as Mac – Having worked with Schwarzenegger
previously in the movie ‘Commando’ (1985), Duke delivered a nuanced
performance as Mac. Mac is one of the more introspective members of the entire team.
Mac’s steady descent into paranoia adds layers of psychological tension which
ends up providing a contrast to the brash personalities of his comrades. Mac's
emotional journey adds a layer of depth to the narrative as he grapples with
loss of his best friend Blain and revenge for him.
Sonny Landham as Billy – Landham, who had a background in
both acting and politics, played the character of Billy. Billy is the team’s
Native American tracker. His role taps into the “spiritual warrior” archetype
as he senses the danger of the Predator prior to anyone else in the team.
Landham’s stoic character is one of the few who faces the alien on his own
terms which has added to the movie's mythic quality. In an interesting titbit,
Sonny Landham's inclusion in the cast required a full-time bodyguard. However,
it was not to protect him but to protect others from him. Landham had a
reputation for being aggressive and unpredictable 6-foot 5-inch muscular guy.
Hence, the studio insisted on hiring a personal security detail to keep the calm
on set.
Arnold Schwarzenegger as Major Alan Dutch Schaefer – Dutch
is a seasoned military leader known for his charisma and physicality.
Schwarzenegger brought depth to the character by showcasing usual bravado
alongside the role’s vulnerability.
Elpidia Carrillo as Anna – Anna becomes the lone surviving
hostage among those captured by the local guerrilla group. Anna’s character
highlighted themes of desperation, resilience and survival.
Richard Chaves as Poncho – Poncho serves as a voice of
reason within the group. He is often seen to be advocating for caution.
Kevin Peter Hall as the Predator – Hall's portrayal of the
alien hunter using body language and physicality made the character both
fascinating and terrifying. He out-performed the role and made the Predator
behave like a legit non-Earthly creature. The movie makers wanted the audience
to see the man behind the Predator and hence made him appear as the helicopter
pilot who is sent to retrieve the survivors. Hall appears wearing sunglasses
and speaks a single line in the movie at the closing. 3 years after the movie,
Kevin Peter Hall unfortunately passed away from a blood transfusion aftermath.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was always the top choice for the role
of Dutch who was the team’s leader. The character of Dutch is the last one
standing who has to ultimately rely on his brute strength and jungle smarts to
outwit the alien. Schwarzenegger wasn’t the only imposing figure on set. The
entire cast of commandos was carefully chosen for their physicality. Carl
Weathers was a former professional football player and had already gained fame
as Apollo Creed in the Rocky series. Jesse Ventura was a former Navy SEAL and a
professional wrestler which further emphasized the macho and larger-than-life
presence of the soldiers. Sonny Landham was also known for his intense
physicality and personal toughness. In fact, Landham was considered so volatile
off-camera that the studio hired a bodyguard to protect others from his short
fuse.
The casting of the Predator itself was also a critical
factor. Initially, the Predator was played by Jean-Claude Van Damme who was an
up-and-coming martial artist at the time. However, Van Damme's smaller stature of
5-foot and 9-inches compared to Schwarzenegger and the rest of the cast made
the Predator seem less intimidating. Moreover, Van Damme was reportedly unhappy
with his role. He felt underutilized from being confined by the cumbersome
suit. After two days of shooting, Van Damme was replaced by Kevin Peter Hall.
He was a 7-foot 2-inches tall actor whose towering height gave the Predator the
imposing presence it had justifiably needed. Hall’s experience playing large
creatures in movies helped him navigate the complex heavy suit while giving the
Predator an otherworldly physicality. He would later go on to portray Harry in
‘Harry and the Hendersons’ before passing away later.
Primal fear – Subtle story layers
While Predator is often known as a straightforward action
movie, it contains deeper thematic layers. The movie’s real focus is on the
primal battle between man and nature as Dutch is stripped of his highest
quality weapons and forced to rely solely on his wits and survival instincts.
This man versus nature theme is further emphasized when the highly trained and
technologically advanced commandos are picked off one by one by the Predator.
It unfortunately is a creature that relies on both it’s advanced weaponry and
it’s animalistic hunting skills.
There’s also a fascinating exploration of masculinity and
vulnerability in Predator. At the beginning of the movie, Dutch and his team
are the epitome of the '80s action hero of being invincible and
hyper-masculine. They demonstrate their physical prowess, joke around and talk
tough. But as the Predator starts hunting them, their confidence wanes away.
They become nervous and lose their cool. The movie slowly strips away the
layers of toughness which goes on to expose their fear, helplessness and ultimately,
their mortality.
A terrifying foe
What makes Predator so forever memorable is the antagonist
of the movie. The Predator is an alien creature from a very distant planet that
has landed on Earth. It has discovered humans who are bipedal like itself and
develops a habit of hunting humans for sport. It keeps collecting trophies from
the kills which is usually the skulls of it’s dead victims. Unlike the typical
horror movie monsters, the Predator has a kind of twisted honour code. It only
hunts those who pose an immediate threat to it. Anyone carrying a weapon like
knife or guns become it’s prime targets and it won't kill unarmed individuals. The
character identifies this trait of the Predator and understands who it’s
targets are. He kicks off the gun from the arms of Anna when she seizes a valid
opportunity to shoot the Predator.
This adds a layer of complexity to the character which goes
beyond just being a mindless serial-killing machine. The design of the Predator
was ground-breaking for that time. Stan Winston is a renowned special effects
artist who showed his work on the movies Jurassic Park and The Terminator. It
was his creativity that brought the Predator creature to life. His work ended
up creating one of the most iconic monsters in movie history. The creature’s
dreadlock-like appendages and mandibles which were equipped with high-tech
hunting gear made it both intimidating and lifelike. In the movie’s final act,
the Predator removes it’s face mask to reveal its grotesque insect-like face
which Schwarzenegger’s Dutch famously describes with the now-legendary line
"You are one ugly…".
A “last-minute” makeover – Designing the Predator
The design of the Predator which we see on screen was not
the original concept. Initially, the creature was designed to be much less
humanoid. It was designed with a longer neck, a more insect-like appearance and
a head that resembled a long and narrow dog skull. It’s face resembled a bird’s
beak with mandibles. The original suit was awkward too and didn't work on
camera particularly in those thick jungle settings. In fact, Jean-Claude Van
Damme was originally cast as the Predator to take advantage of his agility and
martial arts skills. Van Damme, however, was unhappy with his role after
finding the suit uncomfortable and the suit was too limiting for him to show
off his fighting techniques. Post Van Damme’s exit, the series of issues with
the original creature design also came up.
After days of frustrated filming with the poorly designed
costume, the moviemakers halted production. They went back to the drawing board
in order to fix the Predator’s design. This is where Stan Winston, the
legendary special effects master, was brought in. Winston was called in to
re-imagine the Predator. His incredible work resulted in the creature that we
recognize today. It became iconic with its dreadlock-like hair, insectoid
mandibles and reptilian skin. During a plane ride with James Cameron (director
of Aliens in 1986) to Japan, Cameron had casually mentioned how he always
wanted to see a monster with mandibles. Winston created the new Predator design
after taking up on this idea. He was sketching the creature after being
inspired by James Cameron. The new design immediately clicked with the moviemakers
and became one of the most signature creature designs in movie history.
Winston’s redesign included the Predator’s distinctive
dreadlocks, menacing body armour and it’s technologically advanced weaponry.
The combination of it’s tribal aesthetics and futuristic technology made the
Predator extremely formidable to humans. Winston’s work didn’t just stop at the
look of the creature. The Predator’s thermal vision which was used to hunt it’s
prey was also becoming a technical challenge. Filming the jungle through a
thermal imaging camera was impossible at the time due to the natural heat of
the environment. Hence, the special effects team had to use a mixture of colourization
and thermal imaging to create the Predator’s point of view.
The final product was brought to life by 7’2” actor Kevin
Peter Hall. He had previously portrayed creatures in movies. Hall’s fluid
movements and imposing size gave the Predator its fearsome physicality. It was
contrasting the brute strength of Schwarzenegger’s Dutch with the alien’s
agility and intelligence.
The stage – Cold war and ’80s action cinema
The 1980s were an era of high-octane action movies dominated
by “larger-than-life” heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis and Sylvester
Stallone. Movies from this era often reflected Cold War anxieties. They were
purely focusing on themes of military prowess, survival and the ever-looming
threat of the "other". It didn’t matter whether that
"other" was a foreign army or a country or hostile forces and in the
case of Predator, an extraterrestrial hunter.
Released during a time when Reagan-era masculinity and
militarism were glorified, Predator plays into these themes while also
subverting them in interesting ways. The movie starts out like any typical ’80s
action movie. A team of elite commandos is sent into the jungle on what seems
like a straightforward rescue mission. Led by Major Alan ‘Dutch’
Schaefer (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger), the team is composed of a colourful
group of soldiers. They each possess distinct personalities and skills. Together,
they represented the epitome of military competence.
Behind the scenes | The making of Predator
One of the most fascinating aspects of Predator is the
chaotic behind-the-scenes story that nearly derailed the production work. The
original concept for the movie was significantly different from what we ended
up seeing on screen. In fact, the first version of the Predator alien looked
vastly different. It was a far cry from the iconic hunter that we recognize
today. The creature was originally designed to be insect-like with a long neck
and a more agile humanoid appearance. Jean-Claude Van Damme, who would later
become famous as an action star in his own right, was cast to play the
Predator. The idea was that Van Damme who was known for his agility and martial
arts skills would bring a unique physicality to the role which would make the
Predator an agile, fast and athletic creature. However, things did not go as
planned. Van Damme was unhappy with the costume and his role in the movie.
The original Predator suit was bulky, cumbersome and odd to
wear. It also hindered many stunt movements which frustrated Van Damme. His
vision of the creature clashed with the moviemakers’ portrayal who needed a
more imposing presence to match the movie’s larger-than-life tone. After
several weeks of frustration, Van Damme left the project and the production was
put on hold to rethink the design of the creature. This delay turned out to be
a blessing in disguise. Special effects artist Stan Winston, who had worked on The
Terminator, was brought in to redesign the Predator. The final creature with it’s
dreadlock-like appendages, menacing mandibles and terrifying mask, was far more
fearsome and iconic than the original design. In fact, Winston’s design would
go on to inspire not just the rest of the franchise but creature design in
sci-fi movies for decades.
To add to the impact, Kevin Peter Hall replaced Van Damme,
giving the Predator a towering intimidating physical presence that made it such
an effective villain. During the movie's production, there was also a degree of
real-life tension between the cast members. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl
Weathers (who played Dillon), Jesse Ventura (who played Blain) and the other
actors were all former athletes and bodybuilders. There was a sense of
competition on set. Schwarzenegger and Ventura, in particular, had a friendly
rivalry.
According to Ventura, he once bet Schwarzenegger that his arms
were bigger than Schwarzenegger’s arms. The wardrobe department measured both
men and Schwarzenegger "allowed" Ventura to win by giving the
wardrobe team false measurements. Only later did Ventura find out that he’d
been tricked by Schwarzenegger who always knew how to stoke the fires of
friendly competition on set.
The action and visuals
The action in Predator is nonstop which is one of the movie’s
defining features. McTiernan knew how to create tension and keep the audience continuously
on edge. The movie’s jungle setting plays a vital role in this story. It is
offering both a lush beautiful backdrop and a claustrophobic environment where
danger lurks behind every shadow and tree. The jungle becomes a character in
itself. It’s dense, foreboding and humid. As Dutch’s team gets hunted down, the
action intensifies. Schwarzenegger is in peak physical condition for Predator
and the movie’s choreography showcases his athleticism and strength.
However, Predator doesn’t rely solely on explosions and
gunfights (though there are plenty of those). The final showdown between Dutch
and the Predator is more cerebral than physical. Dutch has to outsmart this
creature by relying on his knowledge of the jungle and on primitive traps to
gain the upper hand. This final act brings the movie full circle of reducing
the conflict to a primal battle for survival by stripping away the use of high-tech
weaponry.
Cinematic techniques
Special effects – The movie is renowned for it’s
ground-breaking special effects especially in the design of the Predator itself.
The creature was brought to life through a combination of practical effects and
innovative filming techniques. The use of the Predator's camouflage effect was
revolutionary at that time which was successful in creating a sense of mystery
and threat.
Sound and score – The score (composed by Alan Silvestri)
plays a crucial role in building tension throughout the movie. The music shifts
from suspenseful to exhilarating during action sequences which enhanced the
viewer's emotional experience. The sound design that included the Predator's
unique vocalizations added to the movie's eerie atmosphere.
Cinematography and Direction – John McTiernan's direction is
characterized by his ability to create suspense and tension. The movie's
cinematography was handled by Donald McAlpine. It features dynamic camera work
that immerses the audience in the jungle environment. Techniques such as rapid
cuts and tight framing during action sequences helped keep viewers on the edge
of their seats.
The jungle | A real ordeal – Filming challenges
The jungle setting in Predator wasn’t just a backdrop. It
was a real location. Filming took place in the dense jungles of Puerto Vallarta
in Mexico. It became a source of misery for the cast and crew. While the lush
greenery and dense foliage created an immersive claustrophobic environment on
screen, it also presented logistical nightmares.
Health issues – The cast and crew frequently fell ill due to
poor food quality and unsanitary water. Both Schwarzenegger and McTiernan later
recounted that almost everyone involved in the production experienced some form
of gastrointestinal distress during filming. Schwarzenegger lost over 25 pounds
due to illness and the physically demanding role.
Noise pollution – The jungle also proved to be an acoustic
challenge. Being a densely forested location, it was home to everything in the
wild. The sounds of wildlife, wind and the noisy environment were so
overpowering that much of the dialogue had to be re-recorded in
post-production.
Temperatures – The high humidity and searing heat took a
toll on everyone involved. To make matters worse, some of the final battle
scenes were shot at night in freezing temperatures. Arnold Schwarzenegger was
covered in mud for hours for the ending night time shots. The mud was not just
for show. It was actually made from a mix of pottery clay that became cold and
rigid as the evening progressed. Schwarzenegger described the process as
torturous. He keeps recounting how his body temperature dropped so low that he
had to be warmed between takes with blankets and hot lamps. Despite routine attempts
to keep him warm with blankets and lights, it was one of the most challenging
sequences of the movie to complete. The jungle was thick with humidity and
working in such an environment posed health risks.
Terrain – The jungle terrain was extremely treacherous. The
topography was unpredictable. Due to uneven terrain, it always had bad weather
at places. It’s terrain brought logistical problems. Transporting between
different areas of the jungle with equipment and heavy costumes was gruelling.
Despite these challenges, McTiernan made the most of the
environment by using the jungle’s atmosphere and density to heighten the movie’s
sense of dread. The jungle became a character in it’s own right by offering
both concealment for the Predator and a constant sense of looming terror for
Dutch and his team.
Deconstructing the Predator as a metaphor
On the surface, Predator fits neatly within the 1980s mould
of hyper-masculine action movies. From its all-male cast of muscle-bound
commandos to the firefights and heavy artillery, it’s a love letter to
militaristic machismo. However, beneath this facade, the movie deconstructs the
very notion of masculinity that it appears to glorify. While Predator can be
enjoyed as a straightforward action movie, many critics and scholars have dug
deeper into its themes.
They’ve written it off as a metaphor for colonialism and the
US intervention in foreign countries. The movie’s setting of the dense hostile
jungle evokes comparisons to the Vietnam War which remained a conflict still
fresh in the minds of many in the 1980s. Dutch’s team of elite commandos could
be seen as a metaphor for American military intervention who are charging into
a foreign land with confidence and firepower but only to be decimated by an
enemy who they cannot overpower and do not understand.
The Predator itself can be seen as a metaphor for the
"other" that Americans feared during the Cold War era. The creature
is technologically superior but operates in a primal and savage way. Just like
the way some Americans viewed communist forces or insurgent groups in countries
like Afghanistan, Nicaragua and Vietnam. The fact that the Predator hunts for
sport and takes trophies from it’s kills could also be interpreted as a
reflection of how colonial powers (including the U.S.) have historically
exploited other countries for power and resources.
In this context, Predator becomes more than just an action
movie. It is a critique of American overconfidence in it’s military might and a
warning about the dangers of underestimating an unknown enemy. The movie subtly
plays with these themes by having Dutch’s team gradually lose their
technological advantage. One by one, they become devoid of their arms and
gadgets until in the final confrontation, it’s just Dutch versus the Predator.
It boils down simply to man versus beast with nothing but their physical
prowess and wits to determine the outcome.
From another context, Dutch and his team represent the
pinnacle of human physicality and military power. Armed with the latest weapons
and exuding unshakable confidence, they are seemingly invincible but only to
other humans. The Predator clinically and premeditatedly takes away this veneer
of invincibility. One by one, the commandos are outmatched and outwitted by the
creature. The Predator keeps reducing their advanced military technology and brute
strength to nothing more than weaknesses. By the time Dutch faces the Predator
alone, he is devoid of any weapons and is reduced to relying only on primitive
tools. He ends up crafting traps from sticks and stones. This reversal where muscle
and technology fail, survival depends on adaptability and intelligence. The movie
offers a subtle critique of the hyper-masculine, "shoot first, think
later" ethos of the 1980s action hero.
Reception and reviews
Upon its official release, Predator received mixed reviews
from critics. They praised it’s action sequences but criticized it’s plot.
However, audiences embraced the movie which led it to a strong box office
performance. Over time, the movie has been re-evaluated and is now considered a
classic. Today, it’s often cited as one of the best action movies from the
1980s era.
Evolution of the franchise
While the original Predator stands as a classic, the
franchise that followed has been a performer with varying levels of success. Following
the first movie's success, a range of merchandise was produced collectibles,
toys and video games. The Predator franchise expanded with several sequels such
as Predator 2 (1990), Predators (2010) and The Predator (2018). The crossover movies
with the ‘Alien’ franchise has also showcased the Predator’s enduring
popularity.
After the first movie, a direct sequel titled ‘Predator 2’
was released in the year 1990. The action migrated from the jungles to the
urban environment of Los Angeles. Danny Glover took over as the lead in
Predator 2. He played a cop caught in the middle of a brutal gang war but only
to discover that a Predator is also hunting the city’s criminals. Predator 2
expanded on the mythology of the Predator by showing that the alien species has
been visiting Earth for centuries and collecting trophies from the best human
warriors.
In one of the movie’s most famous scenes, a Predator is
shown to possess a collection of skulls from various species including an Alien
(Xenomorph) skull. This scene was sort of teasing the possibility of a
crossover with the Alien franchise. This moment would eventually lead to the ‘Alien
vs Predator’ movies. All those movies were met with far less critical
success than the original movies. After Predator 2, the franchise lay dormant
for a while. However, it remained popular through comic books, novels and video
games.
In the year 2010, ‘Predators’ was released. It was a movie
that returned to the roots of the original by taking a group of elite warriors
and dropping them onto a remote jungle on a totally different planet where they
are hunted by a group of Predators. This movie received a somewhat warmer
reception since it tried to recapture the tension and survivalist tone of the
1987 original.
In the year 2018, Shane Black (played Hawkins in the
original Predator movie) returned to the franchise as a director with ‘The
Predator’. This movie was intended to be a big-budget reboot but it was
criticized for it’s convoluted plot, over-reliance on CGI effects and uneven
tone. It did, however, add some new elements to the Predator mythology. It had
the idea that the species is attempting to improve itself genetically by
hunting the best warriors from various planets in the cosmos.
Predator’s influence on cinema and pop culture
When Predator was released in June of the year 1987, it
wasn’t immediately hailed as a masterpiece but it earned over $98 million.
Critics had mixed reviews while the movie did well at the box office. It wasn’t
seen as ground-breaking back then. However, in the years that followed, Predator’s
reputation grew and it is now considered one of the greatest action movies of
all time. The influence of Predator on both action and science fiction movies
is profound.
The movie helped popularize the concept of elite soldiers
being pitted against a non-human adversary. This would become a theme that
would be revisited in movies like Aliens (1986), Pitch Black (2000) and even
video games like ‘Halo’. The Predator itself became a pop culture icon.
It went on to spawn comic books, crossovers with the Alien franchise, merchandise,
sequels and video games. Even the movie’s one-liners, particularly
Schwarzenegger’s ‘Get to the choppa’, ‘If it bleeds, we can kill it’
and ‘You’re one ugly…’ have become ingrained in pop culture. These lines
are frequently parodied and referenced in everything from memes to TV shows to
video games.
Predator has had a lasting influence on the action and
sci-fi genres. Its blend of action, horror and science fiction has set a new
standard for future movies. The character of the Predator has become iconic in
inspiring countless imitations and homages in movie and television.
A franchise is born – The movie’s cultural legacy
Looking back, Predator remains a landmark movie because it
successfully blended so many genres in cinema like drama, horror, military
action, science fiction and thriller into a cohesive and entertaining
experience. It’s innovative creature design, primal themes of survival and relentless
pacing gives it a timeless quality. Though it’s often viewed as a typical ’80s
action flick on the surface, a closer look reveals a movie that is layered with
deeper meaning and subtext. It greatly explores themes of human vulnerability,
the hubris of technology and the primal nature of survival. Over time, Predator
gained a loyal following and it’s popularity began to spread.
Predator continues to inspire new generations of audiences and
moviemakers alike. It’s legacy lives on in the countless movies, TV shows and
games that have drawn from its ground-breaking blend of genres. In a cinematic
era where superheroes and CGI rule the box office, Predator serves as a
reminder of the visceral primal power of storytelling that doesn’t rely solely
on technology but taps into something deeper within us. It taps into the fear
of being hunted, of facing an unknown threat and the fight for survival against
all odds. The combination of military action with extra-terrestrial threats
became a popular trope in the decades that followed. Schwarzenegger’s star
power made it a favourite among audiences. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself has
acknowledged the movie’s importance in his career by often revisiting his role
as Dutch in interviews and promotional material for future Predator-related
projects ever since.
Unknown facts and trivia
Beyond its production drama, Predator is filled with
interesting and lesser-known titbits that deepen fans' appreciation for the movie.
The Predator’s blood – The glowing green blood of the
Predator was achieved using a mixture of glow stick fluid and K-Y Jelly. The
effect was surprisingly simple but incredibly effective in creating a sense of
otherworldly biology.
Arnold’s wedding – During filming, Arnold Schwarzenegger had
to leave the set temporarily to get married. He had wedded Maria Shriver in
April 1986 during the production of the Predator movie. The filming resumed
afterwards and it’s said that Schwarzenegger was in such great spirits from his
recent marriage which added to the camaraderie on set.
Actual military training – To prepare for their roles as
elite soldiers, the cast underwent intensive military training in real. The
actors were trained in the use of firearms and military tactics by technical
advisor Gary Goldman. He was a former U.S. Army sergeant who had worked closely
with the cast to ensure authenticity.
Tough conditions – The filming location in the Mexican
jungle wasn’t just an easy “walk in the park”. It presented genuine challenges
for the cast and crew. Many of the actors including Schwarzenegger, suffered
from dehydration, food poisoning and insect bites due to the harsh wild environment.
The oppressive heat and humidity also took a toll but it greatly helped add to
the gritty realism in the movie.
The Predator’s vision – The infrared vision’s effect used to
simulate the Predator’s point of view wasn’t achieved through actual thermal
imaging technology. Instead, the moviemakers used infrared photography and
overlaid it with different colour filters in the post-production. It succeeded
in giving a sense of the Predator’s alien sight.
A timeless action-horror-science fiction classic
Predator is a quintessential 1980s action movie but it’s
also more than that. It transcends the typical macho posturing of its era by
offering a tense atmosphere and often terrifying experience. The movie’s blend
of action, horror and science fiction coupled with Schwarzenegger’s memorable
performance and the unforgettable design of the Predator, makes it a timeless
classic. It’s a movie that continues to entertain audiences and inspire moviemakers
more than three decades after it’s release. For fans of the genre, Predator
remains a must-watch and an enduring reminder of the power of primal
storytelling, even in the midst of a high-tech sci-fi setting.
Conclusion – Predator matters forever
Over three decades after its release, Predator remains one
of the most beloved action-sci-fi movies ever made. The enduring appeal of Predator
is because it’s a movie that can be enjoyed on multiple levels. Doesn’t matter
whether you’re watching it the fascinating creature design or the deeper themes
lurking beneath the surface or simply for the thrilling action, it’s enjoyable.
It’s straightforward yet compelling premise coupled with a strong central
performance from Arnold Schwarzenegger, ensures that it remains a benchmark for
the genre. Beyond that, Predator is a movie that rewards repeat viewings. The
tense pacing, the claustrophobic jungle setting, and the slow reveal of the
Predator’s capabilities keep audiences engaged even after they know the story.
The movie’s legacy continues to grow as new generations discover its unique
blend of thrills and chills. It has a memorable hero and a memorable villain,
even though it’s fictional. Predator remains a testament to the power of
practical effects, smart directing and unforgettable creature design in
creating a cinematic experience that stands the test of all times. Whether
you’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it for the hundredth, it
continues to captivate and entertain.
Disclaimer : All the pictures in this post is licensed
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