I’ve seen this film many times, as well as all its sequels
(which varied in quality) and even the Alien vs Predator spin-off films, which
were again either a hit or miss. But nothing really compares to the original
“Predator”, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and a bunch of other tough guys, who
find themselves lost in the jungle, and getting picked off one by one.
I recently rewatched the film for my podcast, as one of my
guests wanted to talk about it. We shared our love of the film for all the
obvious reasons; Arnie, the Predator, the action, etc. But my guest also helped
me realise something about this film I hadn’t really picked up on before; it’s
brilliant way of bending genres.
When I looked at it again from that perspective, I could see
more than ever how this film seamlessly and very successfully, changes genres,
styles and tones several times throughout the movie, without compromising its
quality, or deviating from its purpose. First, it’s an action film, where our
super commandoes with names like Dutch, Mac and Blain, sneak behind enemy
lines, deep in the South American jungle. They find a private army, pick them
off like it’s just another day at the office, then head out.
Then, something is watching them, and we get to see this
through the mystery visitor’s eyes. Via infrared, or heat seeking vision, it is
obviously not of this world- and the films science-fiction element kicks in.
But as the Predator gets the taste for blood, it starts to pick off these
seemingly untouchable soldiers one by one, in brutal fashion. Moving like a
phantom through the jungle, using the trees as camouflage, it can’t be
predicted, seen or stopped – much like an inhuman killer in a slasher flick. And
so, our film switches genres again.
Since delving deeper into this film with my guest on my
podcast recently, my appreciation for it has only grown. Relishing in the
genius of the Predators design, and how much that has impacted society and
popular culture almost forty years later is amazing. The way Schwarzenegger
flipped his image to now be the guy being hunted and running for his life,
unlike his usual characters like “The Terminator” or John Matrix in “Commando.”
It’s a film I will never tire from watching, and as more
time goes by and I look at even more closely than before with this new
appreciation, my love for the film will only grow as well.
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