I think that most people wouldn't expect to see "T2" compared with films like "Ben Hur", "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago" but it belongs in the same category as these legendary films. Really, why couldn't "T2" be put along side other classic films of this century, other than the fact that it isn't old enough to be considered a classic yet. I would like to breakdown "T2" so that it can be seen that it does deserve its own pedestal.
First of all, in order to understand the subtext of its incredible story, you must stripe away all the eye candy, the special effects, the stunts, the violence and look at the core of the story. In essence, "T2" is a film about the human spirit; its uniqueness, its power, its separation from that of the machine. We see how the human race has digressed in time, how the ability of the human mind was taken for granted in order turn the fate of the human race over to a machine. In fact, the entire existence of our race is defined and ultimately control and destroyed by a machine (Skynet). The film is about the conflict between man and machine, their resistances to one another and their dependence on each. This is a very serious subject that affects all of us. "T2"'s story explores and gives a result to this and does it in a manner which is extremely entertaining. Its story is genius, incredibly importance to all of us and told in such a way that we learn and have fun simultaneously.
Now, we can talk about why it is a modern classic. "T2" incorporates all the elements which make up a great action flick. A big star (in fact, the biggest), stellar special effects, high octane action, a strong conflict between good and evil, great stunt work and lots of fun and excitement. Put the appropriate amount of these contemporary visuals together with a great story filled with strong human emotion and you have a "Ben Hur" for the 90s. James Cameron is all to familar with knowing what viewers want to see and need to know. Look within "T2" and you may find that the movie is, in fact, a film. (Look for a Director's Cut with 18 additional minutes which heighten the emotion elements of the film)
First of all, in order to understand the subtext of its incredible story, you must stripe away all the eye candy, the special effects, the stunts, the violence and look at the core of the story. In essence, "T2" is a film about the human spirit; its uniqueness, its power, its separation from that of the machine. We see how the human race has digressed in time, how the ability of the human mind was taken for granted in order turn the fate of the human race over to a machine. In fact, the entire existence of our race is defined and ultimately control and destroyed by a machine (Skynet). The film is about the conflict between man and machine, their resistances to one another and their dependence on each. This is a very serious subject that affects all of us. "T2"'s story explores and gives a result to this and does it in a manner which is extremely entertaining. Its story is genius, incredibly importance to all of us and told in such a way that we learn and have fun simultaneously.
Now, we can talk about why it is a modern classic. "T2" incorporates all the elements which make up a great action flick. A big star (in fact, the biggest), stellar special effects, high octane action, a strong conflict between good and evil, great stunt work and lots of fun and excitement. Put the appropriate amount of these contemporary visuals together with a great story filled with strong human emotion and you have a "Ben Hur" for the 90s. James Cameron is all to familar with knowing what viewers want to see and need to know. Look within "T2" and you may find that the movie is, in fact, a film. (Look for a Director's Cut with 18 additional minutes which heighten the emotion elements of the film)