Man Vs. Machine

Man vs. Machine

Since the yearly Fifties science fiction movies have depicted robots as very sophisticated machines built by humans to perform complex operations, to work with humans in safe critical missions, in hostile environments, or more often to pilot and control spaceships in galactic travels. At the same time, however, intelligent robots have also been depicted as dangerous machines, capable of working against man through wicked plans. In the Terminator the view of the future is even more catastrophic: robots will become intelligent and self-aware and will take over the human race.

The dual implication often accredited to science fiction robots represents the clear look of desire and fear that man has towards his technology. From one hand, in fact, man projects in a robot his wild desire of immortality, holds in a powerful and indestructible artificial being, which intellective, sensory, and motor capabilities are much more amplified than that of a normal man.

English: Arnold Schwarzenegger in July 2003

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C23742-34, President Reagan having a photo taken w...

On the other hand, however, there is a fear that a too advanced technology can get out of control, acting against man.

The Terminator saga is not just a collection of Terminator, and T2. Instead the saga is one of a continuing storyline that in many ways has spanned all of man's existence. Machines and technology have always presented temporary change and adversity for man to overcome. A machine may simplify a process but take away the livelihood of a few. From the days of horse drawn carriage drivers fearing being replaced by a key turned automobile, to today's computer controlled manufacturing environments; workers have always feared of being replaced by "machine".

The strength of the Terminator movies is the singular humanoid T-800 Terminators one of which is played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Clothed in armor, with the human body's shape and form, it presents...