Ranking John McTiernan Films: Why ‘Predator’ is a Genre-Bending Classic

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#5 in my Ranking of John McTiernan films.

One intriguing aspect of the film Predator, from a storytelling point of view, lies in its ability to transition between genres after approximately 30 minutes. It initially adopts the characteristics of a high-octane 80s action movie, featuring an impressive action sequence spearheaded by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s muscular lead character, and seemingly wraps up the plot. However, for the following hour or so, it transforms into another movie with a different narrative focus.

The initial half hour of this action film presents a rapid, gritty sequence. A team of top-notch mercenaries is assigned by a CIA agent to infiltrate another nation and retrieve a foreign minister. In this brief period, each character is subtly distinguished from the others; one is portrayed as a womanizer, another as a jokester, and the remainder are visually distinct. As they journey towards a secluded rebel base hidden deep within the jungle, subtle suggestions of otherworldly threats are hinted at but largely overshadowed by the focus on their mission.

The assault on the base exemplifies the over-the-top action movie style popular in the 80s, featuring witty one-liners from Arnold Schwarzenegger, massive explosions, heavy gunfire, and a skillfully executed knife strike to the abdomen from a distance. The narrative concludes when Arnold discovers that his former comrade, Dillon the CIA operative, had deceived them by claiming there was a foreign minister in distress. In reality, they were pursuing a cache of documents instead. This revelation adds a touch of internal conflict among the group as they make their way back to the extraction point, where Dillon’s trustworthiness is questioned.

Towards the closing stages of the attack, we finally receive solid evidence that there’s another presence in the jungle with them. I must admit, the Predator’s perspective is fascinating, using what appears to be thermal imaging to perceive the world. It’s not just a simple filter over an image; it’s something almost extraterrestrial that we have to decipher in a new and unique manner.

The movie transitions at this point from an ordinary 80s action flick into something quite different – a chilling monster movie with a claustrophobic setting that occurs outdoors but keeps the creature largely hidden. While I think the initial half hour is decent, if not exceptionally remarkable, the rest of the film takes a completely unexpected turn. It morphs into a survival horror story where the protagonist faces a formidable and intelligent adversary. Notably, this antagonist undergoes no less than three separate unveilings, each one more thrilling than the last.

During their pursuit, only Arnold and the young woman remain, captives of our recognizable hired guns. The killings grow increasingly intricate and gruesome. One delightful aspect of this movie lies in its intelligent characters – both the hunter and hunted possess keen minds. The mercenaries devise traps; the predator skillfully navigates around them. This film presents a game of cat-and-mouse, where it’s luck that guides Arnold to camouflage himself (one might wonder if the mud wouldn’t eventually warm up to Arnold’s body temperature?). The ensuing large confrontation is the result. A particularly thrilling scene is when Arnold attempts to ensnare the predator, only for it to outsmart him and evade the trap. This moment demonstrates the cunning and strength of both characters as adversaries.

Absolutely, the design of this creature is impressive. As I mentioned earlier, the predator has three intriguing reveals. The initial reveal showcases his light-bending camouflage. The second moment comes when he discards his mask, giving us a glimpse of his fearsome visage. The final unveiling happens when he removes his mask entirely, revealing his complex and grotesque jaws beneath. Each time the creature appears, he’s progressively revealing more, and it’s quite thrilling, evoking memories of the xenomorph’s shape-shifting form in Alien.

Initially, the film’s first act might seem basic with underdeveloped characters, but its unique style and impressive execution set it apart. This movie is an entertaining monster flick that skillfully employs its monster, much like how Spielberg accidentally discovered in Jaws. The creature’s appearance is frequent yet intriguing as it continuously evolves, adding depth to its design multiple times. Arnold delivers his usual charm while the rest of the cast convincingly portrays a mix of toughness and fear. All in all, this film offers an enjoyable cinematic experience.

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2025-02-01 00:31