Christian Metz stated that a film is difficult to explain because it is easy to understand. (qtd. in
Buckland & Elsaesser: 1). I will analyse the film Collateral Damage, directed by Andrew
Davis, in terms of its context and how it is portrayed technically. My aim is to show Arnold
Schwarzenegger’s development, how Collateral Damages represents a turning point in the
history of action movies Arnold took part in, and how he has changed from a muscle shirt
wearing daredevil and killing machine to a family man with moral values. Therefore, I will
start to look at a couple of important action movies in which Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a
leading role and after that, I will compare the differences of the former Arnold and the Arnold
we see in Collateral Damage. To realise this, I will focus on Schwarzenegger’s behaviour and
the way, Andrew Davis represents the fire-fighter and his emotions. In the end, I will give a
short conclusion regarding Arnold’s rise from rags to riches and how he represents an
irreplaceable icon not only in the history of action movies during the last three decades.
Everybody knows the Australian guy ‘Arnie’ alias Arnold Schwarzenegger. The first role in
the movie Hercules in New York owes Arnold his career as a bodybuilder and his enormous
size. Released in 1970, Arnold – at this time known as Arnold Strong – plays a mythological
toga clad Hercules. Arnold takes part in a weight-lifting competition; he becomes a wrestler,
rides his chariot through Times Square, descends into hell and gets mixed up with gangsters.
In contrast to Collateral Damage, Arthur Allan Seidelman, the director of Hercules in New
York, focuses on Schwarzenegger’s muscle mass.
In 1982, John Milius creates the fantasy action movie Conan the Barbarian. Here, Arnold
portrays a bulldog and beefy giant who survives as sole human the strain of bondage. Conan
in the role of an invincible gladiator and snake killer, sweetened by two fisted action,
spectacular fighting scenes and amours turn Arnold into the James Bond of the Middle Ages.
In the first third of the film, Conan knocks out a camel with an aimed bash (0:38:02). His
cruelty peaks out when he decollates Thulsa in front of his followers and raises his head like a
trophy. Unlike Collateral Damage, Arnold takes much pleasure in fights and he seems to be a
little bit sadistic at this time.
His most famous role is storied [...]
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Main Part
3. Conclusion
4. Bibliography
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the cinematic development of Arnold Schwarzenegger, specifically focusing on his transition from portraying "killing machines" in early action films to playing a character defined by family values and moral integrity in the movie Collateral Damage.
- The evolution of Schwarzenegger's screen persona over three decades.
- Technical analysis of the film Collateral Damage by director Andrew Davis.
- Comparison of moral development in early roles versus the character of Gordy Brewer.
- The intersection of heroism, vulnerability, and real-world societal impact (post-9/11).
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
Christian Metz stated that a film is difficult to explain because it is easy to understand. (qtd. in Buckland & Elsaesser: 1). I will analyse the film Collateral Damage, directed by Andrew Davis, in terms of its context and how it is portrayed technically. My aim is to show Arnold Schwarzenegger’s development, how Collateral Damages represents a turning point in the history of action movies Arnold took part in, and how he has changed from a muscle shirt wearing daredevil and killing machine to a family man with moral values. Therefore, I will start to look at a couple of important action movies in which Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a leading role and after that, I will compare the differences of the former Arnold and the Arnold we see in Collateral Damage. To realise this, I will focus on Schwarzenegger’s behaviour and the way, Andrew Davis represents the fire-fighter and his emotions. In the end, I will give a short conclusion regarding Arnold’s rise from rags to riches and how he represents an irreplaceable icon not only in the history of action movies during the last three decades.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The author outlines the research aim, which is to analyze Schwarzenegger's character development from an emotionless action hero to a grounded family man, using the film Collateral Damage as a central turning point.
2. Main Part: This section provides a detailed scene-by-scene analysis of Collateral Damage, examining directorial choices like lighting, camera work, and sound design to illustrate Gordy Brewer's vulnerability and ethical decision-making.
3. Conclusion: The author summarizes Schwarzenegger's unique status as an icon, arguing that his career trajectory and the portrayal of his character in this film reflect a broader shift toward complex, humanized heroes in modern cinema.
4. Bibliography: This section lists all primary films and secondary literature sources used for the analysis of the topic.
Keywords
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Collateral Damage, Andrew Davis, Action Movies, Character Development, Heroism, Gordy Brewer, Cinematography, Film Analysis, Moral Values, Vulnerability, Film Studies, Terrorism, Revenge Thriller, Family Man.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this academic paper?
The paper explores the stylistic and thematic evolution of Arnold Schwarzenegger's film career, specifically tracing his transition from playing indestructible, emotionless characters to more vulnerable, morally-driven roles.
Which movie serves as the primary case study for this analysis?
The analysis centers on the 2002 film Collateral Damage, directed by Andrew Davis, which the author identifies as a critical turning point for Schwarzenegger's screen persona.
What is the core research question or objective?
The main objective is to demonstrate how Schwarzenegger's acting performance shifted from playing "killing machines" to portraying a deeply human, family-oriented character in Collateral Damage.
Which methodology is applied in this research?
The research uses a descriptive and analytical film studies approach, examining technical elements such as camera angles, lighting, sound bridges, and narrative structure to substantiate the claim of character development.
What topics are covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section analyzes specific scenes from Collateral Damage, including the opening fire-fighting sequence, the domestic life of the protagonist, the terrorist attack, and the aftermath of the tragedy.
How would you describe the shift in Schwarzenegger's character types?
The paper highlights a shift from "exceptional" characters defined by physical strength and violence (e.g., The Terminator, Conan the Barbarian) to an "average American burgher" driven by paternal care and ethical justice.
How does the director use technical elements to emphasize Gordy's grief?
Andrew Davis utilizes specific techniques like low-key lighting, slow-motion shots of the explosion, and sorrowful, theatrical music to mirror the protagonist's internal emotional breakdown.
Why does the author consider the adoption of Mauro a significant plot point?
The adoption represents a profound moral shift, as Gordy chooses to show compassion and loyalty to the child of the very man responsible for the death of his own family, which contrasts sharply with his earlier violent roles.
What connection does the paper make between the film and the events of September 11th?
The author notes that post-9/11, audiences perceive the theme of "collateral damage" and the role of first responders like firefighters with heightened gravity and seriousness.
- Quote paper
- Dominik Lorenz (Author), 2005, The personal development of Arnold Schwarzenegger and how he changed from a killing machine to a family man with moral values , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/52812
