Having Worked on 3 Films Together, Arnold Schwarzenegger Explains What Makes James Cameron “Genius” as a Filmmaker

Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron started their career ascension together. In 1984, Arnie and Cameron were both rising stars of Hollywood. While Schwarzenegger had his breakthrough film in 1982, Cameron had convinced Orion Pictures to produce his radically different sci-fi project. When The Terminator (1984) starring Arnold Schwarzenegger hit theaters, the duo became massive stars virtually overnight.

Since then, Schwarzenegger and James Cameron teamed up two more times, producing two massive blockbusters. Earlier, while appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, Arnold Schwarzenegger answered what makes the Avatar director a genius.

Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed a lesser-known talent of James Cameron

When Pat McAfee’s co-host asked Arnold Schwarzenegger to describe working with Cameron, the bodybuilding legend didn’t hesitate to call Cameron a “genius.”  The 76-year-old then revealed Cameron’s background before he started directing films. The Austrian Oak said the 69-year-old worked on set decoration before becoming a director. “He knows how to decorate the set, how to light the set. He knows everything about the cameras,” said the Commando actor.

Cinema fans praise Cameron for his narrative skills and groundbreaking special effects work. However, Cameron has a knack for all the technical elements of bringing a film to life. James Cameron’s masterful art direction and lighting work hide in every frame of films like Titanic. Due to the lack of modern CGI and simulated lighting, Cameron constructed multiple intricate models of the HMS Titanic for his 1997 film. The model sizes varied from entire to partial reconstructions of the iconic ship. He then meticulously filmed scenes to replicate how the sun cast shadows and highlights on a real ship at sea. Besides technicality, Arnold Schwarzenegger also praised the 69-year-old’s versatility.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has seen James Cameron’s versatility firsthand

While James Cameron involves himself with the technical aspects as much as crafting a story, he is also versatile when it comes to crafting stories. Despite starting out with sci-fi action films like The Terminator, Cameron has earned equal fame in other genres. The Titanic (1997), statistically among the greatest films of all time, was a romantic retelling of the saga of the HMS Titanic. Meanwhile, in 1994, Arnold Schwarzenegger saw Cameron’s prowess with comedy firsthand in the $379 million blockbuster True Lies.

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“He can do comedy can do action, he could do anything,” Schwarzenegger said during his appearance. True Lies was an action thriller where Arnie played a spy. However, the film had no shortage of comedy. Cameron used the seven-time Olympia’s dry humor and the comic timing of Tom Arnold to full capacity. In fact, the 1994 film’s mix of action, comedy, and suspense inspired Schwarzenegger’s latest project, FUBAR. Lastly, the Predator actor praised Cameron for his uncompromising vision.

The filmmaker’s uncompromising vision 

During his appearance, Schwarzenegger spoke about James Cameron’s visionary concepts. When the duo teamed up for The Terminator in 1984, Arnold Schwarzenegger hesitated to put his faith in the then-newcomer. However, Cameron convinced Arnie to sign on, and the film was a massive success. While sci-fi was nothing new, Cameron’s concept of marrying time travel and AI was decades ahead of its time. “It’s just amazing how smart the guy is, and what a great vision he has,” Schwarzenegger said about Cameron.

Cameron’s technical prowess has led to breakthroughs in filmmaking techniques. He has constantly innovated filmmaking, like using groundbreaking motion capture tech for Avatar, learning about submarine and ocean exploration while making Titanic, and more. Cameron marries his extensive research alongside his vision for the story and doesn’t compromise. Arnold Schwarzenegger found out the hard way when the two fought while discussing Terminator 2.

Arnie and Cameron sat to discuss the project before filming Terminator 2: Judgment Day. However, the bodybuilding icon couldn’t accept that he had to play a non-lethal Terminator who only protects. Arnie and Cameron argued, but the director didn’t budge. Schwarzenegger later realized that Cameron had envisioned the narrative correctly. Doing the opposite would’ve been a disaster. However, Schwarzenegger has one regret about working with Cameron.

The bodybuilding icon desires more

The seven-time Mr. Olympia worked with Cameron in three films, and the duo are still friends. However, while speaking about the filmmaker, the 76-year-old revealed his one regret. “I wish I could do many more movies with him,” said the former Mr. Universe. Schwarzenegger wishes to collaborate with James Cameron again “because he’s just so talented.”

Interestingly, there is still a possibility that the duo might collaborate again. James Cameron plans to make multiple sequels to the Avatar franchise. Reportedly, Arnold Schwarzenegger and the filmmaker have already contacted one another, and Arnie will star in the upcoming sequel of the Avatar. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron embarked on the journey to Hollywood fame together. Every time the duo teamed up, they produced iconic films. Hence, it’s no surprise that Schwarzenegger is the perfect candidate to describe what makes James Cameron a legendary filmmaker.

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