Aliens and Terminator 2 aren’t just timeless, they’re perfect sequels.
In the middle of 1983,James Cameronsuddenly found himself unexpectedly busy.
The strength ofThe Terminators direction and its unexpected popularity convinced Fox that Cameron should direct as well as writeAliens.
So how did Cameron do it?
What makesAliensandT2so effective when other sequels fade from the memory?
Heres a look at the storytelling techniques that make them such perfect sequels.
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Cameron also found a compelling way to develop Ripleys character throughAliens story.
Ripleys plagued by a recurring nightmare where a chestburster erupts from her torso.
Terminator 2provides a similarly effective continuation of Sarah Connors arc.
Escalation
Its a well-worn cliche that a sequel has to be bigger, faster, and louder.
InT2, a cyborg killing machine has a similar switch of allegiance.
As the lid closes on Ripleys cryo-tube, we realize that shes found the companionship and peace she deserves.
Similarly,Terminator 2sees the nightmare future ofJudgment Dayaverted.
read more: Alien Just How Intelligent is the Monster?
Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machineswas, if anything, even more gloomy.
Beyond Ripley and Sarahs stories inAliensandT2,filmmakers could find only despair and nihilism.
When characters find fulfilment, their tale is complete.
