Celebrating the Anniversary of Commando (1985): A Perfect Blend of Action, Direction, and Music
Today marks the anniversary of one of the most iconic action movies of the 1980s, Commando. Released in 1985, this Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle quickly cemented itself as a cult classic, and for good reason. As we look back on the film that turned 39 today, it's worth exploring what makes Commando such a beloved part of action cinema history, with special attention to its visionary director and unforgettable soundtrack.
The Plot: Simple but Effective
At its core, Commando is a straightforward story of revenge and rescue. Schwarzenegger plays John Matrix, a retired elite commando whose daughter is kidnapped by a band of mercenaries. The leader of this gang has a personal vendetta against Matrix, and their plan is to use the former soldier to carry out a political assassination. But, as we all know, no one pushes Arnold around. What follows is a thrilling, non-stop journey of one-man warfare as Matrix decimates his enemies one by one to save his daughter.
The beauty of Commando lies in its simplicity. There's no over-complication, no unnecessary subplots, just pure, adrenaline-pumping action. It’s like a pure shot of 80s machismo, delivered straight to the bloodstream.
Mark L. Lester: The Man Behind the Action
Much of Commando's success can be attributed to the direction of Mark L. Lester. Coming off the success of Firestarter (1984), Lester was no stranger to genre films, and his ability to create high-energy action sequences in Commando is what sets the film apart from other action flicks of the era. Lester knows exactly when to ramp up the tension and when to inject moments of humor, giving Commando a unique rhythm that few films have been able to replicate.
Lester’s direction is clear-cut and efficient, just like the film's protagonist. He wastes no time getting into the meat of the story, with the pacing relentless from start to finish. The final act, in which Matrix single-handedly takes down an entire mercenary army, showcases Lester’s flair for orchestrating large-scale action sequences without ever letting the momentum dip.
Lester also understood the importance of making Commando larger than life. Every explosion, gunfight, and chase is shot in a way that emphasizes the sheer physicality of Schwarzenegger’s character, making John Matrix a near-mythical hero. The result is an action film that feels both grounded in gritty realism and yet joyously over-the-top.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in Peak Form
By 1985, Schwarzenegger had already made a name for himself with Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator, but Commando was the film that fully showcased his charisma and ability to blend action with humor. It’s a movie that doesn't just rely on brute strength—though there's plenty of that—but also on Arnold’s charm and his now-legendary one-liners. Lines like “Let off some steam, Bennett” and “I eat Green Berets for breakfast” are still quoted by fans decades later.
What really makes Schwarzenegger shine in Commando is how much fun he seems to be having in the role. Matrix is indestructible, a veritable human wrecking ball, and Arnold plays him with a knowing wink to the audience. It’s a performance that established his dominance in the action genre for years to come.
James Horner’s Iconic Synth-Heavy Score
If Mark L. Lester’s direction brought the film to life visually, then James Horner’s score is what gave Commando its pulse. Known for his wide-ranging talents as a composer, Horner—who had already earned acclaim for his work on Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Aliens—went in a different direction for Commando, crafting a score that is as distinctive as the film itself.
The soundtrack is a symphony of synth beats, steel drums, and electric guitar riffs that perfectly captures the energetic, over-the-top spirit of the film. Horner’s use of percussion-heavy tracks adds a constant sense of urgency to the film, enhancing the already breakneck pace of the action. It’s the kind of score that immediately brings you back to the 80s, brimming with that distinct electronic feel that defined much of the decade's cinema.
What’s remarkable about Horner’s score is its ability to balance tension and excitement. Whether it’s during Matrix’s infiltration scenes or the climactic final battle, the music adds an extra layer of intensity without overshadowing the action. Horner’s work here would go on to influence many future action movie scores, showing his versatility as a composer capable of elevating any genre he touched.
A Benchmark for Action Choreography
The action sequences in Commando set a new standard for the genre at the time. From hand-to-hand combat to massive shootouts, the film is relentless in its pace. Lester and his team of stunt coordinators pulled no punches when it came to the choreography, creating sequences that are both brutal and satisfying to watch. Whether it’s Matrix taking down an entire platoon of enemies or single-handedly dismantling a villain’s lair, every set piece is designed to push the limits of what an action hero can do.
Unlike the darker, more gritty action films that would dominate the 90s, Commando strikes a balance between ultra-violence and comic-book-style exaggeration. This balance keeps the film fun, even when the body count reaches dizzying heights.
A Time Capsule of the 80s
What really elevates Commando beyond just being another action film is how it embodies the spirit of 1980s cinema. Everything from the synth-heavy soundtrack by James Horner to the macho posturing and gloriously cheesy dialogue makes this movie a true product of its time. It’s the kind of film that could only have been made in the 80s, when bigger was always better, and action heroes were larger than life.
There’s also something undeniably nostalgic about watching Commando today. The 80s was a time when action films didn’t take themselves too seriously, and Commando embraces that ethos wholeheartedly. It’s a movie that understands its audience and delivers exactly what they want—explosions, humor, and a hero who’s virtually unstoppable.
Nearly four decades later, Commando is still widely regarded as a defining film of the action genre. Its influence can be seen in countless movies that followed, from the Rambo sequels to modern action franchises like John Wick. The film’s combination of charisma, humor, relentless action, and an unforgettable score set the template for what an 80s action movie could—and should—be.
As we celebrate the anniversary of Commando, it’s worth acknowledging its place in film history. Sure, it may not be the most complex or nuanced film, but that’s part of its charm. Commando is a pure, unadulterated thrill ride, and even 39 years later, it still delivers the goods. Whether you're revisiting it for the hundredth time or discovering it anew, Commando remains a testament to the glory days of 80s action cinema.
