Matt (Character) - The Terminator

Matt Buchanan in The Terminator

Introduction

Matt Buchanan, portrayed by Rick Rossovich, is a character in the 1984 film The Terminator, directed by James Cameron. He is the boyfriend of Ginger, Sarah Connor’s roommate, and plays a significant role in the early stages of the narrative. Matt’s character is notable for his youthful and carefree personality, which contrasts sharply with the more serious and mature themes of the film.

Matt’s creation and backstory are not deeply explored in the movie, but his presence serves to highlight the ordinary lives of the characters before the arrival of the Terminator. His defining traits include a strong sexual attraction and a somewhat immature approach to relationships, which is evident in his interactions with Ginger and his accidental phone call to Sarah Connor ^[1][4].

Role in the Story

Matt’s storyline is relatively short but pivotal. He accidentally calls Sarah Connor while trying to reach Ginger for some phone foreplay, leading to an awkward encounter. Later, he visits Ginger at their apartment, where they engage in a romantic encounter. However, their intimacy is short-lived as the Terminator, mistaking Ginger for Sarah, arrives and kills both Matt and Ginger. This event sets the stage for the main conflict of the film, as it underscores the danger and urgency of Sarah’s situation ^[1][4].

Matt’s relationship with Ginger is central to his role in the story. His attempt to protect her from the Terminator, although futile, shows a glimmer of bravery and loyalty. This brief moment of heroism contrasts with his generally carefree and sexually driven personality, adding a layer of complexity to his character ^[1].

Character Analysis

Matt’s personality is characterized by his youth, immaturity, and strong sexual drive. His motivations are largely driven by his desire for physical intimacy, which is a stark contrast to the more mature and selfless love of Kyle Reese for Sarah Connor. This contrast serves to highlight the different worlds and values of the characters involved. Matt’s world is one of light-hearted, present-day America, while Reese’s world is a dystopian future marked by war and survival ^[1].

Despite his flaws, Matt’s character is relatable due to his ordinary and human reactions to extraordinary circumstances. His attempt to defend Ginger, though unsuccessful, shows a basic human instinct to protect loved ones. This makes him a sympathetic character, even if his time on screen is limited ^[1].

Themes and Symbolism

Matt embodies several themes of the film, including the fragility of human life and the sudden intrusion of violence into ordinary lives. His death, along with Ginger’s, symbolizes the indiscriminate and ruthless nature of the Terminator. This event also underscores the theme of sacrifice, as their lives are lost in the broader struggle against Skynet and its machines ^[1][4].

Moreover, Matt’s character serves as a foil to Kyle Reese, highlighting the differences between immature, superficial love and a deeper, more selfless love. This contrast enriches the narrative by providing a human scale to the sci-fi elements of the film ^[1].

Cultural Impact

Matt’s character, although minor, has contributed to the cultural impact of The Terminator. His role in the film’s opening scenes helps set the tone for the rest of the movie, introducing the audience to the ordinary world that is about to be disrupted by the Terminator. While he may not be a central character, his presence is memorable due to the dramatic and violent circumstances of his death.

In terms of adaptations or spin-offs, Matt’s character has not been extensively explored beyond the original film. However, his role in the narrative has been referenced in analyses and discussions about the film’s themes and character dynamics ^[1][4].

Critical Reception

Critics and audiences have generally viewed Matt as a minor but significant character in the film. His role is often seen as a way to introduce the audience to the normalcy of the characters’ lives before the sci-fi elements take over. While he is not a complex character, his death serves as a catalyst for the main plot and is remembered for its shock value and thematic significance.

There have been no major controversies surrounding Matt’s character, and his portrayal by Rick Rossovich is generally seen as fitting for the role he plays in the narrative ^[1][4].

Legacy

Matt Buchanan’s legacy in The Terminator is that of a character who, despite his brief appearance, contributes significantly to the film’s narrative and themes. His character archetype—the carefree, young adult caught in extraordinary circumstances—has been seen in various other films and media.

In contemporary discussions, Matt’s character can be seen as a representation of the vulnerability of human life in the face of technological advancements and violence. His story serves as a reminder of the human cost in sci-fi narratives, making him a memorable, if minor, character in the Terminator franchise ^[1][4].