How a 1985 Action Classic Became a Disturbing Tool for Real-World Child Soldiers
In short: Commando, the quintessential Arnold Schwarzenegger action vehicle, is remembered for its over-the-top stunts and one-liners. Yet, its legacy extends far beyond Hollywood. Director Mark L. Lester has noted that the film’s explosive finale has been used to recruit and radicalize child soldiers, a grim reality that highlights cinema's unintended consequences.
Released in October 1985, Commando follows retired Special Forces colonel John Matrix as he battles mercenaries to rescue his kidnapped daughter. While the film was a commercial success, grossing over $57.5 million against a budget that ballooned from $8 million to $10 million, its critical reception was polarized. Reviewers like D. J. R. Bruckner dismissed it as mindless mayhem, while others, such as those at Variety, praised its deft blend of humor and action. The production itself was a whirlwind, shot in just 45 days across various California locations, including the Hearst Castle estate and the Sherman Oaks Galleria.
The film’s development was equally unconventional. Originally conceived by writer Jeph Loeb as a story about an Israeli soldier renouncing violence, the script was heavily retooled by Steven E. de Souza to fit Schwarzenegger’s persona after Gene Simmons turned down the lead role. The character of Bennett, the villain, was cast with Vernon Wells in mind, with director Mark L. Lester later describing the antagonist’s complex, obsessive fixation on Matrix as a mix of hatred and love.
Beyond its production history, Commando occupies a strange place in pop culture. It has inspired numerous derivative action films and sparked persistent, though debunked, rumors that its abandoned sequel script evolved into Die Hard. Perhaps most haunting is the revelation that the film’s climactic battle scenes have been utilized to stir enthusiasm among child soldiers in Africa. This disturbing afterlife serves as a stark reminder that the impact of high-octane entertainment can often escape the control of its creators, leaving a mark far more profound—and troubling—than a simple box office tally.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Commando (1985 film)
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