Actor Robert Patrick has appeared in several popular films, but his most iconic performance came in 1991’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. In the sequel, Patrick plays a highly advanced cyborg sent on a mission to the past to kill a child. Patrick convincingly plays the robotic aspects of the character, making his performance memorable.
However, Patrick had to undergo an unbelievable training process to prepare him for the gun-shooting scenes in the movie. Patrick trained relentlessly so that he would not blink during the shooting scenes, making him appear more robotic. Here is how Patrick trained for his gun-shooting scenes in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Robert Patrick Trained to Fire a Gun Without Blinking For Terminator 2 Role
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a sequel to 1984’s The Terminator, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as T-800, an advanced cyborg from the future. In the sequel, Schwarzenegger’s T-800 is reprogrammed to protect John Connor, while T-1000 is a shape-shifting Terminator prototype.
In the film, actor Robert Patrick plays T-1000, with his performance considered one of the best antagonistic roles of all time. The film features Patrick in several gun-shooting scenes, where he does not blink, adding to the aesthetic of his robotic character.
According to a report, Patrick underwent some serious training to achieve his no-blinking status for the gun-shooting scene. The actor underwent weapons training specifically to avoid blinking while shooting.
I trained four times a day and physically got myself into it. I did it like a sprinter would: I locked eyes on a target and focused so there was no wasted energy.
Patrick made the above statement in an interview (via MovieWeb) regarding his training for the T-1000 role. The actor added he would also clench his jaw to avoid breathing through his mouth to appear more robotic. In the film, Patrick only blinks a few times, in scenes where he pretends to be a human officer, proving that his rigorous training had a large part in making his performance iconic.
Robert Patrick Reveals He Wasn’t the First Choice For T-1000 Role in Terminator 2
During the same interview, Patrick also reflected on securing the role of T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Patrick revealed that he wasn’t director James Cameron’s first choice for the villainous role in the sequel. Instead, musician and actor Billy Idol was eyed for the role.
Unfortunately, he got into a motorcycle accident and busted up his leg, so he wasn’t able to physically do what the role demanded.
Patrick made the above statement, explaining why Idol could not take on the role of T-1000. Meanwhile, Patrick’s agent presented him as a cross between David Bowie and James Dean. Patrick recalled crafting an intense presence during his audition with casting director Mali Finn.
Patrick noted that his audition was one of the rare moments where everything came together, leading to him securing the role. Ultimately, it proved to be the right choice, as Patrick’s performance is not only distinguishable from Schwarzenegger’s role in the first installment but also elevates the material.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is streaming on Paramount+.
