If you're in the mood for a classic old-school action movie, look no further than a somewhat forgotten gem in Arnold Schwarzenegger's filmography: The 6th Day (original French title: À l'aube du 6ème jour). Directed by Roger Spottiswoode, known for the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, this sci-fi action flick offers not one but two Schwarzeneggers for the price of a single ticket. While it may not rank among his most iconic roles, it delivers a solid dose of adrenaline with impressive stunts and a thought-provoking plot about cloning.

At the dawn of the 2000s, Hollywood's action landscape was shifting. The era of muscle-bound heroes was giving way to leaner stars like Keanu Reeves in The Matrix. Sylvester Stallone was experiencing a career slump, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger found that audiences were losing interest in his traditional action fare. Yet, in December 2000, Schwarzenegger took the lead in a science-fiction film that still deserves a second look.

Plot and Premise

Set in the near future, The 6th Day imagines a world where genetic engineering has advanced dramatically, eradicating many diseases and ending famines. However, cloning remains illegal except for a few authorized procedures. The story follows Adam Gibson (Schwarzenegger), a helicopter pilot who is skeptical about the rapid technological changes. His life takes a surreal turn when he arrives home to find a clone of himself celebrating his birthday with his family. This doppelgänger has effectively taken his place, and Adam soon finds himself hunted by assassins working for Michael Drucker (Tony Goldwyn), a wealthy biotech magnate. Drucker seeks to eliminate Adam to protect his secret cloning operation, which threatens the ethical boundaries of science.

The film explores themes of identity, ethics, and the consequences of playing God. Adam must navigate a world where his existence has been duplicated, leading to questions about what makes a person unique. The action sequences are well-executed, with Schwarzenegger employing his signature blend of brute force and one-liners.

Commercial Reception and Legacy

Despite its engaging premise and effective action, The 6th Day was a box office disappointment. It grossed only $96 million worldwide against a budget of $82 million. At the time, it was seen as another sign that audiences were drifting away from Schwarzenegger's brand of action cinema. However, in hindsight, the film has gained a cult following for its prescient themes and entertaining execution. The idea of human cloning, which seemed far-fetched in 2000, has since become a topic of serious scientific debate, with advancements in cloning technology making the story feel increasingly relevant.

Schwarzenegger's performance is earnest and energetic, even if the script doesn't give him much depth. The supporting cast includes talented actors like Michael Rooker, Robert Duvall, and Sarah Wynter, who add credibility to the story. Director Roger Spottiswoode keeps the pace brisk, balancing exposition with thrilling set pieces.

The Most Dangerous Stunt of Schwarzenegger's Career

One of the most intriguing aspects of the production is a near-fatal accident that occurred during filming. In his book Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life, Schwarzenegger revealed that he performed what he believes was the most dangerous stunt of his career. The scene required him to swim underwater in a covered pool. Due to a miscommunication, he became disoriented and couldn't find the exit. He wrote: "I was supposed to come out where I went in, but when I turned around, I started running out of air. I couldn't find the way out; I tried to stay as calm as possible, but I knew I didn't have much time left." Fortunately, his stunt double, Billy Lucas, noticed the trouble and rescued him just in time. This incident underscores the risks actors take even in seemingly simple sequences.

The film's visual effects, though dated by modern standards, were considered impressive at the time. The dual Schwarzenegger scenes were achieved through a combination of split-screen techniques, body doubles, and beginning digital compositing. The result is effective enough to maintain the illusion of two Arnolds interacting.

Context in Schwarzenegger's Career

By 2000, Schwarzenegger had already cemented his status as a global action icon with films like The Terminator series, Predator, Total Recall, and True Lies. However, the late 1990s saw diminishing returns for his action films, with Batman & Robin (1997) and End of Days (1999) underperforming. The 6th Day was part of a transitional period. He would go on to make Collateral Damage (2002) and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) before taking a break from acting to serve as Governor of California. Today, the film is often cited as a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.

The science-fiction elements of cloning were particularly topical at the turn of the millennium. The world was buzzing about the cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1996, which had sparked intense ethical debates. The 6th Day taps into those fears, presenting a future where cloning has become a black-market commodity, leading to identity theft and moral decay. The film's tagline, "It's not just another day," hints at the disruption such technology could bring.

Why You Should Watch It

For fans of Schwarzenegger, The 6th Day is a must-watch. It features the star at his most committed, delivering both physical performance and a touch of vulnerability. The action scenes are inventive, including a thrilling chase through a futuristic city and a climactic showdown in a DNA lab. The film also benefits from a strong supporting cast, with Tony Goldwyn portraying a convincingly sleazy villain and Robert Duvall adding gravitas as a wise scientist.

In an era when big-budget action films are dominated by super heroes and CGI spectacles, The 6th Day feels refreshingly old-fashioned. It relies on practical stunts, real locations, and a straightforward narrative. The theme of cloning continues to resonate, especially as advancements in genetic editing like CRISPR raise new ethical questions. The film asks: What would you do if you met your own clone? How far would you go to protect your identity?

Unfortunately, The 6th Day is not available on all streaming platforms, but it can be found on HBO Max (as of this writing) or purchased digitally. If you have a chance, it's worth a viewing, especially if you enjoy speculative fiction with a healthy dose of action.

In summary, The 6th Day may not be Schwarzenegger's finest hour, but it is a competent, entertaining sci-fi action film that explores important themes. Its near-fatal stunt adds a layer of behind-the-scenes drama, and its place in the actor's career highlights a transitional moment in Hollywood action cinema. With two Schwarzeneggers for the price of one, it's an efficient and effective movie night choice.

Source:MSN News