All The Right Movies True Lies (1994) | Ep. 127
Jan 16, 2026
The discussion kicks off with James Cameron's bold vision for a high-stakes comedy-action film. Highlights include the stunning opening sequence inspired by Bond films and Tom Arnold's controversial casting. The hosts dive into thrilling stunts, Arnold’s surprising dynamism, and Jamie Lee Curtis’ memorable striptease. Anecdotes reveal Cameron's ambitious directing style, the ambitious budget escalation, and the iconic Harrier jet scene. They also touch on serious topics of on-set misconduct and the film's lasting influence on the action genre.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Spectacle Over Subtlety
- James Cameron treated True Lies as a spectacle-first Bond riff, prioritizing set pieces and crushing coverage over narrative subtlety.
- The film's opening sequences establish tone so aggressively that character and plot issues get masked by spectacle.
How Tom Arnold Won The Role
- Tom Arnold landed the role of Gabe after a casual audition comment about Arnold Schwarzenegger's size.
- Cameron was sold when Arnold (Tom) quipped, 'he's not that big. I think I can take him.'
On-Set Injuries During The Bathroom Fight
- During the bathroom fight, Cameron demonstrated ripping a dryer and injured his hand, then Arnold mimicked it and similarly hurt himself.
- Cameron jokingly called Arnold the 'village idiot' after that accident on set.