Xenogenesis (1978)

James Cameron student film called Xenogenesis, a 12-minute robot vs. robot low-budget special effects demo ...shot september 11, 1978.

His first film, presented as a part of an ongoing series, might not have any plot to speak of. After a rather nifty opening narration you get about ten minutes worth of battling robots. It's easy to see, that Cameron is a trained special effects maker as the robots and settings look rather good despite of the obvious small budget.

For James Cameron fans Xenogenesis is rather interesting treat and a showcase of where he departed. What is more interesting, is the fact that Cameron hasn't changed much as a storyteller: the themes of Xenogenesis are pretty similar to his more bigger budget movies: tough female character, love ...and how machines can be either a benefit or a threat.