The Thing (1982)
“I dunno what the hell is in there, but it’s weird and pissed off, whatever it is.” – Clark.
The Thing (1982)
Directed by: John Carpenter
Written by: Bill Lancaster, John W. Campbell Jr.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, Richard Masur, T.K Carter, David Clennon
It’s very rare to watch a film forty years after it’s release without it feeling dated. This is even more rare for sci-fi movies, due to their reliance on rapidly developing technology for special effects and visuals. Therefore I was astounded by how well The Thing had aged, especially considering that this was already remade in 2011. John Carpenter’s 1982 classic was an absolute blast, and I honestly think it could be released right now to critical acclaim.
The film focuses on an American research team in Antarctica who come across an alien lifeform. Things go from bad to worse, and the close-knit team are soon gripped by paranoia, distrust and insanity as they realise that the alien can shape shift, replicating its host.
There are a few standout elements here (including Kurt Russell’s mane!), but the secret sauce to this ageless wonder is the practical effects. As with many of its sci-fi contemporaries, like Star Wars and Alien, technological deficiencies and poor computer generated imagery at the time meant directors had to rely on lifelike models and makeup for their creatures. And the shafe-shifting, fleshy monstrosities throughout this film are fantastic. Some look a bit silly and camp, but I prefer that to some god-awful CGI render running around killing everyone.
The movie is also incredibly immersive, with both the cinematography and spooky score putting you into the action with the gang. I’m partial to a ‘body-snatcher’ alien movie anyway, but Carpenter’s mastery of both pacing and narrative development adds a few loops to the rollercoaster ride. He only reveals as much as you need to know at exactly the right time, and before you’ve pieced together one section of the puzzle, you’re onto another.
With craziness, critters, and a number of curious culprits, The Thing is a sci-fi horror-thriller that was ahead of its time. It’s an absolute blast, and practically a must-watch around the Halloween season.
Rating: 9/10