The Thing
John Carpenter stakes his claim for the greatest horror movie of all time with his adaptation of “The Thing” (1982). Involving some the best practical effects to be ever be used we are taken on a surreal path showing the the blueprint of horror thrillers which has continued to inspire filmmakers for the last 40 years.
Opening with grand scenery of Antarctica, within the opening frames of the movie we will a great sense of isolation. Throughout the research base which is slowly introducing, the events of a discovery unfolds which unleashes an unthinkable on our small crew. The script moves fluidly as we learn everything we need to know about the members and their general tendencies. Slowly calm rational thinking begins to fade and is replaced by paranoid reactions cause by isolated traumatic experiences.
Although not as iconic as Carpenters film “Halloween “ just four years prior , this score provides as consistently placed beads of dread through its runtime. Exposition is continually met with gripping scenes such as the blood interrogation scene will have the audience pre determining who is committing what acts the same way our characters our. The monster is horrifying no doubt but the accompanying fear of fellow man’s deceit and betrayal for the sake of survival is another fight all on its own.
The setting is so unique displaying Antartica yet never feels like a hollow set. Utilizing shots from Alaska , British Columbia and refrigerated sets in LA we are treated to a thick feeling of one of the most desolate places on earth. The different changes in lighting were used in a creative way, showing some glimpses of light during some early daytime missions but as hell breaks loose you are quickly encased in the night.
Arguments can always be made for other films but this film will always be considered triumphant. Able to capture a cold nihilistic tale involving everything from sci-if ships and creatures to a fight for physical and mental control for the situations around you. Proving to be much more vivid in graphic detail than it’s original while maintaining its thoughtfulness. True fans of the horror genre and the expansion those filmmaking techniques will have no other choice to appreciate the ground John Carpenter has laid. Watching this in 1982 as a young adult would be something I couldn’t comprehend how stunned I would be at what I was seeing.