The Thing

UK Release Date. 26 August 1982
Certification. X
Running Time. 1 hour 49 mins
Director. John Carpenter
Cast. Wilford Brimley, Keith David, Kurt Russell.
Rating. 81%

Review.

When The Thing was released in 1982, John Carpenter’s remake of Howard Hawks’ 1951 science fiction classic The Thing From Another World led to much debate around not only which film was more effective, but also whether Carpenter’s version fitted better into the science fiction or horror genre. For The Thing is one of those rare instances where the remake remains faithful to the original premise of the earlier film (and, for that matter, to John W. Campbell’s short story, Who goes there, upon which both are based), but does something unique with the concept. Campbell’s story, written in 1938, has since become a science fiction touchstone, inspiring not only The Thing From Another World but other films, including Don Siegel's Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1958) and Ridley Scott's Alien (1979).

The Thing follows a group of US scientists and researchers confined to an isolated Antarctic research facility alongside an extraterrestrial life-form that apparently can assimilate any other living organism. Kurt Russell heads an ensemble cast, comprised primarily of character actors, including the likes of Wilford Brimley, Keith David, Richard Dysart, Charles Hallahan, Richard Masur and Donald Moffat. Although Russell’s R.J. MacReady evolves into the main protagonist, the others do fine supporting jobs, considering the thinness of their characters and the lack of substantive backstories.

While The Thing undoubtedly features some of Carpenter’s most creative gore effects [Rob Bottin’s practical special effects were groundbreaking at the time, and remain disturbing to this day], the fear of the unknown is infinitely more intense than any of the physical incarnations of the alien. Paranoia overwhelms the characters, leading to an increasing sense of unease amongst the group and a widespread erosion of trust. There is nothing scarier than not being able to trust those who surround you. 

The spartan nature of the lifestyle of the isolated Antarctic research facility feeds into the claustrophobia and paranoia that develop when it becomes evident that any one of them could be standing next to the alien. The Thing works on a visceral level, not just because of the blood and the gore. Carpenter’s flair for suspense, honed to perfection in Halloween, is on display for all to see. 

When John Carpenter's film was released 30 years after The Thing From Another World, the world wasn’t prepared for it. Going up against E.T. The Extraterrestrial and Blade Runner, the R-rated, poorly marketed film realistically didn’t stand a chance at the box office. It was only later that the film found its audience. In more than 40 years, The Thing hasn’t lost a single shred of terror.  

One obvious comparison is with Ridley Scott’s Alien, which came out three years earlier. Both films are in many ways cut from the same cloth. Alien is more polished and features more defined characters, but there are several similarities,

• The abominable creatures remain hidden for much of the film and the majority of the action takes place in the darkening gloom. 
• The crew is isolated and trapped, without the faintest possibility of external support. 
• One character rises out of the ensemble to take control. 

Historically, Scott's Alien was described as a ‘haunted house in space’ to recognise that the film straddles the horror and science fiction genres. The Thing does the same.

Profoundly unsettling, due to its nihilistic ending and the titular being's lack of form, The Thing is as intense as it is terrifying. A masterclass in heightened suspense. Surely, there is no more perfect John Carpenter film than The Thing.