The Thing

John Carpenter's "The Thing" stands as one of the most impressive horror/sci-fi films to date.

It details the story of 12 men, trapped at an Antarctic research station, as they battle for survival against a hostile shape-changing alien.

Although superficially a remake of the Howard Hawk 1951 film "The Thing from Another World", Carpenter’s film is more faithfully adapted from the John W. Campbell, Jr. short novella "Who Goes There?"

Director John Carpenter was fresh from box-office success with Halloween and Escape from New York. With Universal Studios willing to provide a budget of $10 million, it provided the platform for Carpenter’s first venture into the big league.

The innovative creature is brought to life through some astonishing special effects by Rob Bottin (The Howling) and Stan Winston (Aliens). No longer are we seeing a creature skulking around in the darkened shadows, only to appear at the end of the film as a man in a suit. Bottin’s creation is a sinuous, slimy creature that transforms and strikes in full view of the audience. The creature is fast and gruesome, one of the most unique and awesome monsters to ever grace the screen.

The incredible special effects are not the only impressive facet of the film. Carpenter focuses on the tension and paranoia between the men, as they struggle to come to terms with an alien being that can imitate other life forms, including fellow team members. This tension is only increased by the isolated Antarctic environment, and is complemented by the chilling Ennio Morricone soundtrack.

The film is notable for strong characterization, with a solidly performing cast, including Kurt Russell, Keith David and Wilford Brimley. The entire film has the stamp of quality on it. When it was released in 1982, the film was savaged by the critics, and poorly received by an indifferent public. But over time, the true landmark status of the film has been acknowledged, and it has since risen to cult status.

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