review by Adam Cook Patron
The Thing 1982
Reviewed Jul 16, 2012
Adam Cook’s review:
John Carpenter’s The Thing is one of finest horror films of all time (only second to The Shining in my book) and it is criminal to think that it bombed on release back in 1982. It encapsulates everything I love about the genre: the palpable sense of unease, unbearable tension and terrifying body horror.
One thing that separates this from many other genre films (particularly modern ones) is how brilliantly realised each and every character is. Whilst the charismatic MacReady (brilliantly played by the ever reliable Kurt Russell) is the undeniable star and focus, each and every unfortunate soul stuck in the God forsaken research facility is instantly identifiable. Whilst the characterisation is far from complex you still invest in their fight for survival, you know their names, their personalities and who you want to survive. Rich characters are crucial in helping create atmosphere because if you don’t care for the protagonists, even the ones you hate, it is incredibly hard to feel invested in the story.
And what an atmosphere Carpenter has created. The foreboding landscape illustrating the utter helplessness of the survivors situation whilst the cramped facility makes for a claustrophobic and paranoia-filled location. Several horror films have tried to create this wild cabin fever tension but none come close to The Thing. Nobody can be trusted yet there is no way of escape and this paranoia and mistrust slowly festers and corrupts, destroying the group quicker than the monster ever could. Carpenter masterfully ratchets up the tension, creating sequence after sequence of unbearable suspense (the exquisite blood test scene being a prime example) and then delivering a horrifying release by revealing the monster.
The film is the crowning achievement in practical special effects. Rob Bottin’s creature designs are the stuff of nightmares brought to terrifying reality. The fact, thirty years on, these effects still look fantastic is testament to the true artistry of those involved. Compare the monster to the plastic-like CGI in the recent prequel and they are night and day. The sinewy, Lovecraftian abominations are solid, tactile and a million times more frightening than any CGI recreation could ever be.
The Thing is an undeniable masterpiece.
I saw 2011's The Thing and it seemed quite promising but only artificially directed. I'll check this out, thanks for the review. (:
Brilliant review, agree completely. This is easily one of the greatest horror films of all time.
@Walter: You definitely should check it out. It is a million times better than the prequel/remake.
@Josh: Thanks.
I hadn't seen this film until recently when I watched it on Netflix. I never really got Carpenter until I saw the film. I understood that Halloween defined a genre but didn't really feel as though it held up in terms of scares (unlike, say, The Exorcist which is still just as terrifying 40+ years later).
But The Thing? It holds up remarkably well, especially in terms of pacing. You know a film is good when it has the audience on the edge of their seats, and this film definitely had me scooching forward and leaning into my computer screen (yes, I watched it on Netflix... and it still was exciting).
I have to say, the effects did feel a bit too Harryhausen for my liking, but I would still prefer that over rubbery CGI any day (I think Alien set the bar both in terms of realistic monsters, and less is more mentality).
One thing is certain: the day after I watched the film I couldn't stop talking about it. You're absolutely correct: it is a masterpiece.
@Adam: Have you seen much Carpenter since? If not I think you might like Prince of Darkness. It is one of his most underrated films but easily one of his creepiest.
@Adam (nice name by the way haha) no I haven't. Seen bits and pieces here and there, but all I've seen is Halloween and this.
I wanted to check out Dark Star, if only for it's connections to Alien, but I will definitely have to check out Prince of Darkness. I'm always on the hunt for great horror movies that get under my skin and freak me out.
Either of you two seen In the Mouth of Madness or They Live? I think both of them are pretty great.
Excellent review of a horror "classic". This is one of my favorite films. I could not have analized it better!
@Adam: Here is my list of Carpenter films ranked by greatness. Frankly I love the guy (bar recent output) but he is a product of the '80s so it will be interesting to see how he is viewed by somebody coming fresh to his work.
@Josh: Both are excellent. In the Mouth of Madness is arguably his last great film.
@ShowBill: Thanks. I'm sure you could have as I just noticed I didn't even mention the brilliant soundtrack.
I will be sure to check all of those out!
The Thing is one of films i first saw on a late night tv showing back when i was first "getting into" films.
I couldn't quite believe what i was seeing, i was mesmerised. It just seemed perfect.....and guess what - it still is.
Mood, direction, fear, music, acting, upside down spider-heads......it's all here
It says a lot that my favorite scene in the prequel was the final one. When that music kicked in I had a huge smile on my face.
It says a lot that I can't even remember the final scene of the prequel.
I so agree with you. I have just seen and reviewed the new one and everything you say here is exactly what It doesn't have. Bang on review.