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Halloween Day by Day: "The Thing" (1982)


Some movies are worth waiting for... even if it takes you 30 years...

In an isolated research camp in Antarctica, the residents are surprised when a Norwegian helicopter chases a dog towards their camp.  Their surprise becomes bafflement when the helicopter opens fire on the dog before crashing and exploding.

Such a simple start to their journey from bafflement to paranoia, and finally to terror...

Jay has often bugged me about NOT having seen John Carpenter's "The Thing", since it's one of his favorite films.

I freely admit that I deserved the ribbing and ridicule.  In my defense though, I wanted to own the movie as part of my collection before watching it.  After 30 years, I finally managed to buy it and watch it.

I can completely understand why it's one of Jay's favorite movies.  The concept, and the story are interesting, and well crafted.  The pacing is great, with the tension and engagement growing with each word said, look given, and twitch noticed.  You don't know who to trust and root for.  The monster could be ANYONE of the characters you come to like.  The shock of finding out which people are infected- and the horror of the physical manifestation of the reveal go smoothly hand in hand.

The characters are great as well.  They are varied (though the use of some minor racial stereotypes is present), likable, and engaging.  They could've been a bit more developed in some cases- but that's a small quibble in an other wise enjoyable gang of misfits.

I don't think the characters would've been as enjoyable if it hadn't been for the actors and their performances.  Kurt Russell brought his usual charm and wit to the slightly anti-social MacReady.  His charisma pulls you along with him as he pursues the monster through a maze of distrust and desperation.  And he has a kick ass hat:

Honestly, I WANT a hat like this!
Of course, Russell wouldn't have been as wonderful to watch without the rest of the cast.  Special credits to A. Wilford Brimley as Blair, David Clennon as Palmer, Richard Dysart as Dr. Cooper, and Donald Moffat.  Each character was slightly eccentric, and their actors brought a great balance of humor and horror to the roles.

A review of "The Thing" wouldn't be complete without discussing the visual effects.  All of the monster effects were done practically- with no computer assistance... and they look fantastic.  My jaw dropped at just how organic, and gooey the monster looked.  Watching this film, one comes away with an appreciation for the talent, skill, and creativity that on set effects like this involve, and the impact they have on a movie and its audience.  Just some of the best horror effects I've seen in a long time.

Ultimately, John Carpenter's "The Thing" was a movie worth waiting for... but I suggest you buy it now if you can, and watch it.

And bug your friends to watch it too.

I'm putting this movie solidly in "The Good"!
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