THE OCTOBER PROJECT Part 26

"You gotta be fucking kidding."

THE THING  (1982)

Directed by John Carpenter

There were two classic science-fiction films released in 1982 that were underrated or despised by critics and largely ignored by audiences. The first was Ridley Scott's majestic"Blade Runner", the second was this startling explosion of visceral horror from John Carpenter. It seems in the summer of "E.T."  the public was unprepared for an alien encounter of uncompromising bleakness filled with graphic and disturbing violence. If you're unaware, this story of scientists in Antarctica encountering a hostile alien lifeform is a remake of a classic fifties monster movie of the same name. Critics hauled out the ridiculous old argument that "less is more" when it comes to onscreen horror, while simultaneously using the, admittedly very fine, original to beat this superior movie into submission.
Well, I liked the film right away (and "Blade Runner" too, but that's a story for another time) recognizing that Carpenter had created a ground breaking new classic of paranoid fear and traumatic body horror. Rob Bottin's practical make up effects are unmatched, to this day, in their creativity and versatility. No CGI could ever match the level of craftsmanship he brought to the many and varied transformations that occur in this film. The protean creature at the heart of this story will never reach the iconic status of say, H.R. Giger's Alien design, but is all the more disturbing for it's lack of consistent physical form. It is anything and anyone and will do whatever it takes to survive.
Kurt Russell is, as always, a solid manly hero and despite the claims of critics, the characters are fairly well developed considering the nature and pace of the story. Carpenter is smart enough to cast memorable character actors who are able to flesh out the characters within the, admittedly limited, parameters of the plot. Cinematographer Dean Cundy does his best ever work in a Carpenter film, capturing an overpowering sense of claustrophobia and all encompassing cold. The great Ennio Morricone contributes a minimalist score that effectively underlines the increasing hopelessness of the situation.
As with all the films on this list, I could go on, but I'll say just one more thing. If I had to name John Carpenter's masterpiece, it would be a tough call but I would probably say "The Thing." That being said, although it's close, it is not my favourite film from his very rich filmography.
That is still to come.