The Dean of Cinema

Written by Dean Zarbaugh II

Now Showing: The Thing (1982) – dir. by John Carpenter

Anytime. Anywhere. Anyone. A research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims.

John Carpenter’s haunting tale of a Thing that can replicate itself into any life form. A scientific unit stationed in Antarctica come into contact with this Thing and it begins to wreak havoc on the group. Who can you trust when you don’t know if the people you’re with might not be who they say they are? The group being isolated in Antarctica and cut off from all outside contact only heightens the stakes.

Great direction from Carpenter as always, ramping up the suspense with every scene. One of the greatest horror/suspense directors of all time. The man knows how to draw you in, hook you, and never let you go. To borrow a phrase from modern parlance, “he cooks.” He doesn’t play by the same rules as other directors which is why his films come out looking and feeling so unique. He pushes the limits every time he gets behind the camera and the films are better for it.

Mind-blowing special effects courtesy of Rob Bottin pushes the creepy needle over 10 and still holds up to this day. Each creature featured is frightening in its own way, and will leave you feeling disgusted in the best way possible. Even on my 10th viewing I find myself turning away in disgust at certain scenes. Mainly the ones dealing with the dogs. I hate seeing dogs in distress.

Terrific performances from Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter, and the entire cast gives the film an added layer of intensity and realism. Kurt Russell is one of my all time favorite actors. His career spans so many different genres. He can do anything. The Thing and Tombstone are my favorite performances of his. I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to work on a film with the great Keith David a few years back. He was kind to everyone on set and was a true professional. The man is still jacked to this day. I thought he was going to crush my hand when we shook. It was an incredible day for the entire crew who were all big fans of The Thing. He brings a gravitas to every scene he’s in and is one of the best parts of The Thing.

It also has the honor of featuring one of the greatest film endings of all time. Who is The Thing? Who is human? Will it escape the Antarctic and infect the world?