31 Days of Horror: John Carpenter’s The Thing
Posted by Robert Fure (robert@filmschoolrejects.com) on October 9, 2008
The Thing (1982)
Synopsis: An alien being capable of perfectly imitating its hosts infiltrates a remote arctic research station and slowly turns the men against each other. Without knowing who they can trust, the dwindling survivors have to figure out a way to survive the harsh arctic conditions and stop the being from spreading and possibly taking over the world.
Killer Scene: The creature, imitating Norris, uses a multi-fanged, mutant jaw in its ribcage to bite off the Doc’s hands before it’s soon to be severed head falls to the ground, sprouts crab-like legs, and scuttles across the floor and deeper into the station.
KILLSHEET
Violence: While violence may not be the best term for it, there are plenty of gross and disgusting moments. Hands are bitten off, a head is severed, tendrils erupt out of bodies, and there’s a gunshot to the face, among other things and other creepy monster moments.
Sex: Total brodeo on all counts as there isn’t a single female in the entire film. This is one of this films that, thankfully, is so utterly engaging and fantastic, you don’t even think about boobs the entire time.
Scares: John Carpenter weaves a tight and tense thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. The creature designs are frightening and the possibility of any character, at any time, suddenly revealing themselves to be the alien being, you’re on the edge of your seat the whole time.
Final Thoughts: Beyond horror, The Thing is just one of my favorite movies of all times, period. Well acted with a wide variety of talent and great characters and punctuated with still relevant and groundbreaking practical effects, this arctic horrorfest will chill your bones. This film is highly recommended.
What’s your favorite scene of The Thing?
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