The Thing
The Thing
Overview
- Original title: The Thing
- Directed by: John Carpenter
- Produced by: David Foster, Lawrence Turman
- Written by: Bill Lancaster, John W. Campbell, Jr. (story)
- Starring: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, David Clennon, Richard Dysart
- Music by: Ennio Morricone
- Cinematography: Dean Cundey
- Editing: Todd Ramsay
- Production company: Universal Pictures, Turman-Foster Company
- Distributed by: Universal Pictures
- Release date: June 25, 1982
- Running time: 109 minutes
- Country: United States
- Language: English
Plot
Antarctica, winter 1982. A Norwegian research team discovers an alien spaceship buried in the ice. The team brings the alien back to their base, where it thaws out and kills the entire team. The only survivor is a dog, which escapes and is found by a group of American researchers led by R.J. MacReady (Kurt Russell).
The Americans take the dog back to their base, where it is revealed that it is actually the alien in disguise. The alien begins to infect and kill the Americans, one by one. The Americans are forced to fight back, using flamethrowers and other weapons to try to kill the alien.
As the group is picked off one by one, MacReady discovers that the alien can perfectly imitate its victims, making it difficult to tell who is human and who is the alien. He also discovers that the alien is afraid of fire, and he uses this knowledge to try to kill it.
In the end, MacReady is the only survivor. He is left alone in the Antarctic, where he is rescued by a helicopter. He is taken to a hospital, where he is examined by doctors. The doctors discover that MacReady is infected with the alien, and they quarantine him.
Cast
- Kurt Russell as R.J. MacReady
- Wilford Brimley as Blair
- Keith David as Childs
- David Clennon as Palmer
- Richard Dysart as Dr. Copper
- Charles Hallahan as Norris
- Peter Maloney as Bennings
- Richard Masur as Clark
- Donald Moffat as Garry
- T.K. Carter as Windows
- Norbert Weisser as Fuchs
Production
The Thing was filmed in Alaska and California. The film's production was troubled, with Carpenter and the studio clashing over the film's budget and creative direction. Carpenter also had to deal with the harsh weather conditions in Alaska.
Despite the difficulties, Carpenter was able to complete the film on time and within budget. The Thing was released in theaters on June 25, 1982.
Reception
The Thing was a critical and commercial failure when it was first released. Critics complained about the film's violence and gore, and audiences were turned off by the film's bleak ending.
However, the film has since been re-evaluated and is now considered one of the best horror films ever made. The Thing is praised for its suspenseful atmosphere, its well-crafted special effects, and its strong performances from the cast.
Legacy
The Thing has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film has been parodied and referenced in other works of art, including the films Shaun of the Dead and Cabin in the Woods. The film has also been adapted into a video game, a novel, and a comic book.
The Thing is a classic horror film that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today. The film's suspenseful atmosphere, well-crafted special effects, and strong performances from the cast make it a must-see for fans of the genre.
