The Thing (1982)

Director: John Carpenter
Starring: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David

Synopsis:
An Antarctic research station is menaced by an alien organism that can mimic other creatures.

Impressions:
Just as Alien is at the pinnacle of scifi horror, so too is John Carpenter's The Thing. I'm not going to say one is better than the other, though. I have a greater personal attachment to Alien, but The Thing is an outstanding film as well. It does a good job of building the suspense and then when things start going south, tense paranoia runs the show. The hook that anyone could be an alien in disguise works really well, just as it does in any well-written body snatcher story. The performances are good all around, which is necessary to sell a story like this. I will say that Wilford Brimley is nigh-unrecognizable without his trademark moustache. (Not really related, but while I was thinking about the cast, that thought came to mind.) The score by Ennio Morricone is a fine match for the atmosphere of the film. And let's not forget the special effects, some of the best practical creature effects in cinema history. Word of warning, though, there's a lot of gore and unless you have nerves of steel, this movie's likely to freak you right out. If that sounds more like enticement than deterrent, then you're in for a ride you'll enjoy. Watch it, and be sure to watch whoever's in the room with you. Watch 'em close.

Rating:
Own It