The Thing (1982)

Director: John Carpenter

Writers: Bill Lancaster, based on "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell, Jr.

Stars: Kurt Russell, A. Wilford Brimley, David Clennon, Keith David, Richard Dysart, Charles Hallahan, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur

The crew of an Antarctic research station (Kurt Russell, A. Wilford Brimley, David Clennon, Keith David, Richard Dysart, Charles Hallahan, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur, Donald Moffat, Joel Polis, and Thomas G. Waites) finds itself in conflict with an alien life form that can change its shape in this classic horror film that was considered both an artistic and commercial failure at its time of release.

 

Once the creature’s abilities are understood, we are treated to an object lesson (more relevant now than ever) in the destructive effect of division and mistrust on efforts to deal with an existential threat. 

This is John Carpenter’s best film.

 

In addition to building a tremendous atmosphere with a wonderful sense of setting, the constricted physical spaces and the ticking clock really put on the pressure.

 

Rob Bottin’s practical creature effects are beautifully disgusting and pushed the envelope of what was possible at that time.

 

It was criticized at the time of release for thin characterizations, but I felt that the cast was talented enough to reveal a lot through their actions and reactions. 

Similar to a film made much later, United 93, we watch a group of people who are essentially blank slates to us reveal hidden depths by the way they relate to each other during a time of crisis.