This film is John Carpenter’s attempt at an ALIEN-like horror flick. The film isn’t as good as the first two ALIEN flicks, but it succeeds in its own right. Like the ALIEN films it takes its time developing the story, but it doesn’t develop its cast as fully. ALIEN gets more into the social hierarchy of the ship where THE THING presents more character types. However, I was still captivated by the mood of THE THING.
The isolation of the South Pole locations really adds to the oppressive tone. The story follows an American outpost on Antarctica, which investigates a Norwegian outpost after two Norwegians fly a helicopter into their camp and shoot wildly at a dog. Pilot R.J. MacReady (Kurt Russell, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK) flies Dr. Copper (Richard A. Dysart, L.A. LAW) to the Norwegians’ base where they discover that a deformed human-like being has been discovered in the ice. The Americans quickly discover that the alien being can duplicate other beings. Before too long, a subtle paranoia sets into the camp, led by Dr. Blair (Wilford Brimley, COCOON). The other characters include cook Nauls (T.K. Carter, BAADASSSSS!), stoner pilot Palmer (David Clennon, SILVER CITY) and flame-throwing badass Childs (Keith David, PLATOON).
No one knows whom they can trust and the scene where R.J. conducts the blood test is quite tense. The visuals and special effects in the film are wonderfully gruesome. The creature is unique and unlike anything you’ve ever seen. I loved the shot of the Norwegian who slits his wrists and the blood hangs out of his wounds like cherry icicles. The film is really a remake of THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD, but I can’t compare the two because I haven’t seen the original. All I know is that Carpenter does an excellent job creating the right mood in this film. It’s scary and disturbing and that’s what makes it a solid horror flick.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
