THE THING (1982) d. John Carpenter (USA)
THE THING (2011) d. Matthijs van Heijningen (USA)
This week, we’re discussing Howard Hawks’ The Thing from Another World (1951) and John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982), two science-fiction horror films that, despite sharing a source in John W. Campbell Jr.’s novella Who Goes There?, reflect very different eras in filmmaking and cultural anxiety and both represent landmark moments in genre cinema.
The alien is a humanoid, plant-based creature (played by future Gunsmoke star James Arness) that represents the fear of external invasion and ideological contamination prevalent in early-1950s America.
John Carpenter’s The Thing, by contrast, reflects a far bleaker worldview. Screenwriter Bill Lancaster returns more faithfully to Campbell’s original concept of a shape-shifting alien menace, emphasizing uncertainty and mistrust. Carpenter’s film centers on paranoia rather than invasion, with the alien’s ability to perfectly imitate its victims turning the threat inward, eroding trust among the characters. The groundbreaking practical effects by Rob Bottin redefined onscreen monster movies, pushing the boundaries of what mainstream audiences could imagine or endure.
Unlike its predecessor, which was immediately hailed as an artistic and commercial success, The Thing was initially reviled by critics and commercially unsuccessful. Thankfully, it has since been reappraised as a masterpiece in the 40+ years since its release.
Join AC and his incredible panel of guests (Fraser Coffeen, Chris Hainsworth, Katie McClean Hainsworth, Kevin Matthews, Ryan Olson) as we explore the genre’s evolution from externalized fears to psychological and existential dread and everything in between!
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