The Thing (1982)

Renowned as probably the greatest horror film ever made, John Carpenter’s The Thing is a frightening tale of monsters, paranoia and isolation. In the winter of 1982, a twelve man research team have to battle a shape-shifting alien which hides within their very bodies imitating their look, their personalities and their every move.

This film was released two weeks after E.T which ruined many people’s opinions of aliens as cuddly. A lot of people missed this classic and some even went so far as to call John Carpenter a “Pornographer of violence”, which greatly undermines this epic horror. The Thing is on top of it’s game, well above The Exorcist & even John Carpenter’s Halloween. It’s full of twisted mind games about who could be the thing which really keeps you on the edge of your seat. Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack is menacing and simple, executed mostly with a single note, leaving a feeling of dread that is pure genius.

It’s an extremely atmospheric film with a very cold and bleak setting. Cinematographer Dean Cundey really went to work on it and deserved some sort of reward for his outstanding vision. Oscar? I think so. 

This film will always be a timeless classic, and it’s special effects will always be stunning. The acting is flawless and very human. This wasn’t a film with black humour thrown in or the odd goof to ease the audience down. No, Carpenter’s Thing makes you look at the person sitting next to you watching it and question whether they’re human. A masterpiece.