Best Re-Make Ever
Article by Bindi Lavelle
Yes, the title is a big call, but keep in mind we are talking about John Carpenter's The Thing. This film is a master piece in its own right. IN a time when everyone was in a Spielberg induced infatuation with aliens, Carpenter re-made the 1951 sci-fi thriller The Thing From Another Planet, taking the story to its horrifying full potential.
Although The Thing flopped on its theatrical release, through VHS, it reached its cult audience sustaining a longevity matched by few films of the 80s.
The exquisite practical effects combined with the claustrophobic air of paranoia. The Thing took isolation and couples with an unseen but very real threat.
In the original, the alien was given a clearly defined threat, while in Carpenter's version, the alien is instead seen through various guises; the alien is shown in its transformation and imitation of animals and humans alike. This makes for some terrifying images, masterfully crafted by an effects crew which leaves most cgi teams for dead.
There are many elements of this film to explore there have been have been countless essays and articles written about this influential and captivating film. Why? Because it is far more than a re-make made for a production company to make a quick buck; John Carpenter's The Thing is an amusing film.