The Thing Written Review: They're not Swedish Mac, They're Norwegian

Credit: Universal Pictures

By Cameron Smith

The Thing is one of those films proving that only time will tell how successful and, more importantly, memorable a film is. The Thing has gone from a film that most critics despised, due to the stigma that many critics had against horror at the time, to one of the most revered horror films of all time.

The reason behind this is how the film is set up. It's setting -  a research base in Antartica - lends itself to the isolation that the characters feel, and increases the suspicion they have of one another, and for who the Thing is (or not). The Thing itself works as a movie monster. Not only in the gore factor, with now classic scenes such as the defibrillator and the dog scenes. But also in how it can subtly infect hosts without them or anyone else knowing. Fear of viruses and similar hostile organisms is something that works to great effect because of the fear that there is no real way of fighting back against it: once you're infected, that's it. A common fear in the 80s with the height of the AIDs epidemic years later. Still, to this day there are theories on who was a turned into a Thing at which point.

The cast does a marvelous job for the most part, though some are left in the background, which granted does help when it comes to figuring who is a Thing. Though in fairness everyone does get a moment, just some characters get a more memorable moment than others. Like Kurt Russell's Mac, who gives a very believable performance showing off not only a snarky sarcastic character but one who is scared of the situation, he is in. Wilford Brimley as Dr. Blair gives a memorable performance, as the man's mental health deteriorates after the realisation of what the thing is and what its true goal was; and Donald Moffat does deliver a personal favorite line about not wanting to be tied to a couch all winter. Something that the film could have more of is character interactions, particularly before the Thing arrived, showing off the groups friendships and how they have changed with the fear of who is who. It may have made some scenes more impactful, and helped with the fear factor some more.

Cinematography wise this is a brilliantly shot film. Wide and establishing shots helps to show the true isolation of the situation. Closed shots help to draw us into characters immediate situation and the danger of it. And a few one-shots help to keep the tension flowing.

And of course, John Carpenters score helps greatly. The slow, constant beat mixes well with the film and further reinforces the atmosphere and feeling of isolation.  

All in all, this is a masterfully crafted film, and among one of the best horrors made. Despite some slow build up and missed opportunities with some characters, it more than makes up for that by how it creates an atmosphere of fear and mistrust and keeps it going throughout the remainder of the film. And an ending that will leave you with many questions on your lips