John Carpenter's The Thing.

[davejames]

Maybe either MacReady or Childs (or both of them) were already copies at the end and they just didn't know it.

Or on the other hand they could have both been "Things" and knew it, but each didn't know if the other was human or another "Thing". Hell, all the humans could have been gone by half way through the film and the rest was just a bunch of "Things" trying to outwit each other. Now that's paranoia!

That's one of my favorite things about the movie, and Russell's performance. As much as you want to root for him and take his side, he plays the character so cool and mysterious that you're not always sure you can trust him.

 

[Davros]

Also, why are there not more films with Antarctic settings? Even before seeing this, I,ve always liked the isolation of such a setting, and the cold weather costumes and other trappings.

I'm still holding out for GDT's 'At the Mountains of Madness'.

Which I'm sure some will call a rip off of The Thing.

 

[Kirkman1987]

Maybe either MacReady or Childs (or both of them) were already copies at the end and they just didn't know it.

Or on the other hand they could have both been "Things" and knew it, but each didn't know if the other was human or another "Thing". Hell, all the humans could have been gone by half way through the film and the rest was just a bunch of "Things" trying to outwit each other. Now that's paranoia!

They would've had to have been mostly human at least up to the blood test, but after that I don't see much of a problem. Either way, I agree that the almost total mystery of the whole thing is one of the film's highlights.

Also, "I know you guys have been through a lot today, but could one of you help me so I don't spend the whole winter TIED TO THIS FUCKING COUCH." Fun line.

 

[wildstar]

The ending is just perfect and I keep thinking about the commentary track where Russell and Carpenter discuss the nature of the thing. If it perfectly copies you, then do you necessarily know that you are The Thing until you are tested or seriously wounded? Obviously after that the defense mechanism kicks in and the real deal appears, but in the beginning is it more like an infection inside you or should I say your copy? Maybe either MacReady or Childs (or both of them) were already copies at the end and they just didn't know it.

Awesome movie and overall it follows the original story more closely than the 1951 version.

I like to think that it's more like an actor taking on a role. As much as they would get into the emotion and mood of the role, at heart they know they're an actor. The Thing would always know it's itself no matter how perfect it duplicates the victim.

Either way, great movie.

 

[pookha]

The ending is just perfect and I keep thinking about the commentary track where Russell and Carpenter discuss the nature of the thing. If it perfectly copies you, then do you necessarily know that you are The Thing until you are tested or seriously wounded? Obviously after that the defense mechanism kicks in and the real deal appears, but in the beginning is it more like an infection inside you or should I say your copy? Maybe either MacReady or Childs (or both of them) were already copies at the end and they just didn't know it.

Awesome movie and overall it follows the original story more closely than the 1951 version.

yeah it was a lot more faithful to campbell's who goes there.

and i see the x files episode sorta as a loose sequel.

 

[Starkers]

Maybe either MacReady or Childs (or both of them) were already copies at the end and they just didn't know it.

Or on the other hand they could have both been "Things" and knew it, but each didn't know if the other was human or another "Thing". Hell, all the humans could have been gone by half way through the film and the rest was just a bunch of "Things" trying to outwit each other. Now that's paranoia!

They would've had to have been mostly human at least up to the blood test, but after that I don't see much of a problem. Either way, I agree that the almost total mystery of the whole thing is one of the film's highlights.

Also, "I know you guys have been through a lot today, but could one of you help me so I don't spend the whole winter TIED TO THIS FUCKING COUCH." Fun line.

Oh yeah I love that line

 

[Reverend]

Because of this thread I went and watched the DVD last night and tried to keep track of who's who and what happened when. What makes it so hard is that there are thing intentionally left out, like when that bloke finds MacReady's shredded clothes out in the snow and very quickly turns up burnt to a crisp only for the cook to find them again, this time in MacReady's shack. Omissions like that are clearly meant to make the audience just as paranoid as the characters.

Mind you, I can't figure out what happened to the cook; I know he went into the generator room with MacReady and sheriff blokey - the latter getting a face full of doc-thing's hand - but I'm not sure we see what happens to the cook, unless I blinked and missed something.

 

[barnaclelapse]

The Thing is probably the best of Carpenter's "Apocalypse Trilogy" (which also includes "In The Mouth of Madness" and "Prince of Darkness" and may also be one of the best horror films of the 80's.

 

[JWD75]

My all time favorite movie.

 

[Starkers]

The Thing is probably the best of Carpenter's "Apocalypse Trilogy" (which also includes "In The Mouth of Madness" and "Prince of Darkness" and may also be one of the best horror films of the 80's.

Oh I love Prince of Darkness, but oddly I've only ever seen In the Mouth of Maddness the once. Not because I hated it, just simply never got around to rewatching it. I really must correct that omission cos I suspect it's probably the last good film he made. Well it or Escape from LA whichever was later

Has there been a 'favourite Carpenter film' thread lately?

Although that would be a pain cos I reckon I'd have a four way tie vying for one vote!

 

[Base_Delta_Zero]

Favorite film.

I watch this and Die Hard every Christmas Eve, cause wisecracking heroes, gun battles, Antarctic paranoia and genestealing alien menaces are the perfect way to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Man, the 80s have the best movies.

 

[barnaclelapse]

70's and 80's seem to have an awful lot of good stuff for me. That isn't to say great movies still aren't being put out there. I'm just going with sentimental favorites.

 

[Servo]

One of my favourite films ever. It's pretty much perfect.

 

[Trekker4747]

Brilliant movie.

It's also Antarctica's National Movie!

LINK