I'm glad that John Carpenter lived long enough to see critical opinion of _The Thing_ shift from negative to positive. It's a fantastic film, and he has every right to be proud of it.
I... seriously doubt you can put "best" work on... well, most things sir Carpenter worked on... I am sorry, but... pretty much everything this here genius ever touched has so much unique atmosphere and... goddamn... I don't even know... What I am trying to say basically is that you seriously can't call anything he did his "best" work... No, it is all best in 80's horror. And I don't give a shit if you're going to say "The fog" wasn't too great, I seriously don't.
This movie still scares the shit out of me all these years later. When I first saw it as a kid I was scared to even go near my own dog for a couple of days afterward.
couldn't agree with you more about the whole dog thing. I took months for me to get used to dogs again when I was a little kid and if i even seen a huskie it made my fear a whole lot worse! lol
pendorran I watch it to this day and I have to lock my doors in place so my dogs don’t nose there way in like Jed did in all those really creepy as hell awesome scenes. He worked with millions of shots of practical effects, animals, and freezing cold conditions. And people underestimate John Carpenter these days! Call him a ‘cult’ film-maker. The Thing isn’t just one of the best horror movies ever made. Not even one of the best sci-fi flicks...no I’d put it up there in my personal list of favorite films of all time. No accounting for taste, but the guy really did have an influence on the sci-fi genre that’s still felt today in the clover-field movies, recently ‘a quiet place’...the first guy, really, willing to put on the screen the likes of which even H.P. Lovecraft would probably adore, and HIS influence is definitely everywhere. What a truly astounding set of geniuses, one standing on the shoulders of another. I think Guillermo Del Toro is the next link in the chain of horror and weird-tales.
Being stuck in the North Pole, or Antarctica in Carpenter's version, is scary enough. Then you add in the fact that you are stuck in the confined living space with a super intelligent shapeshifting alien and you have some SERIOUS tension. Love the anti-Hollywood ending.
The early 80's was a strange time for movies. Movies like 'The Thing', 'Blade Runner', 'Scarface', were all critically blasted movies. Two of which, were considered major flops. All of these movies, today, are considered classics, to which I'm pleased it found it's audiences. I was to young to see the original releases in the cinema, but saw their re-releases on the big screen. Great decade for movies.
The Terminator was also not a huge success originally. You have to remember that videotape was just beginning to happen and there were no such things as 'Mall Theaters' -- my home town had ONE theater with ONE screen. They might play the same movie for weeks. The Terminator, Alien, Evil Dead, Halloween, and many other films were simply never shown in on the big screen in much of the country. Many of these films had to be 'discovered' on the secondary video market.
***** putrid is too harsh. I think it was a good effort. There were some interesting ideas in it. I've come to enjoy the movie much more upon repeated viewings. It has a lot to do with god, why we are here, who put us here. It ask the big questions. Ridley took a lot of chances going in that direction rather than just doing another monster movie. It's not as good as Aliens but I think it will be embraced in the years to come. I also think The Counselor is an underrated masterpiece.
This didn't just happen in the 80's, Alien in 1979 was hated by the critics, even Fritz Lang's highly influential German science-fiction film Metropolis (especially Star Wars and Blade Runner) from 1927 was also hated by critics and not profitable.
+amanda davis The Thing was released at a time when people were all cuddly wuddly for aliens (E.T)...The idea of a scary man devouring monster alien was not what the public wanted to see at that time, thus the genius of this movie was widely over looked. It's a real shame, but fortunately this movie gets the recognition today that it deserved all alone.
Mr. Carpenter has reinvented the horror genre at least twice (Halloween and The Thing) and is a true legend worldwide. He further proved to be an extremely versatile directer and made straight up action movies (Escape from New York) and adventure films (Big Trouble in Little China) and satire films (They Live). He will always be one of my favorite if not the favorite director of all time. Thank you for so many fantastic movies.
This movie BLEW ME AWAY. I saw it when it came out. I was 15 at that time. Not a little kid. It scared the shit out of me. I was straight up fuckin disturbed. Everyone I knew were in complete agreement about this movie being a masterpiece and it remains my favorite horror film of alltime.
Warren Feagins didn't see this film until 91 but i still regard it as the scariest movie i've ever seen and my personal all time favourite horror movie
This is probably my all-time favorite movie. I'm a psychology buff, and I've yet to see another film that even comes close to replicating the pervading sense of paranoia that this movie so organically generates. And don't get me started on the amazingly beautiful animatronic SFX. I'd take those over CGI every day of the week and twice on Sundays. I want my "terrors" to be real, to have texture, and this movie does exactly that in spades. 10/10, 5 stars, 2 thumbs up.
Whew. Upon release it was hated? Perhaps the film is like a solid batch of wine. It just needed some time. My god I wish I could go back in time and see it in theaters :D
@@CannibalWHORE22 It's not ET's fault. It was just bad timing on the studio's part. Don't blame ET, blame Universal for releasing them both right next to each other.
Kieran Hayag I am not blaming E.T. It was just you can thank the movie for the reason it didn’t do well. The movie didn’t say look at me go see me! People would usually rather see the safer film then the horrific film at the time.
Kieran Hayag I actually have seen a little of E.T. And thought it was a fine film also had smarts. But obviously I enjoy The Thing because of the amazing story and the special effects are insane
never release a movie against speilberg, especially if its E.T. ..imagine if E.T. met the thing lol and the thing takes over E.T.'s shape etc.. lol there's the sequel for both movies lol
Just hearing the ominous music alone already puts you in a certain mood, the tone and atmosphere are extremely powerful. The Thing is a complete masterpiece with no equals.
I am so stunned at its cold reception. I believe this is a masterpiece of horror and I can't understand how film fans were so dismissive at its release.
Stephen Hawking (RIP), stated we should not seek contact with “aliens” because they may come to conquer our world, take over our planet, or take our resources. However, other scientists state they would come in peace since they would be so far advanced that they would not believe in war and come in peace. I believe that, just like humans, there will be good and bad “aliens.” And I do believe they visited earth during early human civilization (i.e., pyramids in Egypt and Mexico and Vimanas in Hindu texts).
The list is not complete without mentioning Rosemary's Baby. That's the movie that opened the door for all the amazing horror films that came later. It's the equivalent of what 2001 did for sci-fi.
My all-time favorite horror film. In an age where CGI is everything, The Thing's practical effects are far more appealing. I also have yet to hear any inhuman screams more ghastly and horrifying than the ones present in this movie. Thank you for this movie John!
“The Thing” is my favorite cult classic sci-fi movie. The cast and crew did a great job. Thank you, Mr. Carpenter, for blazing your own path! BTW: I also enjoyed “Big Trouble In Little China.” Raiden was the character I played in “Mortal Kombat.” It was cool to see him in this movie.
"I know you gentlemen have gone through a lot, but when you find the time, I'd rather not spend the rest of this winter, TIED TO THIS FING COUCH!" Classic line delivered by a great actor!
This movie isn't just visually scary, it strikes your very soul and identity. As they are both in question once in contact with The Thing. The idea of losing your identity to such a base primal entity is true horror.
John Carpenter is such a talented director, screen writer and musician. Honestly, his films are something else! They have such atmosphere. I love the visuals and the synth driven music. Got his soundtracks on vinyl and films on Blu-ray. Really fun.
I won't go so far as to say it's the best film ever made, or even the best horror film ever made -- I've seen far too many films of all genres to make that sort of a statement. (I'm not sure there even IS such a thing as "greatest", singular.) BUT... it certainly is a damn fine film, 'way ahead of its time, and holds up beautifully today. I watched it again last night, and was once again massively impressed with it. I'm not always a fan of Carpenter, particularly the tendency to go for the graphic; but here it works to enhance the alienness of what we're dealing with, and Bottin's work is simply stunning; the performances seem spot on, and I don't think anyone could have beat Kurt Russell as McReady. Not to mention the camera work, lighting, Ennio Moricone's score (a "cold" score, if I remember, yet superb for this film, and very evocative on its own)... so many other levels. This one stands, along with Cronenberg's "The Fly", as one of the few times when graphic effects achieve so much more than simple gore or gross-out; they become symbolic of various other aspects, and a part of the storytelling itself; and I don't think it is any coincidence that both these films are also examinations of human failings and strengths, and ultimately tragic in their resolution (though the situations are not necessarily resolved, they do have an artistic resolution). I guess I was one of the few who really LIKED the movie when it came out, and I watched it frequently at the time. Glad to see it has had a reassessment which gives it something much closer to the recognition it deserves. But I wouldn't be too discouraged; several of the great classics of cinema have gone through this same thing, being ahead of, or at least out of touch with, the audience at the time, and only recognized as the special thing they are later, becoming a cultural icon (and even meme, in some cases). Carpenter is lucky to have at least a handful of films which have achieved this status; it is more than most, even very talented, directors manage....
ishtarian the question is why would we even bother scrolling and looking to ur comment , by the way let me know wat movies are the best of all time cuz I can analysis it and prove it to u
I just got done watching the film. I revisit it every so often and I felt like today would be a good time to see it again. One of my all time favorites The Thing.
I saw this movie as a kid, alone in my home in the end of the afternoon. My first horror movie, and it was really scary. I remenber that the music of the movie stayed on my head for more than one week. I saw it more 3 times and it scared me the almoust the same way as I were a child. No doubt, one of the greatest horror movies of the 80´s.
I still scratch my head whenever I hear or read or watch stuff like this when it's said that the film wasnt popular during it's release. I remember seeing it at least a dozen times during the Summer of '82, in drive-ins and regular theaters, and every show was packed! I remember Siskel & Ebert reviewed it, and Siskel liked it with a caveat that it might sicken many viewers, while Ebert flat out said it was the most disgusting thing(no pun intended) that he'd ever seen on screeen. Siskel called him on it and Ebert said he'd stand by his opinion. I've been trying to find that review clip for years and I tried to ask Ebert what, if any, film had surpassed his opinion over the years.
Well, the BO numbers bear that out. A $19m gross (via Box Office Mojo) off of a $15m budget (via Wiki) isn't great, especially when you figure in prints and advertising costs.
Jim Barg If it made more than it cost, it was not a fail. Wages are paid, people are employed. Perhaps when compared to the movies that were packing audiences (ET), The Thing and Blade Runner don't look so successful. Most production companies hope for a low-budget runaway hit to support the running costs of the big budget blockbusters. I think JC was hurt by the unfavourable reviews. I really think that if JC's The Thing was re-released (not rebooted or prequeled) for cinema, it would generate some good coin, just for that wonderful cinematic experience.
Saw it in 1982 and it blew me away...never screamed out loud during a movie, I sure did during this masterpiece...I think it was way to sophisticated for the ET crowd....this movie embodied many elements which made it so great.
Ebert, rest his soul, also did a 180 on “Blade Runner” years later, when it was deemed a classic film noir, and said he just didn’t get it, the first time.
Big shout out to mr stan winston for creating the dog thing and for his assistant lance anderson for operating the dog thing so convincingly..RIP stan.
Its great to hear john carpenter speak, ive been a fan of his films for years, the thing has probably moved to my all time favorite movie ever, full of suspense and paranoia. Not many directors can be compared to john carpenter, is work is unique.
I watched this movie in 2019, and it is still the best horror movie I have ever watched. It made me so deeply terrified and just left me completely haunted and mortified. I can still watch it now and it still gives me that visceral fear.
Its one of the best horror movies of all time, the plot, the psychological problems they deal with, the location, the effects, and even good acting, Its a movie that only gives you a little to see, and a lot to play with your mind, never get tired of watching it!
I always liked They Live also and I guess Im one of those who didnt like the Thing when it first came out but I really like it now and more so since the prequel came out and which I think was made really well and two films are like the same movie spliced together . Its hard for me not to watch both when I start watching the first.
What's with people hating ET? ET and The Thing are two different films, one is a family sci-fi movie the other is horror. They're not even comparable. I love both movies for different reasons, and we should be proud that The Thing today is considered one of the greatest horror movies of all times. We shouldn't bring down one movie to lift up another.
ET's success is the reason for The Thing's nonsensical negative reception, which is something that greatly hurt Carpenter's career. Without ET we would have had more Carpenter movies, and probably high budget at that. So it's ok to hate on ET
Sunday October 20th/2019- My eldest son and I watched The Thing. He's 19, had heard of the movie. I saw it at an outdoor theater in Cranbrook BC, 2 weeks after it came out. It ate a hole in my head for years afterward. Few, if any movies since have had that effect. My son was deeply impressed and as he told me- "I was scared in a couple of places". Stunning visually, horrific psychologically, to think it went from trusting, to zero trust and back to being forced to trust one another in the camp. Simply can't think of another movie of its genre that was as outright shocking as this one. Even 37 years later, still a beast of a movie. God bless John Carpenter and Kurt Russel.
The fan's loved the thing, but at the same time we the viewers you saw the movie in 1982, also saw et. And we made et, a bigger hit then john carpenter's, brilliant masterpiece the thing. I truly loved the thing.
The Thing from 1982 is in my top 5 movies of all time and my top favorite horror movie. Without a doubt, I can only say I love you John for making this film, that when I was 12 when it came out, it has been a favorite for me year after year, time after time that I watch it and now I watch it with my children, and they love the movie
I'm still amazed that such a great movie like The Thing didn't do good at the theatre's, its insane, I love this movie, its always in my top twenty movies, right up their with Grave Encounter's or the original Dawn of The Dead, I watched a little bit of ET, and I couldn't get into it, The Thing, it horrified me, it scared me within an inch of my life, and, it had a fantastic story, its character's were great, the effects were before their time, hell, I have actually read the script and I can't decide if I like the movie or screenplay more, its just that great of a movie, honestly, this truly is a movie that was before its time, and if they showed this at the theatre where I live, I'd go and see it right now!
I've got a broad view of good movies, I prefer the original DOTD over the reboot, BUT, I will say I still enjoyed the Reboot, mainly for that one scene with that really funny song and Ving Rhames playing golf.
In my opinion, the greatest Sci-Fi / Horror movie ever made with arguably the best Practical Creature effects ever put on film. Carpenter's Masterpiece...📽👽🔥👌
It's my favorite movie of all time! It's a masterpiece that holds well 40+ years later. The story, the effects everything about this picture is top notch!
he told the crew to come up with their own back stories and he said the Quaker oats guy said he was a Russian spy. I about fell out of my chair laughing when I heard that. it just makes it even more interesting to think of that.
If this movie was released a year before or after 82, not only would it be a cult classic, Im sure it would have been amongst the greatest horror films ever made, up there with Alien/s, the shining and others, along with the best sci fi movies like terminator. I can honestly say this is one of the few horror films that I found scary, gripping and intense. Its gore was perfect,not like the sick shit you get such as Saw, Hostel and the rest I can't be bothered to name the creatures were well made and frightening and the tension was built up at a perfect slow pace. . Definitely before its time with great directing, effects design and brilliant acting from the whole cast. Definately a favorite of mine
I love the part when he talks about how the Thing has no "true" form - it constantly evolves and changes as it absorbs and imitates new lifeforms, so it ALWAYS has new ways to surprise and scare you!
Saw it as a kid back in '82 with a friend, we were scared shitless, what a great experience. After that I saw it again and again at sci-fi horror all-nighters and again in VHS. Can't wait till my kids are over 14 to show them what real cinematic horror is. John Carpenter is the man.
"Alien" gets better every time I watch it. It really is a bloody amazing film. The Thing is one of my ten favourite movies from the 80s. Like Alien, it has aged very well.
I'm old enough to have seen it in theater upon its release and we were stunned and horrified by the movie. Botin's special effects blew our minds. Still amazed at the hate it got. We thought it was visionary, wave of the science fiction future stuff.
Mr Carpenter....it's my fav movie of all time. I have been watching it since my childhood (yes I know :D) and still watch it every week or two. It's timeless and it's never gets old or boring. Thank you!
God bless this guy..excellent films..excellent director..I got into the film biz because of him, and have had the pleasure to meet him on the set of Escape from L.A., he was very busy and still took time to stop an talk with me for a few mins. Hope his new films coming up are great.
I saw this in the cinemas on first release in 1981. I remember thinking it was the scariest movie I'd ever seen (I was 15). It still is my favourite film ever. I love seeing it again on the big screen when cinemas put it on occasionally.
For me, the gruesome effects underscore the seriousness and brutality of the film. They're hard to watch, but they're a vital part of what makes the film incredible.
And people liked ET over this. The Thing absorbed you ET! No one wants to remember ET's loving Hug over The Things Loving Hug!.......... .. . . (Hugs Self)
Admire his humility and giving credit where do - to the classics and the original intellectual property that inspires his Visions. Thank you for years of some of Hisyory's greatest Cinema. 🔮👁️🖖🛸💙
Great masterpiece John! Myself and my older brother watched this film when it was released. Loved it and a very essential piece of all 80's horror films.
OMG, I feel so old..I saw the preview in Hollywood in 1982!!! Never had so much scares and fun in my entire life! I love this movie!!!Thanks for posting this! :)
JC might never read this but just in case.... If not, John. you are the best filmmaker EVER! Thank you for years of entertainment and inspiration. You are a genius. Thank you!
Many great points, have been brought to light on this thread!!! As a horror writer/aficionado, I found this film to be my all time favorite and, in any genre, for that matter!!! If you really want to SHIT your pants, read Alan Dean Foster's The Thing... You can only do so much on screen, you can do far more in print!!!
The flying saucer scene is like the space jockey scene in Alien (before Prometheus anyway). They are both fun to imagine what went on leading up to it.
still one of my favourite movies of all time its brilliant.love ennio morricone soundtracks aswell and he hits the nail on the head. all round 10/10 absolute fooking quality
I missed it when it first came out but have watched it countless times since. I first saw it on super channel in the fall of 82 I believe. It would be on about 3 times a day in a 24 hour period almost for a week straight. We watched the bejesus out of it, and I could still watch it to this day. In fact, it was just on a few days ago, is this a coincidence that it was just on and now I'm reading a review of John Carpenter's possibly best movie hes made, and he has made some great ones over the years. If The Thing was on TV right now, I'd be watching it. Just wish I'd have seen it in the theaters when it was first released. Awesome effects and a very mind haunting sound track, the music so ominous and ever pending suspenseful announcing of impending doom. Love it
Saw this when I was 9. I neither looked at people the same, nor slept properly, for at least a month. The one and only horror movie, to genuinely scare the crap out of me. The thought of a monster that could be anyone around you, and infect you to take you over, was simply and utterly terrifying. So glad that things worked out the way they did, and this movie was made precisely as it was. It's hard to pick my favourite Carpenter movie, but The Thing, is tied for #1 with various others. Well done, on every level.
I Love John. Such a talented, wonderful film director. Jeez, Halloween, The Thing, Christine, The Fog...etc etc. Just great, but boy oh boy you can certainly tell in this brief interview how the "smokes" have taken their toll!!
Carptenter's "The Thing" is one of the best horror films ever made. I re-watch this movie at least once per year. There are only a few movies I feel the need to see annually (Fight Club, Alien, Evil Dead II, Harvey, and maybe 3 or 4 others). Truly a great film.
I hope Carpenter knows how much we love this movie and just how high up there with other masterpiece of the genre and movies in general it is. Because he really deserves it, he made a hell of a job and didn't get the appreciation he deserved back then
I'm glad that John Carpenter lived long enough to see critical opinion of _The Thing_ shift from negative to positive. It's a fantastic film, and he has every right to be proud of it.
He should be proud. It's his best work.
Jasper Sergio John Carpenter loves The Thing. He calls it as his favorite.
I... seriously doubt you can put "best" work on... well, most things sir Carpenter worked on... I am sorry, but... pretty much everything this here genius ever touched has so much unique atmosphere and... goddamn... I don't even know... What I am trying to say basically is that you seriously can't call anything he did his "best" work... No, it is all best in 80's horror.
And I don't give a shit if you're going to say "The fog" wasn't too great, I seriously don't.
DevilGearHill Except, this is easily his best work, all hands down. The Movie holds up and always will.
Hmm i dont know Halloweens up there pretty high too.
Why do you feel escape from new york was not great?
Quite possibly the best horror movie of all time
no actually IT IS
alien
@@zenica12 Wrong.
@@zenica12 The same level
Damn right!
The Thing is a fucking masterpiece..
No, it's not; it's just a cheap blood horror flick. And he needs to dye his white hair too!
its ok to have white hair..
Roger Borroel I feel sorry for you. Poor taste combined with a strange last name must have been hard for you growing up.
Yes it is
@@SKY-jv9ue then why are you even here? Oh yeah you're just a pathetic troll lol.
Still holds strong to this day! The Thing (1982) is a brilliant piece of sci-fi horror filmmaking!
This movie still scares the shit out of me all these years later. When I first saw it as a kid I was scared to even go near my own dog for a couple of days afterward.
couldn't agree with you more about the whole dog thing. I took months for me to get used to dogs again when I was a little kid and if i even seen a huskie it made my fear a whole lot worse! lol
This is the best comment I've read. Thank you for the laugh good sir.
I hope by "kid" you mean teenager! Kids shouldn't watch something this gruesome! D: Great for adults tho.
To me, even reading the word 'd-g' sends shivers down my spine. Please don't mention that word.
pendorran I watch it to this day and I have to lock my doors in place so my dogs don’t nose there way in like Jed did in all those really creepy as hell awesome scenes. He worked with millions of shots of practical effects, animals, and freezing cold conditions. And people underestimate John Carpenter these days! Call him a ‘cult’ film-maker. The Thing isn’t just one of the best horror movies ever made. Not even one of the best sci-fi flicks...no I’d put it up there in my personal list of favorite films of all time. No accounting for taste, but the guy really did have an influence on the sci-fi genre that’s still felt today in the clover-field movies, recently ‘a quiet place’...the first guy, really, willing to put on the screen the likes of which even H.P. Lovecraft would probably adore, and HIS influence is definitely everywhere. What a truly astounding set of geniuses, one standing on the shoulders of another. I think Guillermo Del Toro is the next link in the chain of horror and weird-tales.
Being stuck in the North Pole, or Antarctica in Carpenter's version, is scary enough. Then you add in the fact that you are stuck in the confined living space with a super intelligent shapeshifting alien and you have some SERIOUS tension. Love the anti-Hollywood ending.
The early 80's was a strange time for movies. Movies like 'The Thing', 'Blade Runner', 'Scarface', were all critically blasted movies. Two of which, were considered major flops. All of these movies, today, are considered classics, to which I'm pleased it found it's audiences. I was to young to see the original releases in the cinema, but saw their re-releases on the big screen. Great decade for movies.
The Terminator was also not a huge success originally. You have to remember that videotape was just beginning to happen and there were no such things as 'Mall Theaters' -- my home town had ONE theater with ONE screen. They might play the same movie for weeks. The Terminator, Alien, Evil Dead, Halloween, and many other films were simply never shown in on the big screen in much of the country. Many of these films had to be 'discovered' on the secondary video market.
I liked Prometheus. I actually do believe it's better than some critics realize.
*****
putrid is too harsh. I think it was a good effort. There were some interesting ideas in it. I've come to enjoy the movie much more upon repeated viewings. It has a lot to do with god, why we are here, who put us here. It ask the big questions. Ridley took a lot of chances going in that direction rather than just doing another monster movie. It's not as good as Aliens but I think it will be embraced in the years to come. I also think The Counselor is an underrated masterpiece.
viddrome i agree it is underated along with event horizon but the thing is still the best
This didn't just happen in the 80's, Alien in 1979 was hated by the critics, even Fritz Lang's highly influential German science-fiction film Metropolis (especially Star Wars and Blade Runner) from 1927 was also hated by critics and not profitable.
Fans hated it? I find that hard to believe.
I saw this in the theater when I was a kid and fucking loved it.
+amanda davis The Thing was released at a time when people were all cuddly wuddly for aliens (E.T)...The idea of a scary man devouring monster alien was not what the public wanted to see at that time, thus the genius of this movie was widely over looked. It's a real shame, but fortunately this movie gets the recognition today that it deserved all alone.
me too I saw it twice in the theater. The Thing is amazing. Kurt Russel!!
yeah its in my top favorite horror movies list.
it was 1982, ahead of it's time, and so gory lol people didn't know what to think, and E.T. got all the buzz anyways
Mr. Carpenter has reinvented the horror genre at least twice (Halloween and The Thing) and is a true legend worldwide. He further proved to be an extremely versatile directer and made straight up action movies (Escape from New York) and adventure films (Big Trouble in Little China) and satire films (They Live). He will always be one of my favorite if not the favorite director of all time. Thank you for so many fantastic movies.
This movie BLEW ME AWAY. I saw it when it came out. I was 15 at that time. Not a little kid. It scared the shit out of me. I was straight up fuckin disturbed. Everyone I knew were in complete agreement about this movie being a masterpiece and it remains my favorite horror film of alltime.
Warren Feagins didn't see this film until 91 but i still regard it as the scariest movie i've ever seen and my personal all time favourite horror movie
@@pauloneill2538 Indeed. It's out of this world great.
The movie is a triumph of creative filmmaking. John Carpenter at his best.
John Carpenter is the Fucking man.
But E.T. .....
The Thing is one of the best movies of all time. Classic John Carpenter...
This movie has multiple viewings value. He's right to be proud. I want this interview to be longer!
This is probably my all-time favorite movie. I'm a psychology buff, and I've yet to see another film that even comes close to replicating the pervading sense of paranoia that this movie so organically generates. And don't get me started on the amazingly beautiful animatronic SFX. I'd take those over CGI every day of the week and twice on Sundays. I want my "terrors" to be real, to have texture, and this movie does exactly that in spades. 10/10, 5 stars, 2 thumbs up.
Whew. Upon release it was hated?
Perhaps the film is like a solid batch of wine. It just needed some time.
My god I wish I could go back in time and see it in theaters :D
I'd be happy to go back 6 years when you posted that comment 🤭
I never knew "The Thing" received that many negative reviews in 82.
This is by far my favorite film !
I grew up on SciFi films like this.
HOWITZER You can thank E.T. For it’s negative reactions
@@CannibalWHORE22 It's not ET's fault. It was just bad timing on the studio's part. Don't blame ET, blame Universal for releasing them both right next to each other.
Kieran Hayag I am not blaming E.T. It was just you can thank the movie for the reason it didn’t do well. The movie didn’t say look at me go see me! People would usually rather see the safer film then the horrific film at the time.
Kieran Hayag I actually have seen a little of E.T. And thought it was a fine film also had smarts. But obviously I enjoy The Thing because of the amazing story and the special effects are insane
never release a movie against speilberg, especially if its E.T. ..imagine if E.T. met the thing lol and the thing takes over E.T.'s shape etc.. lol there's the sequel for both movies lol
Just hearing the ominous music alone already puts you in a certain mood, the tone and atmosphere are extremely powerful.
The Thing is a complete masterpiece with no equals.
I am so stunned at its cold reception. I believe this is a masterpiece of horror and I can't understand how film fans were so dismissive at its release.
The Thing is Carpenter's masterpiece. Still brilliant after 26 years.
The Thing is the greatest horror movie of all time along with Alien. I mean it's the one movie where I would never want to be real, EVER!
Stephen Hawking (RIP), stated we should not seek contact with “aliens” because they may come to conquer our world, take over our planet, or take our resources. However, other scientists state they would come in peace since they would be so far advanced that they would not believe in war and come in peace. I believe that, just like humans, there will be good and bad “aliens.” And I do believe they visited earth during early human civilization (i.e., pyramids in Egypt and Mexico and Vimanas in Hindu texts).
The list is not complete without mentioning Rosemary's Baby. That's the movie that opened the door for all the amazing horror films that came later. It's the equivalent of what 2001 did for sci-fi.
My all-time favorite horror film. In an age where CGI is everything, The Thing's practical effects are far more appealing. I also have yet to hear any inhuman screams more ghastly and horrifying than the ones present in this movie. Thank you for this movie John!
There are few films (and when I say few, I mean 3 or 4) that I consider to be 'perfect' films. The Thing is one of them.
What are the other 2-3?
Halloween by John Carpenter
@@tichondriusstormrage rambo first blood, terminator 2 and aliens, probably could stick die hard in there too.
@@deeplaysgaming4754 YIPEEKIYAY!!!
@@deeplaysgaming4754 In other words you just like '80s movies.
John should be proud of this movie. It's a masterpiece, possibly the scariest film ever made!
Sincerely, the greatest of all time remakes. Such a fantastic movie all the way around.
“The Thing” is my favorite cult classic sci-fi movie. The cast and crew did a great job. Thank you, Mr. Carpenter, for blazing your own path!
BTW: I also enjoyed “Big Trouble In Little China.” Raiden was the character I played in “Mortal Kombat.” It was cool to see him in this movie.
the thing was ahead of its time
Both Ridley Scott's "Alien" and John Carpenter's "The Thing" are masterpieces in my opinion.
"I know you gentlemen have gone through a lot, but when you find the time, I'd rather not spend the rest of this winter, TIED TO THIS FING COUCH!" Classic line delivered by a great actor!
This movie isn't just visually scary, it strikes your very soul and identity. As they are both in question once in contact with The Thing.
The idea of losing your identity to such a base primal entity is true horror.
John Carpenter is such a talented director, screen writer and musician. Honestly, his films are something else! They have such atmosphere. I love the visuals and the synth driven music. Got his soundtracks on vinyl and films on Blu-ray. Really fun.
I won't go so far as to say it's the best film ever made, or even the best horror film ever made -- I've seen far too many films of all genres to make that sort of a statement. (I'm not sure there even IS such a thing as "greatest", singular.) BUT... it certainly is a damn fine film, 'way ahead of its time, and holds up beautifully today. I watched it again last night, and was once again massively impressed with it. I'm not always a fan of Carpenter, particularly the tendency to go for the graphic; but here it works to enhance the alienness of what we're dealing with, and Bottin's work is simply stunning; the performances seem spot on, and I don't think anyone could have beat Kurt Russell as McReady. Not to mention the camera work, lighting, Ennio Moricone's score (a "cold" score, if I remember, yet superb for this film, and very evocative on its own)... so many other levels. This one stands, along with Cronenberg's "The Fly", as one of the few times when graphic effects achieve so much more than simple gore or gross-out; they become symbolic of various other aspects, and a part of the storytelling itself; and I don't think it is any coincidence that both these films are also examinations of human failings and strengths, and ultimately tragic in their resolution (though the situations are not necessarily resolved, they do have an artistic resolution).
I guess I was one of the few who really LIKED the movie when it came out, and I watched it frequently at the time. Glad to see it has had a reassessment which gives it something much closer to the recognition it deserves. But I wouldn't be too discouraged; several of the great classics of cinema have gone through this same thing, being ahead of, or at least out of touch with, the audience at the time, and only recognized as the special thing they are later, becoming a cultural icon (and even meme, in some cases). Carpenter is lucky to have at least a handful of films which have achieved this status; it is more than most, even very talented, directors manage....
Very well said!
ishtarian the question is why would we even bother scrolling and looking to ur comment , by the way let me know wat movies are the best of all time cuz I can analysis it and prove it to u
I just got done watching the film. I revisit it every so often and I felt like today would be a good time to see it again. One of my all time favorites The Thing.
I would say this and The Fog were two of my personal favorites of his 🎬🎞🎥
I saw this movie as a kid, alone in my home in the end of the afternoon. My first horror movie, and it was really scary. I remenber that the music of the movie stayed on my head for more than one week. I saw it more 3 times and it scared me the almoust the same way as I were a child. No doubt, one of the greatest horror movies of the 80´s.
I still scratch my head whenever I hear or read or watch stuff like this when it's said that the film wasnt popular during it's release. I remember seeing it at least a dozen times during the Summer of '82, in drive-ins and regular theaters, and every show was packed! I remember Siskel & Ebert reviewed it, and Siskel liked it with a caveat that it might sicken many viewers, while Ebert flat out said it was the most disgusting thing(no pun intended) that he'd ever seen on screeen. Siskel called him on it and Ebert said he'd stand by his opinion. I've been trying to find that review clip for years and I tried to ask Ebert what, if any, film had surpassed his opinion over the years.
Well, the BO numbers bear that out. A $19m gross (via Box Office Mojo) off of a $15m budget (via Wiki) isn't great, especially when you figure in prints and advertising costs.
Jim Barg If it made more than it cost, it was not a fail. Wages are paid, people are employed. Perhaps when compared to the movies that were packing audiences (ET), The Thing and Blade Runner don't look so successful. Most production companies hope for a low-budget runaway hit to support the running costs of the big budget blockbusters. I think JC was hurt by the unfavourable reviews. I really think that if JC's The Thing was re-released (not rebooted or prequeled) for cinema, it would generate some good coin, just for that wonderful cinematic experience.
Saw it in 1982 and it blew me away...never screamed out loud during a movie, I sure did during this masterpiece...I think it was way to sophisticated for the ET crowd....this movie embodied many elements which made it so great.
Ebert, rest his soul, also did a 180 on “Blade Runner” years later, when it was deemed a classic film noir, and said he just didn’t get it, the first time.
It was a great movie. I still watch it, whenever it comes on late night.
Big shout out to mr stan winston for creating the dog thing and for his assistant lance anderson for operating the dog thing so convincingly..RIP stan.
Its great to hear john carpenter speak, ive been a fan of his films for years, the thing has probably moved to my all time favorite movie ever, full of suspense and paranoia.
Not many directors can be compared to john carpenter, is work is unique.
honestly this is my favorit horror movie of all time
I don't care what people thought about this movie back in 82, it's hands down the greatest horror movie ever made.
This movie is total bad ass.Very underrated film in so many ways.
I watched this movie in 2019, and it is still the best horror movie I have ever watched. It made me so deeply terrified and just left me completely haunted and mortified. I can still watch it now and it still gives me that visceral fear.
Its one of the best horror movies of all time, the plot, the psychological problems they deal with, the location, the effects, and even good acting, Its a movie that only gives you a little to see, and a lot to play with your mind, never get tired of watching it!
The Thing is his best work next to They Live.
+ch2iss Halloween dude.
Handsome Viking The Thing is the one for me.
ch2iss
Yeah. The Thing and Halloween is what I meant.
I always liked They Live also and I guess Im one of those who didnt like the Thing when it first came out but I really like it now and more so since the prequel came out and which I think was made really well and two films are like the same movie spliced together . Its hard for me not to watch both when I start watching the first.
The thing, prince of darkness, in the mouth of madness, Halloween of course
what a wonderful wonderful wonderful wonderful wonderful man. And The Thing is and will always be the best film Ever made...EVER.
What's with people hating ET? ET and The Thing are two different films, one is a family sci-fi movie the other is horror. They're not even comparable. I love both movies for different reasons, and we should be proud that The Thing today is considered one of the greatest horror movies of all times. We shouldn't bring down one movie to lift up another.
ET's success is the reason for The Thing's nonsensical negative reception, which is something that greatly hurt Carpenter's career. Without ET we would have had more Carpenter movies, and probably high budget at that. So it's ok to hate on ET
Sunday October 20th/2019- My eldest son and I watched The Thing. He's 19, had heard of the movie. I saw it at an outdoor theater in Cranbrook BC, 2 weeks after it came out. It ate a hole in my head for years afterward. Few, if any movies since have had that effect. My son was deeply impressed and as he told me- "I was scared in a couple of places". Stunning visually, horrific psychologically, to think it went from trusting, to zero trust and back to being forced to trust one another in the camp. Simply can't think of another movie of its genre that was as outright shocking as this one. Even 37 years later, still a beast of a movie. God bless John Carpenter and Kurt Russel.
The Thing is a fucking masterpiece. Without a doubt my favorite Carpenter film.
The fan's loved the thing, but at the same time we the viewers you saw the movie in 1982, also saw et. And we made et, a bigger hit then john carpenter's, brilliant masterpiece the thing. I truly loved the thing.
The Thing from 1982 is in my top 5 movies of all time and my top favorite horror movie. Without a doubt, I can only say I love you John for making this film, that when I was 12 when it came out, it has been a favorite for me year after year, time after time that I watch it and now I watch it with my children, and they love the movie
I'm still amazed that such a great movie like The Thing didn't do good at the theatre's, its insane, I love this movie, its always in my top twenty movies, right up their with Grave Encounter's or the original Dawn of The Dead, I watched a little bit of ET, and I couldn't get into it, The Thing, it horrified me, it scared me within an inch of my life, and, it had a fantastic story, its character's were great, the effects were before their time, hell, I have actually read the script and I can't decide if I like the movie or screenplay more, its just that great of a movie, honestly, this truly is a movie that was before its time, and if they showed this at the theatre where I live, I'd go and see it right now!
No, we cannot! That was a classic.
I've got a broad view of good movies, I prefer the original DOTD over the reboot, BUT, I will say I still enjoyed the Reboot, mainly for that one scene with that really funny song and Ving Rhames playing golf.
In my opinion, the greatest Sci-Fi / Horror movie ever made with arguably the best Practical Creature effects ever put on film. Carpenter's Masterpiece...📽👽🔥👌
It's my favorite movie of all time! It's a masterpiece that holds well 40+ years later. The story, the effects everything about this picture is top notch!
Genious, excellent crew, for example, he ask the studios for the actors to hang out for two weeks, before starting the filming. And it shows 👌
he told the crew to come up with their own back stories and he said the Quaker oats guy said he was a Russian spy. I about fell out of my chair laughing when I heard that. it just makes it even more interesting to think of that.
If this movie was released a year before or after 82, not only would it be a cult classic, Im sure it would have been amongst the greatest horror films ever made, up there with Alien/s, the shining and others, along with the best sci fi movies like terminator. I can honestly say this is one of the few horror films that I found scary, gripping and intense. Its gore was perfect,not like the sick shit you get such as Saw, Hostel and the rest I can't be bothered to name the creatures were well made and frightening and the tension was built up at a perfect slow pace. . Definitely before its time with great directing, effects design and brilliant acting from the whole cast. Definately a favorite of mine
But it is a cult classic and as well as one of the greatest horror movie of its time. To this day nothing that has come out can top this film.
I love the part when he talks about how the Thing has no "true" form - it constantly evolves and changes as it absorbs and imitates new lifeforms, so it ALWAYS has new ways to surprise and scare you!
I watched this in 1982 when I was 7 and it is by far the best horror movie of all time. I loved it then and still do to this day. Thank you John!
My all time favorite horror film.
This is the only Blockbuster rental that ever really scared me. Wish I had seen this in the theater
one of the best american director film perhaps the last, absolute fan and the thing is his best movie
Saw it as a kid back in '82 with a friend, we were scared shitless, what a great experience.
After that I saw it again and again at sci-fi horror all-nighters and again in VHS.
Can't wait till my kids are over 14 to show them what real cinematic horror is.
John Carpenter is the man.
What the heck was going on in 1982 that people didn't like it so much? I've always been obsessed with this movie
"Alien" gets better every time I watch it. It really is a bloody amazing film.
The Thing is one of my ten favourite movies from the 80s. Like Alien, it has aged very well.
Just listen to the music as John speaks. So eerie. I love it!
I'm old enough to have seen it in theater upon its release and we were stunned and horrified by the movie. Botin's special effects blew our minds. Still amazed at the hate it got. We thought it was visionary, wave of the science fiction future stuff.
Carpenter: "Debauched ...which i wont go into now"
Damn I'd pay good money to hear why
same
The Thing is the greatest horror film ever made in my opinion
Mr Carpenter....it's my fav movie of all time. I have been watching it since my childhood (yes I know :D) and still watch it every week or two. It's timeless and it's never gets old or boring. Thank you!
Thank you, John, for The Thing which is a big favourite that I’ve just re-watched for Halloween. 🎃
One of the greatest movies of all time. A masterpiece.
God bless this guy..excellent films..excellent director..I got into the film biz because of him, and have had the pleasure to meet him on the set of Escape from L.A., he was very busy and still took time to stop an talk with me for a few mins. Hope his new films coming up are great.
Masterpiece. One of my most favorite (and most watched) movies of all time.
I saw this in the cinemas on first release in 1981. I remember thinking it was the scariest movie I'd ever seen (I was 15). It still is my favourite film ever. I love seeing it again on the big screen when cinemas put it on occasionally.
For me, the gruesome effects underscore the seriousness and brutality of the film. They're hard to watch, but they're a vital part of what makes the film incredible.
And 'credible' I would say.
And people liked ET over this. The Thing absorbed you ET! No one wants to remember ET's loving Hug over The Things Loving Hug!.......... .. . . (Hugs Self)
I couldn't even sit through ET, whereas I've seen The Thing more times than I can count.
E.T. isn't even the best alien movie Spielberg did.
how could people hate such a great movie. Everything done by carpenter is pure magic
The Thing is one of the greatest films ever made. I can't understand why anyone would dislike it?
John Carpenter's The Thing is my favorite film of all time.
An absolute masterpiece. The summer of '82 - there will never be a better season for genre films...
Admire his humility and giving credit where do - to the classics and the original intellectual property that inspires his Visions. Thank you for years of some of Hisyory's greatest Cinema. 🔮👁️🖖🛸💙
I wasn't born when this movie came out but it's in my Top 10 films. Thanks JC
Definitely one of my favorites! 🎥🎞📽🎬
Great masterpiece John! Myself and my older brother watched this film when it was released. Loved it and a very essential piece of all 80's horror films.
OMG, I feel so old..I saw the preview in Hollywood in 1982!!! Never had so much scares and fun in my entire life! I love this movie!!!Thanks for posting this! :)
JC might never read this but just in case....
If not, John. you are the best filmmaker EVER!
Thank you for years of entertainment and inspiration. You are a genius. Thank you!
Many great points, have been brought to light on this thread!!! As a horror writer/aficionado, I found this film to be my all time favorite and, in any genre, for that matter!!! If you really want to SHIT your pants, read Alan Dean Foster's The Thing... You can only do so much on screen, you can do far more in print!!!
The flying saucer scene is like the space jockey scene in Alien (before Prometheus anyway). They are both fun to imagine what went on leading up to it.
He scared me when he said he had skin cancer multiple times. Until I saw this was uploaded 12 years ago 🖤
still one of my favourite movies of all time its brilliant.love ennio morricone soundtracks aswell and he hits the nail on the head. all round 10/10 absolute fooking quality
I missed it when it first came out but have watched it countless times since. I first saw it on super channel in the fall of 82 I believe. It would be on about 3 times a day in a 24 hour period almost for a week straight. We watched the bejesus out of it, and I could still watch it to this day. In fact, it was just on a few days ago, is this a coincidence that it was just on and now I'm reading a review of John Carpenter's possibly best movie hes made, and he has made some great ones over the years. If The Thing was on TV right now, I'd be watching it. Just wish I'd have seen it in the theaters when it was first released. Awesome effects and a very mind haunting sound track, the music so ominous and ever pending suspenseful announcing of impending doom. Love it
Saw this when I was 9. I neither looked at people the same, nor slept properly, for at least a month. The one and only horror movie, to genuinely scare the crap out of me. The thought of a monster that could be anyone around you, and infect you to take you over, was simply and utterly terrifying.
So glad that things worked out the way they did, and this movie was made precisely as it was. It's hard to pick my favourite Carpenter movie, but The Thing, is tied for #1 with various others.
Well done, on every level.
One of my favorite films of all time...any genre!!!!!
I Love John. Such a talented, wonderful film director. Jeez, Halloween, The Thing, Christine, The Fog...etc etc. Just great, but boy oh boy you can certainly tell in this brief interview how the "smokes" have taken their toll!!
Carptenter's "The Thing" is one of the best horror films ever made. I re-watch this movie at least once per year. There are only a few movies I feel the need to see annually (Fight Club, Alien, Evil Dead II, Harvey, and maybe 3 or 4 others). Truly a great film.
I hope Carpenter knows how much we love this movie and just how high up there with other masterpiece of the genre and movies in general it is. Because he really deserves it, he made a hell of a job and didn't get the appreciation he deserved back then
Is it just me or is good ole JC startin to look like David Lo pan?
I loved it, then and now. Bravo, John Carpenter.
people probably hated it because it was too much brutal horror for people at the time! to this day I still am amazed at everything about the film