Fear Is Just the Beginning: Chronicles the work of cult director John Carpenter through interviews with him and his associates, with emphases on the earlier work.
The Thing is one of the greatest works of modern cinema. Pound for Pound a top 10 entertainment of all time. Other films are deeper, more inspirational, thought provoking, sentimental, epic etc. but the Thing is just as accomplished in it's realization of Carpenter's vision.
A true genius and a great documentary. Assault on Precinct 13 has always been my favourite film, just love everything about it, but the music is something else, so much so I have it as my alarm to wake me up at 4.30am for work lol. Thanks for uploading this ...
Top movie from JC whose made afew gems. Also to me in the Top 10 of the best horror movies of all time. It's my Science Fiction Western with an Antarctic setting. Funny JC always wanted to make a wrstern, and subconsciously he did. Just like Big trouble in little China, is a film noir futuristic detective yarn. One of JCs movie director idles was John Ford, so that explains why he loves Westerns. JC has said he was disappointed in his meeting with John Ford, who was probably a bit of a dick head, lol. Loved They Live also the TV Elvis movie he did brfore Halloween which I have a soft spot forever for. JCs talents are abundant after going to UCLA Film School. JC is a 60s hippie with a fantastic imagination for visual arts and music. Usually JC does his own music for his films. Funny his best work"The Thing", is one of the only movies he didn't make the music for. He hired " spaghetti western" aficionado and all around classic film composer of almost every genre. The late great Ennio Morricone.
Some of Carpenter's movies still endure. Big trouble in little China, Escape from New York , The Thing, Halloween, The Howling, The Fog, etc are the template for good horror and sci fi movies
The Thing is the perfect movie, critics don't know what the're talking about. I'd rather watch The Thing than ET any day. Prince of Darkness is fantastic, so underrated. John Carpenter is the workng man's director.
The Thing is an exceptional horror movie. It gives chills and thrills. ET was in family science fiction. The Thing is horror. The Alien is safely in outer space, The Thing is here on Earth with us. The Thing leaves a more lasting impression. Good to know the critics were authoritarian idiots back then as much as they are today though. Times really haven't changed.
John Carpenter taught me that you shouldn't give a fuck about what people think about your craft as long as you have fun doing it....being paid for it is also nice too though 😂
I know....cracks me up every time I think about it. But it's the same with a shitload of films. Both Casino & Carlito's Way were considered 'lazy' and now they are mentioned among some of the best gangster films ever. Same with Scarface (1983), it was shitcanned on release. Now a cult classic. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974) was considered a little bit shit back in the day, now it's widely mentioned in those '1,000 movies you must watch before you die'. Heat (1995) was called 'average', now....you get the picture. What the fuck critics? Proves they really don't know what they are talking about. Also another Carpenter classic, Escape from New York, wasn't looked at TOO highly. Now it's considered in the top 100 or so Sci-Fi/Apocalypse films :)
Well said. It's tough to say what my #1 horror film favorite would honestly be, but the first flick to spring to mind would always be The Thing. When I first saw the "dog in the kennel" scene, my very thought was "OH MY GOD!! HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT!!!!!!" =D
I think its funny that they compare it to ET, who was supposed to be the "friendly" alien...The Thing REALLY wanted to get friendly with Kurt Russell et al...right up close and give them a big HUG...
I saw THE THING in a 3/4 full theater thinking it would be a big hit . Any of his movies are worth a look . His worst movies are better than other director's best made .
@@akfreed6949 I saw the thing late at night in the 80's (having no idea what was coming on I just had the tv on) when I was very young and the gore doesn't come to mind the part that stays with me to this day is the end where the 2 "humans" are there with the fire behind them not knowing if one of them is the thing. That uneasy feeling at the end is epic.
Why would you take it personally? Haha It gets the love it’s always deserved. If it was a dud upon release, I don’t understand why you’d be mad. You weren’t part of the crew that created it, nor were you an investor. I Suppose you’re just fishing for thumbs up. To each their own I guess.
All great ideas and art are hated when first presented. The movie is a lot to take in. Too much for one viewing. Many movies that are now considered masterworks were initially rejected by critics and much of the audience to later find their understanding after multiple views. I think Carpenter now understands it is better to have a classic that is absorbed slowly than a forgettable film. Although, for the Thing is was much slower and affected how he got funding for movies that directly followed. That part sucked...
Carpenter and Romero, coming both from a marked "genre" background, both became among the most important directors of their era, all genres considered. Carpenter's directing in " The thing " is so masterful that it can hardly ever be equalled. Romero's masterpiece " Dawn of the dead" is almost a definitive piece of criticism of a crazy society. Genuine artists.
When I was in film school in the 1980’s, I always wanted to be the next Carpenter. Years later I wanted to be the next Malick. Then I regained my senses, and went back to being the next Carpenter. I’m now an aircraft mechanic. I still want to be the next John Carpenter.
@@peterpetrov4809 I worked in the film business for a few years. Got out of it, and completely changed directions. Aviation has been good to me for 26 years, and now I’m going into early retirement. Maybe I could do shorts for RUclips or something like that.
+Hampus Svensson Yep. I admittedly wasn't very keen on it myself, waaaaay back in 1986, but it's a real grower, and now, I think I finally understand what Carpenter was doing. I love it! And Kim Cattrall was obscenely beautiful in it, too. I think she had at the time, the most gorgeous breasts in Hollywood. Don't believe me, check out the 1988 film, Masquerade, with Rob Lowe. I try not to gaze too long at her, as I'll start drooling, but she's horrible in Sex in the City. Ug.
One may not like his film techniques, or his style of making his films, but they are a true work of art. He's done what he wanted to do. And in my eyes, many of them are perfect. Especially Big Trouble in Little China. That one's my favourite.
Escape from L A is terrible he should be ashamed Russell 10 mil crapenter 5 mil could have put that to the budget or story what crap olissjen surfing on bad leg playing basketball crapenter doesn’t like sequels but give him big $ hmmmm he’s full of shit
I cant believe people even bother to listen to critics. Movies are like music its a personal taste. As for the movie The Thing I thought it was genius. The special effects made it even more scary. The paranoia was off the wall nail biting. When they had the blood samples with the hot nail and they were tied down I felt like I was there trying to get away. I refuse to watch the new version. You cant touch that movie.
Instead you should watch it because it's not a remake but more of a prequel, a good one. It ends were the original begin..give it a go I enjoyed it because it doesn't 'touch' Carpenter's world I hate remakes myself I couldn't stand any of the latest like Halloween 1/2, Dawn of Dead and so on
Max I'll check it out. I love sci-fi that takes it self serious. The story is awesome and if they can add to it I think I will love it as long as they try to make it like its real and not campy.
MuckoMan Basically is based on the history of the Norwegian expedition, remember? The one who discovered the spaceship. That is why I much liked it, it is so tied to Carpenter's that it will even explain you the history of that axe sticked into the door on the charred remains of the Norse base....enjoy it !
Umm...??? WTF? No mention of Big Trouble in Little China? Like at all? That is really strange not to have brought that one up. It will always be one of my very favorite Carpenter flicks.
Big Trouble in Little China is one of his best, thought the doco was good but that movie is next level sci-fi horror comedy. Absolute gold and should not have been overlooked.
I've always been an bigger fan of John Carpenter because he is a genius and for all of us, he's truly the best and that's why I'd adored his wonderful work in films like Halloween, The Fog, Escape from New York, The Thing, Christine, Starman and more. Thanks, John. We love you!
When I was a kid growing up in the seventies I didn't want to watch movies unless they were family friendly because America wasn't so great.We finally got out of that stupid Vietnam war.I wanted to see something like STAR WARS.Then John Carpenter came out with Halloween.He showed me girls got boobs and they're really nice.And evil is an element and there really is a boogie man.And girls got boobs.John Carpenter never let me down with his movies ever since.I still can't understand why Big Trouble in Little China wasn't a big hit.I saw it the summer came out.The theater was packed and everyone loved it.
My favourite director. This guy got me into films. First saw Halloween when I was around 10 and it blew my mind. Superbly made. Then I saw The Fog and The Thing. Couldn’t believe the same guy made all those films. Ridiculously talented fellow who carried on up to the extremely enjoyable They Live.
Carpenter is a genius and, except among horror and cult movie fans, has never been given the credibility he deserves. Hitchcock and Carpenter, to me, are the two most talented men to ever grace the entertainment business. No one will ever touch the pure terror one receives upon his first viewing of Halloween or The Thing.
RNRHorrorHunter, in a way John Carpenter was my (our?) Hitchcock, as in the filmmaker that was mine (ours,) as youths, who most spoke to us. And I am still very fond of some of his earlier films (upto They Live, I'd say (and there are a lot of film/tv things, I loved when I was younger that I really don't think much of watching now.) But I can't subjectively compare him with Hitchcock. No disrespect to your opinion (or John Carpenter as a great director /composer/story writer,) but Hitchcock-Tarkovsky-Fellini(-maybe Kubrick-Herzog.... ,) guys like them are a different level.
@@daveroche6522 With you on The Fog. Really under rated. A classic old school jump scare movie packed with suspense. A level below Halloween or The Thing, but still a terrific watch.
Nothing compares to the brilliance of " The thing ". But let's not forget some of the co creators of that : the late great italian composer Ennio Morricone and the genius behind the special make up effects Rob Bottin. Carpenter chose them well. His direction is the work of a genuine artist.
If I ever become a self-made billionaire, John Carpenter is the guy I'd give a billion dollars to straight out of my pocket, no strings attached, to do whatever is on his brilliant mind... Actually, that would in itself be just about as good a motivation for becoming a billionaire as I can think of; I'm not interested in luxury yachts or sports cars, or having an airheaded model girlfriend - but, man, would I love to await in eager anticipation a new John Carpenter flick every year around Christmas time or thereabouts...
+neuralvibes If I became a billionaire, I'd give about 20 million to David Lynch to make the most far out, dream logic film he could imagine, with full creative freedom, on film.
7 лет назад
Carpenter is doing exactly what he wants to right now: touring the country playing his music and producing comic books. He gave up on movies because he doesn't enjoy it anymore.
Watched Prince of Darkness and In the Mouth of Madness this week. Too cool for school. But JC really needs to get rid of those smokes he always sucks on when he's being interviewed. Bad boy.
Without a doubt, The Thing is the most terrifying remake ever made. It is so far ahead of its time, that my words fail me. It is Carpenters finest work and will stand the test of time for generations to come. Say what you want, but it is perfect and one hell of homage to Howard Hawks. Oh and one more thing. Fu&k ET and the ship he rode in on.
The Thing is one of my favourite movies….it scared the life out of me as a 12 yr old when it first came out. Still some of the best special effects ever 👏
Carpenter is my favorite director and I almost agree with you. Did you honestly like "Christine""John Carpenter's Vampire's" or "Ghost of Mars"? I wanted to like them but can't. "The Ward" is pretty good and I think is overlooked and underrated
@@danseth5775 i agree with vampires and mars but christine imo is his most underrated film it is definitely top 5 to me,the ones i never saw hype to were fog and prince
@@danseth5775 "Christine" is dank as AF. Carpenter does a good job at taking some of the sillier elements of King's book and either selectively editing them or reworking them to make them play on screen. It could've come off as goofy, see "Maximum Overdrive", but Carpenter's direction and music set a mood that's really quite sinister.
Carpenter is a legend. He's made so many great films, To me, that's what separates him from say, Sean Cunningham. John Carpenter has made at least 4 or 5 classic films, whereas for Cunningham, you can only cite Friday the 13th; which I also like but it is admittedly a Halloween rip off.
Agreed, but I would add Cunninghams DEEPSTAR SIX (1989) as a minor classic in the paleo-horror/science fiction subgenre. Probably the best ALIEN ripoff- tight direction, an interesting cast playing quirky characters. Cool, plausible creature and atmospheric, impressive visual effects. I think of it as the last old-shool 80's genre film before the new decade took over and CGI became the standard. It's the kind of film I wish Carpenter had done at the time instead of say, Memoirs of the Invisible Man.
50:45 KR: We said, "This isn't going to be appreciated for 20 years," because this monster is so bad. It's so ugly, that they're not going to see the story about 12 guys in paranoia. It's just a story about paranoia, and the breakdown of human beings believing in each other. It's my favorite Agatha Christie movie.
Carpenter is a very talented director and certainly one of my favorites. It’s amazing how underrated he is in Hollywood. Other than remakes being made from his films, they seem to have no interest in him. The great part however, is that even through remakes, he will be remembered strongly because of the fans. None of the remakes thus far have overshadowed his work and I’m very glad for that.
What an absolute master of the cinematic craft. Thank you for posting this fascinating look into one of my favourite Directors. Personal fav is They Live. Rowdy Roddy said he considered it a documentary just before he passed away. Legendary film.🎥👍 RIP RRP aka Nada
He even endorsed it on Alex Jones's Internet show . And there was a conspiracy to get it out of theaters ASAP . It was part of Carpenter's movie deal . The country's economy was really as bad as it was shown in the movie . The homeless people in the movie were really homeless . This was I believe a Republican convention coming up and the movie really needed to be taken out of theaters because of the economy looking so realistic to life . Reaganomics was a bad thing to America . The first few weeks the movie was breaking ticket sales for the time of the year it was released . Universal had the movie pulled out while it was still breaking records . After it was removed , they still counted ticket sales and then released propaganda that the movie sucked and lost money in the theaters .
I definitely appreciate the guts John has, he did what he wanted to do and the vast filmography is something that we will always cherish. Can’t imagine an alternate universe where he had dollar signs in his eyes and just kept churning out Halloween sequels instead of giving us his classic’s. (This was a late night drunk conversation topic I had with a buddy recently
It's really interesting, when you really think about it. John Carpenter saw It Came From Outer Space when he was a kid. It had a profound effect on him and scared the hell out of him. It inspired him to to make The Thing, which had a profound effect on so many others, including many directors, when they were kids. And The Thing inspired them to make their own movies. It's a never-ending cycle of inspiration. Decades after Carpenter established his place in the horror-generating community, we still see his works being imitated today. It Follows, Stranger Things, The Void, The Guest, Midnight Special, Resolution, and The Endless, to name a few. By the way, they're all very good movies and shows. If anyone reading this hasn't seen them, I highly recommend them. Resolution and The Endless, both written and directed by the same two writers/directors, tie in together, and benefit from you watching Resolution first. The Guest is my favorite out of all of the ones I mentioned.
Wow, you skipped right over my favorite Carpenter film. Big Trouble In Little China truly is underrated, as it turns out, even by the makers of John Carpenter documentaries. :/
It's a good documentary with many interesting people being interviewed. But how could they *completely* leave out BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA? Sure, they couldn't talk in depth about every Carpenter flick. But this great classic wasn't even mentioned. I hope, the reason for that was just some kind of rights issue and it was not a creative decision. greetings from germany :-)
Carpenter has NEVER been the 'Pornographer of violence' that title implies that he uses violence in his films for just titillation purposes, to incite, excite & appeal to the twisted minds out there. Tarantino & Roth and all their little, shitty, film school drop-out director mates are the ONLY ones I could think that fit that mold within the mainstream. Tarantino, by his own admission, uses violence for comic sensibility. FOR LAUGHS! I think that's a mistake, a fallacy & it's something John Carpenter has NEVER done & NEVER will do.
Exactly! Quite offensive to call Carpenter the 'pornographer of violence' as if his style is characterized by brutality and bloodshed just for the sake of violence. Atmosphere and suspenseful buildup rule supreme in the best Carpenter horror films.
I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with showing gratuitous violence, Not everyone is trying to make some kind of smarmy point, sometimes we just want to have fun and cartoonishly over the top violence like Tarantino uses is perfectly ok in my book. The only director I would call a "Pornographer of violence" is Nicholas Winding Refn, who doesn't play it for laughs, he plays it dead serious and makes it incredibly mean spirited and uncomfortable to watch.
Implying using violence for laughs has inherently less artistic merit. Climb off that high horse, my friend. And to suggest that all of his violence is over-the-top or comedic is flat out false. Mr. Yellow dying slowly from his gut wound is very uncomfortable. Mr. Blonde torturing the cop is absolutely brutal and filled with dread and tension. De Niro gunning down Bridgette Fonda's character in Jackie Brown is incredibly disturbing in its nonchalance. It's one of the more upsetting bit of violence in all of his films...and there isn't even blood. The Kill Bill films are the only films where you can even dare say Tarantino uses violence for laughs.
Don't know if you ever found this on DVD but I found this very documentary on a bonus disc which comes with one of the Halloween box sets. I can't quite remember which exact box set by name - but it only included Halloween, H2, H3, H4, H5 and H20 (NOT including H6). I'll have to check out the actual name of the box set.
This could have been a whole lot more informative, not to say entertaining film, had the producers included a few graphics identifying the various individuals being interviewed.
I almost wonder if something was rigged behind-the-scene with some kind of studio intervention or espionage or something to make the negative reception of The Thing. Because I can't fathom a world that wouldn't love that movie!
Fantastic Bio Documentary. .... (I never that knew the lucky bastard was married to Adrienne Barbeau, my most passionate childhood crush!) .... subscribed!
I found it odd as well. But she has worked with the man, and she was young during the Halloween movie. I think that the novelty of the movie being so weird, and her young age combined, left an impression on her of who he is. He is very quiet and contained, but has all those horror ideas up his head. I can kinda see why she finds him unsettling.
Did Kurt Russell really say skinny white! Guy? That's his career over then when the woke brigade get offended, Oh no my apologies, he said white not Black! Nobody will care.
The fact that the critics did not like The Thing tells you not to pay attention to film critics. I might read them after I have seen the film which I base on based on the director and actors.
Outstanding documentary on one of cinema's greatest directors, & as asserted, very much his own man; Hollywood, seemingly, can take no credit for his output - a refreshing denouement, considering the many directorial (other) big names who have sought to tow the line. I have the greatest of admiration & respect for this creator of such innovative techniques to the big screen :D
Another Western Director and actually this guy did the original Thing and he's definitely capable of directing many other genres. But Hawks work with John Wayne, which includes Red River and many others. My favourite Howard Hawke's film actually happens to be a "Western", lol. The great casted feel good Western, Rio Bravo. In my opinion John Wayne's top five movie and top 3 John Wayne Western, along with The Searchers, and The Man who shot Liberty Vallance, in my humble opinion. People could throw in Stagecoach, The Suns of Katie Elder, Rio Lobo, The Shootist, and True Grit, and Red River, just to name a few of John Waynes top westerns.
His resume, his versatility, his music, they don't lie. He must be one of the very best directors and craftsmen that ever lived, if not the best in many areas. That masterpiece called The Thing alone puts him above many more famous directors that don't have his genius and vision. Another underrated great here giving props, George A. Romero, the zombies daddy. A dying breed unfortunately.
The aliens in “They Live” were Republicans? Ha! Based on the distinct characteristics of every film he’s made, I highly doubt that Carpenter agrees with any of this Woke Hollywood crap they’re shoving down our throats the last 10 years or so, all of which is Agenda #1 of the Democrats. Think about it, would a brilliant film like “The Thing” ever be produced today with a mostly White, all male cast? Would Carpenter admit error in casting his movie as such? Would he and Debra Hill admit error in writing most of their “Halloween” (including Part II) females as ditzy and sexually promiscuous?
One of best documentaries on John Carpenter. Shame Mark Kermode is not nice person in real life. They should have commissioned Mark Cousins, who is actually a genuinely nice person.
John Carpenter's Escape From LA is unwarranted in hate. I've always seen it as a Parody of NY, having fun with it and Kurt leaning hard into Snake. Yes, surfer scene sucks but overall it's a fun movie.
The way Carpenter feels about Hawks is the way I’ve always felt about Carpenter. Being introduced to Halloween at a very young age and then seeing what he had in store for us following up I was very aware at a young age that Carpenter was my favorite director. This revelation I’d had at a single digit age still holds true to me 4 decades later. Even if I never get another movie I can definitely appreciate that he DID become the rockstar now that he wanted to be back in the 60’s! Plus I hope he, his son& godson score more flicks (they don’t have to be Halloween sequels either)
Carpenter made ONE good movie and one I liked even though it was total cheese... escape from NY. The thing wasn't scary and could have been really good with the cast and the money he had. Everything else he made was just not that great. So... master of cinema? Once. Goofy movies you want to blow a few hours watching? Yeah a lot of 'em lol.
what can you say first about this genius ? writer,director,musician all the package , i think that he was his choise to not participate or involved to commercial stuff like hollywood etc etc , +1 about this credit and also his attitude to be underground,cult and remain his position after these years that means he is a very stable person and ideologist.
thanks for posting big fan of the thing and john carpenter in general. the best thing in this is the posthumously interview footage of Debra Hill. sweet, talented, big hearted woman. rest in peace.
The Thing is one of the greatest works of modern cinema. Pound for Pound a top 10 entertainment of all time. Other films are deeper, more inspirational, thought provoking, sentimental, epic etc. but the Thing is just as accomplished in it's realization of Carpenter's vision.
Also made for a really solid video game that almost nobody seems to remember or have played lol.
A true genius and a great documentary. Assault on Precinct 13 has always been my favourite film, just love everything about it, but the music is something else, so much so I have it as my alarm to wake me up at 4.30am for work lol. Thanks for uploading this ...
Screw the critics! The Thing is awesome!
Screw the "genre fans" that didn't come out in droves to see it when it premiered
Just the best really
It most certainly is! My second favourite film ever, my first being Halloween. Another Carpenter film.
@@vaughnmild4467 Well it came out around the same time as ET a more mainstream, family film. The Thing would've fared better with no competition.
Top movie from JC whose made afew gems. Also to me in the Top 10 of the best horror movies of all time. It's my Science Fiction Western with an Antarctic setting. Funny JC always wanted to make a wrstern, and subconsciously he did. Just like Big trouble in little China, is a film noir futuristic detective yarn. One of JCs movie director idles was John Ford, so that explains why he loves Westerns. JC has said he was disappointed in his meeting with John Ford, who was probably a bit of a dick head, lol. Loved They Live also the TV Elvis movie he did brfore Halloween which I have a soft spot forever for. JCs talents are abundant after going to UCLA Film School. JC is a 60s hippie with a fantastic imagination for visual arts and music. Usually JC does his own music for his films. Funny his best work"The Thing", is one of the only movies he didn't make the music for. He hired " spaghetti western" aficionado and all around classic film composer of almost every genre. The late great Ennio Morricone.
John is incredible director and producer and I hope I can get to his level one day!
This guy... Is magic..
John is the coolest guy of all time. Thank you so much for Halloween. My favorite movie ever
He is without a doubt...one of my all time favourite directors, story tellers, conveyors of atmosphere and film score composers who ever lived.
Some of Carpenter's movies still endure. Big trouble in little China, Escape from New York , The Thing, Halloween, The Howling, The Fog, etc are the template for good horror and sci fi movies
He is with all the great directors.
i love all john carpenter movie's
John Carpenter is my Favorite Movie Director.
Definitely my fave horror director & my 4th fave OVERALL director :)
ViceCityVacation Who are your first 3
Awesome interview!
The Thing is the perfect movie, critics don't know what the're talking about.
I'd rather watch The Thing than ET any day.
Prince of Darkness is fantastic, so underrated.
John Carpenter is the workng man's director.
Originally aired in 2000.
The Thing is an exceptional horror movie. It gives chills and thrills. ET was in family science fiction. The Thing is horror. The Alien is safely in outer space, The Thing is here on Earth with us. The Thing leaves a more lasting impression. Good to know the critics were authoritarian idiots back then as much as they are today though. Times really haven't changed.
John Carpenter taught me that you shouldn't give a fuck about what people think about your craft as long as you have fun doing it....being paid for it is also nice too though 😂
They Live changed my death.
Peter Fonda can’t act his way out of a wet paper bag. Last guy I’d want in anything. Talent clearly skips a generation in that family
Best.
Ghosts of Mars was bad, really bad, but I love it.
I find it amusing that probably the same critics that lambasted The Thing now put it in the top 10 horror films of all time.
I know....cracks me up every time I think about it. But it's the same with a shitload of films. Both Casino & Carlito's Way were considered 'lazy' and now they are mentioned among some of the best gangster films ever. Same with Scarface (1983), it was shitcanned on release. Now a cult classic. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974) was considered a little bit shit back in the day, now it's widely mentioned in those '1,000 movies you must watch before you die'. Heat (1995) was called 'average', now....you get the picture. What the fuck critics? Proves they really don't know what they are talking about.
Also another Carpenter classic, Escape from New York, wasn't looked at TOO highly. Now it's considered in the top 100 or so Sci-Fi/Apocalypse films :)
Hoping that Prince of Darkness will also (one day) get its day in the sun. That is one overlooked movie.
Well said. It's tough to say what my #1 horror film favorite would honestly be, but the first flick to spring to mind would always be The Thing. When I first saw the "dog in the kennel" scene, my very thought was "OH MY GOD!! HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT!!!!!!" =D
Schone23666 Head Spider
I think its funny that they compare it to ET, who was supposed to be the "friendly" alien...The Thing REALLY wanted to get friendly with Kurt Russell et al...right up close and give them a big HUG...
I can't imagine growing up without John Carpenter movies. Thank you John.
It's easy if you try.
I will never not be mad that The Thing got hated when it was released. Carpenter really was (at the time) an unappreciated visionary
I saw THE THING in a 3/4 full theater thinking it would be a big hit . Any of his movies are worth a look . His worst movies are better than other director's best made .
@@akfreed6949 I saw the thing late at night in the 80's (having no idea what was coming on I just had the tv on) when I was very young and the gore doesn't come to mind the part that stays with me to this day is the end where the 2 "humans" are there with the fire behind them not knowing if one of them is the thing. That uneasy feeling at the end is epic.
Why would you take it personally? Haha
It gets the love it’s always deserved. If it was a dud upon release, I don’t understand why you’d be mad. You weren’t part of the crew that created it, nor were you an investor.
I Suppose you’re just fishing for thumbs up. To each their own I guess.
All great ideas and art are hated when first presented. The movie is a lot to take in. Too much for one viewing. Many movies that are now considered masterworks were initially rejected by critics and much of the audience to later find their understanding after multiple views. I think Carpenter now understands it is better to have a classic that is absorbed slowly than a forgettable film. Although, for the Thing is was much slower and affected how he got funding for movies that directly followed. That part sucked...
John Carpenter is my favorite director. Such an amazing, talented, but really underrated director of our time. Very inspirational man.
You ought to express yourself about him even more - elsewhere.
Yep and Wes craven...
An amazing stories teller
My only reaction to your comment is.. . " you've got to be joking"
People heaping praise on him (like the words that you used) is absolute nonsense.
Carpenter and Romero, coming both from a marked "genre" background, both became among the most important directors of their era, all genres considered. Carpenter's directing in " The thing " is so masterful that it can hardly ever be equalled. Romero's masterpiece " Dawn of the dead" is almost a definitive piece of criticism of a crazy society. Genuine artists.
Their films have meaning !
John Carpenters music and soundtracks are among the best in cinema.
I love your online handle, related to trailer park boys?
Nosferatu, Rosemary's baby, The thing- that's my bible!
John Carpenter is the fucking man
Assault on Precinct 13 deserves more recognition, damnit!!! The story, the acting, the editing, the action, the music, all 10/10!!
His most underrated film. Personally I find Halloween and The Thing overrated. They are good movies though.
When I was in film school in the 1980’s, I always wanted to be the next Carpenter. Years later I wanted to be the next Malick. Then I regained my senses, and went back to being the next Carpenter.
I’m now an aircraft mechanic. I still want to be the next John Carpenter.
Indeed. I think that Carpenter is the superior artist compared to Malick.
Make a Carpenter style low budge short movie and put it on youtube.
So,you studied in filmschool and became an aircraft mechanic?
Go for it buddy! It's never too late.
@@peterpetrov4809 I worked in the film business for a few years. Got out of it, and completely changed directions. Aviation has been good to me for 26 years, and now I’m going into early retirement. Maybe I could do shorts for RUclips or something like that.
1982 gave us an amazing movie about an E.T. stranded on Earth... And then there was that other crap and sentimental movie by Spielberg.
Sad to see no mention of Big Trouble in Little China, one of the most entertaining movies of all time.
+Hampus Svensson Yep. I admittedly wasn't very keen on it myself, waaaaay back in 1986, but it's a real grower, and now, I think I finally understand what Carpenter was doing. I love it! And Kim Cattrall was obscenely beautiful in it, too. I think she had at the time, the most gorgeous breasts in Hollywood. Don't believe me, check out the 1988 film, Masquerade, with Rob Lowe. I try not to gaze too long at her, as I'll start drooling, but she's horrible in Sex in the City. Ug.
lol yeah Kim Cattrall was super hot in the 80s/early 90s.
I agree.
I agree. When I saw it in the theaters I thought it would be a big hit of the summer.
@@thealaskan1635
Same here. It was so different than anything I'd seen before. It blew my little 12 year old mind.
I cannot believe that the thing had bad critics!!! It was terrifying!! Brilliant!!! It's part of cinema history.
@xavisan.."bad critics"..?? ..isn't that thee only kind they make..??
Without a doubt his movies wouldn't be the same without the music. Him and Alan Howarth make a great musical team.
amen to that brotha
One may not like his film techniques, or his style of making his films, but they are a true work of art. He's done what he wanted to do. And in my eyes, many of them are perfect. Especially Big Trouble in Little China. That one's my favourite.
Escape from L A is terrible he should be ashamed Russell 10 mil crapenter 5 mil could have put that to the budget or story what crap olissjen surfing on bad leg playing basketball crapenter doesn’t like sequels but give him big $ hmmmm he’s full of shit
I cant believe people even bother to listen to critics. Movies are like music its a personal taste. As for the movie The Thing I thought it was genius. The special effects made it even more scary. The paranoia was off the wall nail biting. When they had the blood samples with the hot nail and they were tied down I felt like I was there trying to get away. I refuse to watch the new version. You cant touch that movie.
Instead you should watch it because it's not a remake but more of a prequel, a good one. It ends were the original begin..give it a go I enjoyed it because it doesn't 'touch' Carpenter's world I hate remakes myself I couldn't stand any of the latest like Halloween 1/2, Dawn of Dead and so on
Max I'll check it out. I love sci-fi that takes it self serious. The story is awesome and if they can add to it I think I will love it as long as they try to make it like its real and not campy.
MuckoMan
Basically is based on the history of the Norwegian expedition, remember? The one who discovered the spaceship. That is why I much liked it, it is so tied to Carpenter's that it will even explain you the history of that axe sticked into the door on the charred remains of the Norse base....enjoy it !
I have seen the prequel, and it's good. Not as good as the original, but good.
So true, I think back to all the “famous” music critics who HATED Zeppelin, Floyd, and The Rolling Stones during their PRIME!!
Umm...??? WTF? No mention of Big Trouble in Little China? Like at all? That is really strange not to have brought that one up. It will always be one of my very favorite Carpenter flicks.
I don't care what anyone says. Nick Castle was the best "Shape". The way he moved with such motivation, his looks, the way he was just SO CREEPY.
Big Trouble in Little China is one of his best, thought the doco was good but that movie is next level sci-fi horror comedy. Absolute gold and should not have been overlooked.
Yea, why wasn’t talked about here??
I've always been an bigger fan of John Carpenter because he is a genius and for all of us, he's truly the best and that's why I'd adored his wonderful work in films like Halloween, The Fog, Escape from New York, The Thing, Christine, Starman and more. Thanks, John. We love you!
It’s amazing how many people have been wrong about John
Carpenter’s movies.
When I was a kid growing up in the seventies I didn't want to watch movies unless they were family friendly because America wasn't so great.We finally got out of that stupid Vietnam war.I wanted to see something like STAR WARS.Then John Carpenter came out with Halloween.He showed me girls got boobs and they're really nice.And evil is an element and there really is a boogie man.And girls got boobs.John Carpenter never let me down with his movies ever since.I still can't understand why Big Trouble in Little China wasn't a big hit.I saw it the summer came out.The theater was packed and everyone loved it.
John carpenter found his audience decades later and now he will be remembered forever
Early 80s he was bang bang bang just hit you with all these brilliant movies they just don't make them like this today.
My favourite director. This guy got me into films. First saw Halloween when I was around 10 and it blew my mind. Superbly made. Then I saw The Fog and The Thing. Couldn’t believe the same guy made all those films. Ridiculously talented fellow who carried on up to the extremely enjoyable They Live.
Carpenter is a genius and, except among horror and cult movie fans, has never been given the credibility he deserves. Hitchcock and Carpenter, to me, are the two most talented men to ever grace the entertainment business. No one will ever touch the pure terror one receives upon his first viewing of Halloween or The Thing.
Well said. Agree 100%
RNRHorrorHunter, in a way John Carpenter was my (our?) Hitchcock, as in the filmmaker that was mine (ours,) as youths, who most spoke to us. And I am still very fond of some of his earlier films (upto They Live, I'd say (and there are a lot of film/tv things, I loved when I was younger that I really don't think much of watching now.) But I can't subjectively compare him with Hitchcock. No disrespect to your opinion (or John Carpenter as a great director /composer/story writer,) but Hitchcock-Tarkovsky-Fellini(-maybe Kubrick-Herzog.... ,) guys like them are a different level.
Yes!
The Fog - scared 50 Shades of Shite out of all of us when viewing it for the first time!
@@daveroche6522 With you on The Fog. Really under rated. A classic old school jump scare movie packed with suspense. A level below Halloween or The Thing, but still a terrific watch.
When I saw "The Thing" in the theater, I thought it was the greatest, scariest horror film, ever. I'm still right.
Nothing compares to the brilliance of " The thing ". But let's not forget some of the co creators of that : the late great italian composer Ennio Morricone and the genius behind the special make up effects Rob Bottin. Carpenter chose them well. His direction is the work of a genuine artist.
@@yvesandrethevenot3489 Ye, a true galaxy of talent right across the board.
Halloween will be here before we know it! Why not celebrate with some blood and guts?
"A futuristic authoritarian America..." Ahahahahaha, so what? It isn't that way now? And hasn't been for 60 odd years?
If I ever become a self-made billionaire, John Carpenter is the guy I'd give a billion dollars to straight out of my pocket, no strings attached, to do whatever is on his brilliant mind... Actually, that would in itself be just about as good a motivation for becoming a billionaire as I can think of; I'm not interested in luxury yachts or sports cars, or having an airheaded model girlfriend - but, man, would I love to await in eager anticipation a new John Carpenter flick every year around Christmas time or thereabouts...
+neuralvibes If I became a billionaire, I'd give about 20 million to David Lynch to make the most far out, dream logic film he could imagine, with full creative freedom, on film.
Carpenter is doing exactly what he wants to right now: touring the country playing his music and producing comic books. He gave up on movies because he doesn't enjoy it anymore.
I don't think that's how money works man not everyone can be bought
@@419buckeye7 That's how patronage works. Creativity does not operate in a vacuum, producing movies is not cheap...
What if it’s another escape from LA. movie
Watched Prince of Darkness and In the Mouth of Madness this week. Too cool for school. But JC really needs to get rid of those smokes he always sucks on when he's being interviewed. Bad boy.
Without a doubt, The Thing is the most terrifying remake ever made. It is so far ahead of its time, that my words fail me. It is Carpenters finest work and will stand the test of time for generations to come. Say what you want, but it is perfect and one hell of homage to Howard Hawks. Oh and one more thing. Fu&k ET and the ship he rode in on.
It still seems state-of-the-art today. I wish I could watch it for the first time again.
Gotta love John Carpenter. Great filmmaker.
The Thing is one of my favourite movies….it scared the life out of me as a 12 yr old when it first came out. Still some of the best special effects ever 👏
Never seen a film of his that I didn't like.
Carpenter is my favorite director and I almost agree with you. Did you honestly like "Christine""John Carpenter's Vampire's" or "Ghost of Mars"? I wanted to like them but can't. "The Ward" is pretty good and I think is overlooked and underrated
@@danseth5775 i agree with vampires and mars but christine imo is his most underrated film it is definitely top 5 to me,the ones i never saw hype to were fog and prince
@@danseth5775 "Christine" is dank as AF. Carpenter does a good job at taking some of the sillier elements of King's book and either selectively editing them or reworking them to make them play on screen. It could've come off as goofy, see "Maximum Overdrive", but Carpenter's direction and music set a mood that's really quite sinister.
I always loved how he used the same small group of actors over and over again.
A few directors I like also do that. It’s like they have a little “troup” or theatre company. It’s old school.
All time favorite movie - THE THING! Unmatched.
Carpenter is a legend. He's made so many great films, To me, that's what separates him from say, Sean Cunningham. John Carpenter has made at least 4 or 5 classic films, whereas for Cunningham, you can only cite Friday the 13th; which I also like but it is admittedly a Halloween rip off.
Agreed, but I would add Cunninghams DEEPSTAR SIX (1989) as a minor classic in the paleo-horror/science fiction subgenre. Probably the best ALIEN ripoff- tight direction, an interesting cast playing quirky characters. Cool, plausible creature and atmospheric, impressive visual effects. I think of it as the last old-shool 80's genre film before the new decade took over and CGI became the standard. It's the kind of film I wish Carpenter had done at the time instead of say, Memoirs of the Invisible Man.
50:45 KR: We said, "This isn't going to be appreciated for 20 years," because this monster is so bad. It's so ugly, that they're not going to see the story about 12 guys in paranoia. It's just a story about paranoia, and the breakdown of human beings believing in each other.
It's my favorite Agatha Christie movie.
The Thing!!!!!!!!! Greatest horror film ever made and one of the best movies ever made of ANY genre.
Carpenter is a very talented director and certainly one of my favorites. It’s amazing how underrated he is in Hollywood. Other than remakes being made from his films, they seem to have no interest in him. The great part however, is that even through remakes, he will be remembered strongly because of the fans. None of the remakes thus far have overshadowed his work and I’m very glad for that.
Fuck me Adrienne Barbeau has aged well she's still hot!!
Well I think this documentary is at least 15 years old.
John carpenter is a fuckin genius when it comes to horror and also a great composer
Absolute LEGEND.
Kinda weird to think he's only directed 25+ movies. Seems like he's directed 100's!!!
Thats funny i was just thinking the opposite lol, i was like wait he directed iver 20 movies? It feels like he only has done like 10 or 12 movies
What an absolute master of the cinematic craft. Thank you for posting this fascinating look into one of my favourite Directors.
Personal fav is They Live. Rowdy Roddy said he considered it a documentary just before he passed away. Legendary film.🎥👍
RIP RRP aka Nada
He even endorsed it on Alex Jones's Internet show . And there was a conspiracy to get it out of theaters ASAP . It was part of Carpenter's movie deal . The country's economy was really as bad as it was shown in the movie . The homeless people in the movie were really homeless . This was I believe a Republican convention coming up and the movie really needed to be taken out of theaters because of the economy looking so realistic to life . Reaganomics was a bad thing to America . The first few weeks the movie was breaking ticket sales for the time of the year it was released . Universal had the movie pulled out while it was still breaking records . After it was removed , they still counted ticket sales and then released propaganda that the movie sucked and lost money in the theaters .
Can we just KickStarter fund him for a new movie?!
I don't think he wants to direct anymore. Sad
I definitely appreciate the guts John has, he did what he wanted to do and the vast filmography is something that we will always cherish. Can’t imagine an alternate universe where he had dollar signs in his eyes and just kept churning out Halloween sequels instead of giving us his classic’s. (This was a late night drunk conversation topic I had with a buddy recently
It's really interesting, when you really think about it. John Carpenter saw It Came From Outer Space when he was a kid. It had a profound effect on him and scared the hell out of him. It inspired him to to make The Thing, which had a profound effect on so many others, including many directors, when they were kids. And The Thing inspired them to make their own movies. It's a never-ending cycle of inspiration.
Decades after Carpenter established his place in the horror-generating community, we still see his works being imitated today. It Follows, Stranger Things, The Void, The Guest, Midnight Special, Resolution, and The Endless, to name a few. By the way, they're all very good movies and shows. If anyone reading this hasn't seen them, I highly recommend them.
Resolution and The Endless, both written and directed by the same two writers/directors, tie in together, and benefit from you watching Resolution first. The Guest is my favorite out of all of the ones I mentioned.
Adrienne Barbeau still looks good!
+whismerhilll Keep in mind this documentary is fairly old, I think from the late 90's.
At least john can film apocalypse type movies in all democrat states now, then red states can use thier cinemas to laugh :)
Wow, you skipped right over my favorite Carpenter film. Big Trouble In Little China truly is underrated, as it turns out, even by the makers of John Carpenter documentaries. :/
Except for Red Letter Media. Rich Evans ranked it #1
It's a good documentary with many interesting people being interviewed. But how could they *completely* leave out BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA? Sure, they couldn't talk in depth about every Carpenter flick. But this great classic wasn't even mentioned. I hope, the reason for that was just some kind of rights issue and it was not a creative decision.
greetings from germany :-)
Carpenter has NEVER been the 'Pornographer of violence' that title implies that he uses violence in his films for just titillation purposes, to incite, excite & appeal to the twisted minds out there. Tarantino & Roth and all their little, shitty, film school drop-out director mates are the ONLY ones I could think that fit that mold within the mainstream. Tarantino, by his own admission, uses violence for comic sensibility. FOR LAUGHS! I think that's a mistake, a fallacy & it's something John Carpenter has NEVER done & NEVER will do.
Exactly! Quite offensive to call Carpenter the 'pornographer of violence' as if his style is characterized by brutality and bloodshed just for the sake of violence. Atmosphere and suspenseful buildup rule supreme in the best Carpenter horror films.
I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with showing gratuitous violence, Not everyone is trying to make some kind of smarmy point, sometimes we just want to have fun and cartoonishly over the top violence like Tarantino uses is perfectly ok in my book.
The only director I would call a "Pornographer of violence" is Nicholas Winding Refn, who doesn't play it for laughs, he plays it dead serious and makes it incredibly mean spirited and uncomfortable to watch.
Any creepiness in a Tarantino movie stems from Tarantino being a creep . What a slug of a human being .
Blacques Jacques Tarantino makes great films. As does carpenter. To deny Tarantino’s skill is ignorant.
Implying using violence for laughs has inherently less artistic merit. Climb off that high horse, my friend.
And to suggest that all of his violence is over-the-top or comedic is flat out false. Mr. Yellow dying slowly from his gut wound is very uncomfortable. Mr. Blonde torturing the cop is absolutely brutal and filled with dread and tension. De Niro gunning down Bridgette Fonda's character in Jackie Brown is incredibly disturbing in its nonchalance. It's one of the more upsetting bit of violence in all of his films...and there isn't even blood.
The Kill Bill films are the only films where you can even dare say Tarantino uses violence for laughs.
Sad to see no mention of Big Trouble in Little China, one of the most entertaining movies of all time. And Kurt Russel is so fuckable in that.
gross...
231mac i agree but god made gay buttfucking for a reason
Craig Seamus Wow, subtle
231mac i know right sweet man ass cant enough of it
‘The Thing’ is 109 minutes of masterful film making, horror or otherwise. It’s quite simply a masterpiece.
Great documentary on Master John! ;-)
Man, I just sat a watched this all the way through. Where is it from, can I get it on DVD?
Don't know if you ever found this on DVD but I found this very documentary on a bonus disc which comes with one of the Halloween box sets. I can't quite remember which exact box set by name - but it only included Halloween, H2, H3, H4, H5 and H20 (NOT including H6).
I'll have to check out the actual name of the box set.
This could have been a whole lot more informative, not to say entertaining film, had the producers included a few graphics identifying the various individuals being interviewed.
Those who can, try; those with less-than-zero creativity/imagination, go on to be become 'critics'". The Thing was/is a first-class movie. End of!
I almost wonder if something was rigged behind-the-scene with some kind of studio intervention or espionage or something to make the negative reception of The Thing. Because I can't fathom a world that wouldn't love that movie!
Alice Cooper and George A.Romero...Fucking great!!!🎥🎞📽💀👏👍🎬🕷🕸⚰🕯🤘
Fantastic Bio Documentary. .... (I never that knew the lucky bastard was married to Adrienne Barbeau, my most passionate childhood crush!) .... subscribed!
Big Trouble and Christine deserved to be mentioned, Escape LA less so
Did anyone find jamie lee curtis’s last line on Carpenter n his looks a bit odd? Seems unnecessary to say
I found it odd as well. But she has worked with the man, and she was young during the Halloween movie. I think that the novelty of the movie being so weird, and her young age combined, left an impression on her of who he is. He is very quiet and contained, but has all those horror ideas up his head. I can kinda see why she finds him unsettling.
Did Kurt Russell really say skinny white! Guy?
That's his career over then when the woke brigade get offended,
Oh no my apologies, he said white not Black! Nobody will care.
let's all shed a tear for the poor oppressed white man.
My favourite director of all time. Always has and always will be.
The fact that the critics did not like The Thing tells you not to pay attention to film critics. I might read them after I have seen the film which I base on based on the director and actors.
Outstanding documentary on one of cinema's greatest directors, & as asserted, very much his own man; Hollywood, seemingly, can take no credit for his output - a refreshing denouement, considering the many directorial (other) big names who have sought to tow the line. I have the greatest of admiration & respect for this creator of such innovative techniques to the big screen :D
Another Western Director and actually this guy did the original Thing and he's definitely capable of directing many other genres. But Hawks work with John Wayne, which includes Red River and many others. My favourite Howard Hawke's film actually happens to be a "Western", lol. The great casted feel good Western, Rio Bravo. In my opinion John Wayne's top five movie and top 3 John Wayne Western, along with The Searchers, and The Man who shot Liberty Vallance, in my humble opinion. People could throw in Stagecoach, The Suns of Katie Elder, Rio Lobo, The Shootist, and True Grit, and Red River, just to name a few of John Waynes top westerns.
The Thing was the scariest movie I ever saw, messed me up pretty good!!!!
I like how Fonda noted that being in on Carpenter's /Russel relationship for a moment was worth the entire dig
I never knew that The Thing was that poorly received at the time, I thought it was great then, and still do.
His resume, his versatility, his music, they don't lie. He must be one of the very best directors and craftsmen that ever lived, if not the best in many areas.
That masterpiece called The Thing alone puts him above many more famous directors that don't have his genius and vision.
Another underrated great here giving props, George A. Romero, the zombies daddy. A dying breed unfortunately.
The aliens in “They Live” were Republicans? Ha! Based on the distinct characteristics of every film he’s made, I highly doubt that Carpenter agrees with any of this Woke Hollywood crap they’re shoving down our throats the last 10 years or so, all of which is Agenda #1 of the Democrats. Think about it, would a brilliant film like “The Thing” ever be produced today with a mostly White, all male cast? Would Carpenter admit error in casting his movie as such? Would he and Debra Hill admit error in writing most of their “Halloween” (including Part II) females as ditzy and sexually promiscuous?
One of best documentaries on John Carpenter. Shame Mark Kermode is not nice person in real life. They should have commissioned Mark Cousins, who is actually a genuinely nice person.
John Carpenter's Escape From LA is unwarranted in hate. I've always seen it as a Parody of NY, having fun with it and Kurt leaning hard into Snake. Yes, surfer scene sucks but overall it's a fun movie.
The way Carpenter feels about Hawks is the way I’ve always felt about Carpenter. Being introduced to Halloween at a very young age and then seeing what he had in store for us following up I was very aware at a young age that Carpenter was my favorite director. This revelation I’d had at a single digit age still holds true to me 4 decades later. Even if I never get another movie I can definitely appreciate that he DID become the rockstar now that he wanted to be back in the 60’s! Plus I hope he, his son& godson score more flicks (they don’t have to be Halloween sequels either)
Carpenter made ONE good movie and one I liked even though it was total cheese... escape from NY. The thing wasn't scary and could have been really good with the cast and the money he had. Everything else he made was just not that great. So... master of cinema? Once. Goofy movies you want to blow a few hours watching? Yeah a lot of 'em lol.
what can you say first about this genius ? writer,director,musician all the package , i think that he was his choise to not participate or involved to commercial stuff like hollywood etc etc , +1 about this credit and also his attitude to be underground,cult and remain his position after these years that means he is a very stable person and ideologist.
thanks for posting
big fan of the thing and john carpenter in general.
the best thing in this is the posthumously interview footage of Debra Hill.
sweet, talented, big hearted woman.
rest in peace.