The Thing
1982
****½
Director: John Carpenter
Cast: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Donald Moffat, Richard Dysart, T. K. Carter, David Clennon, Keith David, Charles Hallahan, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur, Joel Polis, Thomas G. Waites
In The Thing from Another World a hulky creature from outer space terrorised an arctic research station. This brilliant remake takes place in Antarctica and the mostly invisible alien can assimilate and imitate living organisms. John Carpenter's version makes the most of a small group of people and the confined setting. This is an atmospheric, claustrophobic, and fatalistic horror film, which has become a classic for a reason. Rob Bottin's gruesome practical effects have stood the test of time, and so has Ennio Morricone's unusual electronic score. Followed by a 2011 prequel.
