I love how the characters in this movie are actually smart!!! they make all the right decisions and you're still scared... you don't see that in horror movies.
From what I understand, the practical effects guy nearly worked himself to death. Literally. He had severe health problems as a result of working overtime for months on this movie. And it turned out to be one of the greatest body horror movies of all time. Let's salute Rob Bottin: working 7 days a week for 56 weeks straight to create this masterpiece.
This also added pressure on the entire crew to get the scenes right on film. Many of the props for practical effects get destroyed so re-shooting a scene could mean repairing or building brand new props.
Yes i remember reading the fact behind the making of 'the thing' overworked himself just to get best result and it worth it man. it was incredible show
It's true Rob Bottin was hospitalised with exhaustion after working on the effects for this film. He spent I think it was over a yesr on set he worked and slept on set.
Interesting that this film was released the same summer as ET. As a result critics hated this movie. It was considered a financial flop. However, as the years have passed The Thing has gone beyond cult status. It is generally considered Carpenter's best work, even surpassing Halloween. IMO, The Thing is almost the perfect horror sci-fi film of all time.
I'd argue the original thing from another world set that standard. For a 1950s movie, it was way ahead of its time. But the thing is still one of the best horror/sci fy movies out there.
Incredible it had bad reviews in 82. Even Ebert bashed it who I really respected. It inspired Tarantino and Hateful 8 completely. Best sci fi horror movie for sure
"I know you gentlemen have been through a lot, but I'd rather not spend the rest of this winter TIED TO THIS FUCKING COUCH!!" is one of the greatest lines in cinema.
@@Jayskiallthewayski You see that a lot with folk who did well for a while in the entertainment industry. They take their spoils and get into property to make a fortune.
Fun fact: At the beginning of The Thing, when the Norwegian guys run up to the American camp chasing the dog, they're shouting "It's not a dog, it's a thing!" in Norwegian Something to note: at the end of the movie you can see that McReady was breathing heavily while childs showed no sign of breathing and the bottle childs drank from was(according to a a lot of fans)a Molotov cocktail and didn’t even notice hinting that he was the thing
@Sardonicus I just added in the Molotov cocktail bit because I keep on finding that piece of information everywhere and didn’t know it was a fan theory also John Carpenter also said that one of them at the end is the thing and child’s showed almost every sign and McReady showed none
I think the sparse character development is a feature, not a bug. You’re not supposed to know who’s behaving erratically, or which one is going to crack first. It contributes to the atmosphere of “who IS this guy really?”
I've heard that the actors were stucked together an unusual time before the real film shooting started. Therefore they interact like a real team whose members are familiar with each other. Maybe that's also a reason for the sparse character development. These guys live together in the station for month, maybe years. They don't tell each other (and the viewers) who they are because they have done this long before the events. They know each other.
Reason why the guy at the beginning is a terrible shot is because he's a Norwegian scientist, and shooting at a moving target from a helicopter is extremely difficult.
@@ajalvarez3111 He was a dog handler, the equivalent to Clark. Now that I think of it, both are the only characters whose cause of death was being shot.
@@denierdev9723 bruh I have been through Himalayas in winter which are biggest mountains on the Earth trust me I was unable to move my body due to blood freezing.
I know I'm late to this party but I wanted to give kudos to Jed, the dog actor who played the main husky in this movie. He was actually part wolf, and his unsettling performance in The Thing made him one of the most famous dog actors in history.
The shadow of the dude in the beginning isn't even cast by anyone in the cast - it's a crew member. Carpenter wanted there to be zero clues to who it might be.
I love that even though it was a box office failure and it got really negative reviews upon it's release, it's become one of the best horror movies 80's and one of the best horror films in general.
One of the greatest films of all time in my opinion. Brilliant practical effects, dialogue, acting, music by Ennio morricone, a brilliant cliffhanger at the end, just EVERYTHING. I'm glad you guys really liked it.
The best thing about the Thing is that no one really makes too many stupid decisions. They're all scientists and actually act like it, they all do the smart thing in any given situation. It's the psychological horror aspect of their situation, along with their inability to trust one another, that leads to their deaths. It's also why this move is low-key terrifying, since you can't just go "Oh, I'd do this instead of that."
"The movie tanked when it came out,” Carpenter admitted in a post-screening Q&A at the CapeTown Film Festival in 2013. “It was hated, hated by fans. I lost a job, people hated me, they thought I was … horrible, violent-and I was. But now here we are 31 years later, and here you are filling the theater.”
This got panned when it came out. So much so that John carpenter nearly quit making films. Now it's seen as one of the greatest sci-fi monster movies of all time. And rightly so. Also this is a remake of a 50s movie which is worth a watch. It shows how original this remake is
I'm very late to this party, but I just wanted to drop this tidbit here: from the Wikipedia entry on the real-life Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica, "Most personnel leave by the middle of February, leaving a few dozen 'winter-overs', mostly support staff plus a few scientists, who keep the station functional through the months of Antarctic night [...] An annual tradition is a back-to-back-to-back viewing of The Thing from Another World (1951), The Thing (1982), and The Thing (2011) after the last flight has left for the winter."
The score is by Ennio Morricone and John Carpenter and you can tell who did which parts - the dramatic orchestra arrangements are Morricone and the “heart beat” (as you called it) and synth parts are Carpenter.
The beauty of this horror movie is not just the fear of this other-worldly creature it is the intense paranoia, not knowing who you can trust, the isolation and desperation of knowing no one but The Thing will make it out alive.
I already said this under a different reaction to this movie, but I feel strongly enough about it to say it again: The only thing bad about this movie is the opening shot with the spaceship flying towards earth. That gives away the premise of the movie and what is going on. Cut that out and start with the helicopter chase right away and have the audience go in blind. That would turn an already excellent movie into a perfect movie.
Same with the original 'Predator.' Remember showing that film to my dad 20 yrs ago and he missed the first minute where the space ship is shown. Up until the characters realise it's not enemy soldiers he thought it was a still 'war' film !
"Do you believe any of this voodoo bullshit, Blair?" "Child's" (Keith David's) voice is just so damn powerful! I have always felt that my dad bears a resemblance to him ^^
Fans still theorize about who at the end is The Thing. Most people say Kurt Russel handed the other guy a bottle of gasoline, to test if he was the thing. And the fact that he drank it, and Kurts smile, proves he is the thing. Some people say it was impossible for Kurt to have survived the explosions the way he did, and that proves that it’s actually him. Kurt Russel himself has said that the ending has no solid answers. It’s all meant to make you feel uncertain. That it’s even possible that neither of them are the thing.
the only theory I have (besides yours) is the thing barely makes heat, that’s why you see Kurt’s breath acting like a fog machine and there’s barely any steam coming out of Child’s mouth.
That may just be an oversight from the production team regarding Child's breath. It's clearly meant to be ambiguous. I personally find it most compelling the notion that neither of them are the Thing, and that they've both descended into their paranoia. Great ending!
You can't help but respect the fx effects and animatronics from older movies. There is so much creativity, hard work and work hours poured into these projects, that it makes CGI look like a cake walk. As far as I know there is a remake of this, but no prequel. This is the original.
This is a re-telling of The Thing From Another World (1951) but Carpenters has become the defacto The Thing. They did make another The Thing in 2011 which was a prequel to this version. Sadly the studio interfered and essentially painted over the insane practical effects with cheap looking CGI. Why bother building of a classic and then ruining it?! Studios piss me off.
There is a prequel, came out in 2011 and it's the story of the team of Norwegian and American scientists who find the thing originally and the ship. It ends with a dog running away from the camp and one guy telling another to start the helicopter and give chase.
another fun fact, the only time the thing reveals itself is when its under the threat of getting burned, (the bloodtest) and the heat from the defibrilator
The Thing is sort of a reboot of the 1951 classic "The Thing From Another World" (which is actually pretty darn good if you ask me). The 1982 version was screenwritten by Bill Lancaster based on the short story "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell Jr. (same as the 1951 version). John Carpenter did not have a hand in writing this one but directed it with skill. The music, by Ennio Morricone, has plenty of dread and suspense built right into it. A classic that stands up quite well even today. Practical effects were ground-breaking.
@@rubioalex67 The scene where the alien comes into the barricaded room on fire is actually scary the first time you watch it and I can imagine how 1951 audiences reacted to it. Good movie, though it takes a really different approach to the alien than the later versions.
You guys would love John Carpenter’s ‘The Fog’ featuring Janet Leigh and her daughter Jamie Lee Curtis, made in 1980 a year before ‘the thing’ it’s a horror classic.
The fog is epic... I was born in 1979 so growing up in the 80s we only had like 6 TV channels and they closed around 2am at the latest. These movies all hit the TV when I was about 7 8 or 9, I watched them all alone all tucked up in bed at night 😜
For anyone wondering who got the keys to open the blood locker, there's a huge clue before Bennings is assimilated. Windows: (to Bennings) "Have you got the keys?" Bennings: "Get 'em from Garry" Later on when Windows finds Bennings being assimilated, Windows drops the keys and runs out to get help. You actually hear the sound of the keys dropping to the floor.
I highly recommend following this film with John Carpenter's: THEY LIVE - 1988( starring Keith David and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper ) It's another fantastic film by him. 😊
@@betsyduane3461 I think quite a few sci-fi/horror films could be called silly, for one reason or another. For me, "silly" isn't the same as "bad", or "unworthy of your attention". In the case of "They Live", I think it's a weird, fun, sometimes unintentionally hilarious movie with a point. So many other silly movies wish they could leave that kind of impression. For a more polished Carpenter flick (sci-fi but not horror), I'd suggest "Starman" (1984).
The practical effects in this movie are unique and unmatched in cinema history. The ending is indeed brilliant. Adirn average director would have them saved and in the final shot one of them does something that might indicate he's the thing end then end credits, but that would have been cliche and much weaker.
This is one of my favorite movies, and I would not be lying if I said I have probably seen it close to 100 times. Another that proves how great practical effects can be. My favorite scene is when the head is walking off, and Palmer says "You got to be fucking kidding me."
Off topic: But can someone explain to me why the Final Chapter is everyone’s favorite in the Friday franchise? Lol Don’t get me wrong, it’s def one of the strongest movies, but the best? Idkkk 😅
@@coillest8628 In my opinion, The Final Chapter has the scariest Jason, the most entertaining characters, the coolest kills, the sharpest cinematography, the most suspenseful music and just gives you everything you could possibly want in a slasher.
I heard John Carpenter didn't put that opening scene with the spaceship coming to Earth, that was the studio who added it post production. He didn't like it. Also, even though Carpenter famously composes the music for most of his movies, this one wasn't composed by him, it was Ennio Morricone. Another John Carpenter recommendation for a movie is They Live. It has the wonderful Keith David (who played Childs in The Thing) and the wrestler Roddy Piper. A fun cult classic sci-fi movie!
Actually, it was kind of a co-effort between Carpenter and Morricone, especially on the theme, which does end up sounding like a collab between the two.
The spaceship coming to earth was Carpenter's own idea. He just didn't like that the sequence, per DGA rules, had to include all the actors' names. (Source: The Thing audio commentary with Carpenter and Kurt Russell.)
@@Trademarc1977 Oh, thanks. Good to know! That's probably exactly what I heard/read and just got the details mixed up. That's why I should never trust memory over the internet!
This movie's situation gets a lot goddamn worse when you realise there's no guarantee an infected person is *aware they're infected* until it makes its move from inside them.
Not sure about that. Mac KNEW he wasn't infected, and he was right. Therefore, it's reasonable to think that an infected person knows of their infection. Also, Norris & Palmer (both infected) probably worked together to infect Blair and kill Fuchs...they probably could sense each other. Just my 2 cents.
@@rajdixit1605 I mean that's true, but neither of those scenarios proves that you know you're infected if it doesn't want you to know yet. It could so easily just be behind your eyes, riding your senses in ways you can't detect for signs you can't imagine, that'd tell it there's a fellow infected nearby.
@@Geth-Who it would be super terrifying if you didn't know if you were infected or not, but the way it seems to work is less of an infection and more of a digestion. like, it destroys your cells and then copies them, so like Blair said, its not you, its an imitation of you.
Another great reaction video guys. This film was the first part of what John Carpenter calls his Apocalypse Trilogy. The second is Prince of Darkness and third and final one is In the Mouth of Madness. I highly recommend watching those as well.
For whatever reason, my parents allowed me to watch this at 10 years old... and I am SO thankful they did. Arguably my fav horror movie & it sparked my obsession with film editing that led to the career I have today. Such a gem of a movie! Excited to crack open a Friday beer and watch your reaction lads :)
I attended the world premiere here in Denver back in 1982. John Carpenter was there, along with his wife, Adrienne Barbeau. After the movie, as the news crews and people crowded around them, I noticed standing off to the side, was Rob Bottin, the make up effects wizard. I wandered over and chatted with him for a bit.
@@kermmettfrogger624 ...I congratulated him on an amazing job. I recognized him from my Fangoria and Starlog magazines. If I knew he was going to be there, I would've been prepared for him to sign something. Don't recall much, think I stammered some more praise.
Watching people react to John Carpenters The Thing is like the gift that keeps on giving. This has to be the best movie to react to just for how brilliant it is and how great the practical effects hold up on top of great story. One day you 20 something’s will be in your mid forties watching the younger generation react the same way. Just an incredible movie..
Here here, i was traumatized by it since i watched it as a kid but oh how its become my & everyones favorite horror sci-fi film.watch it every year near Halloween.
Great film and reaction, love it when young folks appreciate what we loved back in the day. I recommend watching again, and paying particular attention to that dog. He's so natural in the film, you forget he's acting, too.
In my opinion, HOLLYWOOD should learn from movies like this! "THE THING" & "POLTERGEIST" (came out same year) and the practical effects in those movies were great! If you use practical effects and go in after to clean up some of the (small) flaws here and there, you have a masterful, realistic special effects. Still...the practical effects are stellar and still hold up (in my opinion).
You are damn freakin right man! I’ve been saying that for awhile! They still use in nowadays but not always to the best degree. Only legendary masterpieces use it. They use a blend of practical effects and cgi, but even that great idea has to be executed with great skills to make it the most realistic you can make it.
in this era hollywood make a movie seems like just for a money in my opinion. they remaking film just dont want to read the subtittle or make basic boring films. or making full cgi films which irritated me
Brilliant movie - one of the greatest films ever! You should also see two films that inspired The Thing - Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) and Alien (1979). I mean, The Thing was mostly based on a novel and the origal 1951 movie but you can see many similarities with Alien & Body Snatchers as well
@@raphaelperry8159 Right. THe Thing from Another World came first. The Thing (1982) is a remake of it but they added more unique and interesting stuff and was closer to the novel. As for Alien and Body Snatchers (1978), I think The Thing tried to use the same atmosphere and slow pacing.
I prefer Pyscho and Legion from the movies they have reviewed but it's a brilliant film. I want them to do Rosemary's Baby since they are doing classics
If you like both John Carpenter and Kurt Russell, they did another movie together called "Big Trouble in Little China". It a comedy with some minor horror elements. John and Kurt did another movie before "The Thing" called "Escape From New York", a sci-fi classic. I would also recommend a collaboration with John Carpenter and Keith David (Childs) called "They Live". A sci-fi movie starring Roddy "Rowdy" Piper and Keith David; truly a cult classic.
The prequel was very well-written and had a whole lot of effort put into the timeline and location, though the studio's decision to add the CG and change the ending really brought it down. Otherwise, it's a great watch and I highly recommend it, especially with its leads being Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton.
Glad to see the Prequel getting some love. While not on the same level as the Original, I consider it a solid flick sadly let down by the studio-mandated CGI. Frustrated, the Effects Artists would make their own Thing-esque Horror-Film a few years later, using the techniques they originally used for the Prequel, called "Harbinger Down".
@@derworfnet Y e s. I've looked into everything behind the scenes, I actually thought the original ending of the prequel was better than what we were left with. However, the transformations and kills are still super creative (for the most part), and a lot of great ideas were explored as well. The studio should release the original version, I'd love to see it.
Carpenter had the cast live isolated for a week to develop their character's interaction. A really smart move since they seem genuinly used to work together. And from what I've read somewhere, MacCreedy was a vietnam helicopter-pilot with severe PTSD. That's why he has insomnia and a budding alcoholism.
This movie is 39 years old and it STILL holds up today. Amazing effects! The music, the isolation, the paranoia....tension upon tension upon tension. Great acting. For me it's a 10/10.
From a movie panned to hell at its original release (true story) to a classic that helped cement Carpenter's legacy, and now a "rite of passage" for UA-cam horror aficionados.
Isnt it?? the creepy way he slowly, very mannerly almost, lowers himself to the floor and sits with his back to the fence, facing the wall in the centre of the dogs. So creepy.
I think the visible breath in MacReady vs Childs at the end is a red herring. There are several earlier scenes in which other incarnations of the Thing have visible breath mist. As for Carpenter, I thought I read that the ending turned out that way because MacReady was lit whereas Childs was in shadow, so his breath was naturally less visible. Anyway it's trivial, because either way this is probably my favorite horror film of all time.
Fun fact: the movie was paned at launch, absolutely hated by reviewers but then brought to attention by a cult following at home video! One of my favourite horror movies, exception effect and tension! 10/10
I saw this film in a theater in 1982 with my late brother in law. We couldn't stop talking about it after we left. We both assumed it would be a hit. It was not. It came out the same time as E.T. and apparently people weren't interested in scary aliens as much as friendly ones. It now has become a cult classic and given the respect it deserves. I still can't believe you both rate some of the films you've seen higher than The Exorcist. To me that is still the scariest film of all time.
I was eight, when my parents and I were walking past a movie theater and I became fascinated by a movie poster of The Thing. They told me I was too young to see it and that same year I saw E.T. and loved it. Ironically, I saw The Thing in 83’ on home video. This was the first John Carpenter film I had seen and it’s still my favorite.
This is one of the classics that I had just never gotten around to seeing. Until today. Because I knew you were giving us this reaction today so I watched it to make sure nothing was spoiled so I could still watch this with you guys. Brilliant movie,brilliant reaction.
The best horror film of all time for us here, from Carpenter who is as under appreciated as a HOF Director as his films are anytime they released. Was a treat to see you all react and appreciate the g.o.a.t
There's a theory that states that Childs is the Thing. If you watch the final scene, you can clearly see MacReady's breath. However, you can't see Child's breath when he exhales. Hence he must not be human. Not everyone agrees with this theory and there is much discussion to be found about it on the internet. All the same, it's an interesting idea.
I haven't seen anything myself, but others have said John Carpenter himself confirms in interviews that what you say is true. Macready's breath is quite conspicuous and you see nothing at all from Childs. This movie really needed a good sequel.
Yes , that's an awesome thing about the open ended endings. Did they simply freeze to death ? Was one or both infected (by this time)? Even if they freeze, isn't that was The Thing wanted?
So the poor dude who has a heart attack and then his head turns into a spider is the best mate of a faculty member in my department at my university. They were best friends at their fraternity in the late 60s. Every time I see him now I think of my friend Bob! He won't watch the movie though, because he doesn't like gore. hehe The Thing has created a myriad of conspiracy theories and debates. There is so much great material in the film. The greatest "thing" about the Thing is that I have seen it so many times, yet see something new EVERY time. For some reason, when I saw it in the movies I was kind of underwhelmed. Now it is one of my favorite movies and I have seen it hundreds of times! You might like They Live, as it is another Carpenter film with a cult following. Another one I didn't think much of in the movies but love now. It actually is very relevant nowadays!
Great reaction to a classic movie. What makes it still stand out besides a great story and acting is the fact the effects were done before CGI came out and still look great today. In fact, better than much of today's CGI heavy movies which is cheaper and faster that the old special effects puppets that took months to create.
You should - in your spare time - watch some behind the scenes videos and interviews for this production. Rob Bottin, who did the practical effects, is an absolute legend.
It's so crazy to think that he spent 57 weeks and 7 days a week on the creature effects to the point where he was hospitalized for pneumonia, exhaustion, and bleeding ulcers. If that isn't true dedication to make a monster, as organic, tangible, and as grotesquely awesome as possible, then I don't know what is, and damn did it pay off. It's such a shame that it bombed when it came out, but that doesn't matter anymore because now its become such an iconic film.
@@serpent6827 I know, right? You want that kind of work ethic, but at the same time, you're like, "Dude, even your best ain't worth dying for!" I think my favourite is when Bottin describes the first Norris prop catching fire - because they'd made it out of odds and ends without realising a lot of those odds were highly flammable - and John Carpenter being like, "Well, don't just stand there! Put it out, you idiot!" Man, to have those kind of moments at your job.
@@DanielleSouthcott For sure, and I think I would lose my mind if I was put in his shoes. I do remember him describing that fireball fiasco in the documentary, that was insane. I also thought it was hilarious when Bottin said he expected showgirls to pop out of Norris's stomach because Carpenter said it looked like a fountain in Las Vegas lol. I also felt bad for Charles Hallahan (Norris) because he had to sit in that position for two 8 hour periods getting the makeup and prosthetics put on and it resulted in back pain for a couple of weeks but again, that just highlights the dedication to achieve such a short, but memorable sequence. I remember the actor saying in the documentary that the worst part of it was people constantly coming up to him and asking him if he is okay, and he basically says, "Don't talk to me." lol I wish I knew how Bottin did the severed head sprouting legs, and eyestalks.
I genuinely love you both. It’s like I never realized how much I needed a Zac Efron/Niall Horan cinematic buddy vlog until now. Also: Hereditary? The Babadook? Requiem for a Dream?
Here's a list of classic horror films you guys should react to: Diabolique (1955) Eyes Without a Face (1960) Peeping Tom (1960) The Innocents (1961) The Haunting (1963) The Birds (1963) Repulsion (1965) Rosemary's Baby (1968) Night of the Living Dead (1968) Don't Look Now (1973) Black Christmas (1974) Jaws (1975) Carrie (1976) Suspiria (1977) Alien (1979) The Fog (1980) Possession (1981) Fright Night (1985) Aliens (1986) The Lost Boys (1987) Misery (1990) The Silence of the Lambs (1991) I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) Scream 2 (1997) The Blair Witch Project (1999) The Others (2001)
Fantastic list. I would love to see reactions to all of them but I think my favs would be The Birds, Suspiria, and The Haunting. They are also doing foreign films. I'd love them to do "M".
Could I add two 2 original films The fly 1958 and The invasion of the body snatchers 1956 Both films had remakes like the thing But I love the originals
Greatest horror film ever made and one of the greatest in general. Not just because of the great cast, ambience, plot etc but because of the concept. Can you imagine anything more frightening? A extremely intelligent creature, that is almost indestructible besides against fire/acid, can imitate all life forms and you won't know the difference without a specific test, you have no idea if it's evil or simply trying to survive, you're dead if it touches you and if it gets to transportation, water or civilization the whole planet is doomed, not only humans. Only thing worse I can think of is utter atomic annihilation.
I'm gonna be gutted when there aren't daily uploads after this week! Been so fun to watch these reactions. The practical effects in The Thing are one of my favourite!
You can't watch The Thing with the lights on, lads - honestly, it's tantamount to sacriliege. It's a film that simply has to be viewed in dark surroundings in order to truly bring out the claustrophobic tension and anxiety to its maximum. Okay, you were filming your reactions, and I understand that, but you've inadvertently sacrificed a massive 50% of the fear and trepidation that this brilliant film conveys....well, given the right setting, of course. Had you done as I suggest, you'd both have given it 11/10 because this horror movie is an an absolute classic and cinematic masterpiece. It tops my all-time horror list for sure. Incidentally, the prequel receives a modest 6/10 from me, but even that mark is probably a bit on the generous side. It's watchable, I suppose, and it'll pass an hour or two if there's nothing else to do, but it's a massive disappointment when it comes to that awful CGI and lame acting. Never, ever make the mistake of interfering with greatness - you're practically doomed to failure.
I wonder if British people have the same feeling seeing Wilford Brimley this way. It really freaked me out the first time I saw this movie. I’d only seen him being wholesome before this.
The great thing about the Thing is that the creature is only the secondary fear, the psychological aspect and isolation, who to trust , do you even know if you are infected , the blood test makes people even question themselves, there is the horror
There’s been quite a bunch of people reacting to this movie lately, and I really enjoy their reactions to the practical effects the most. :,D Especially if they’re young enough to have grown up with mostly CGI-effects, and have grown desensitized to it. The human eyes and brain can detect when something is “off”, it’s an instinct that helped us survive hundreds of thousand years ago. So seeing people have this instinctive reaction of “this thing is actually there, and it looks so, so abnormal, wtf is this I don't even--” to the practical effects is always a treat. xD
Fun Fact: The shadow of the unknown individual the dog-thing walks in on was not any member of the cast. It was actually stuntman Dick Warlock, who was a long time collaborator on John Carpenter's films, such as being Kurt Russell's stunt double in Escape From New York, and replacing Nick Castle as Michael Myers in Halloween II. Carpenter used Warlock in that scene to make sure the audience would have no idea who was first infected.
The Thing is a true horror remake classic because it has great filmmaking potential even good dialogue especially the camera work by Dean Cundey. John Carpenter is the best horror director for over 40 years since last years anniversary. I loved this movie to pieces, pun intended.
I love how the characters in this movie are actually smart!!! they make all the right decisions and you're still scared... you don't see that in horror movies.
Fun fact; when the Norwegian guy shows up at the start, he says “It’s not a dog! It’s some kind of thing!”
I always wonder
'Get the hell away idiots!"
It's Lars Bolen.
@@denierdev9723 poor Lars, he was an mvp in the prequel
Some kind of *thing*
From what I understand, the practical effects guy nearly worked himself to death. Literally. He had severe health problems as a result of working overtime for months on this movie. And it turned out to be one of the greatest body horror movies of all time.
Let's salute Rob Bottin: working 7 days a week for 56 weeks straight to create this masterpiece.
This also added pressure on the entire crew to get the scenes right on film. Many of the props for practical effects get destroyed so re-shooting a scene could mean repairing or building brand new props.
Rob Bottin was like 21-22 when he worked on these effects. Dude was on point.
Legendary
Yes i remember reading the fact behind the making of 'the thing' overworked himself just to get best result and it worth it man. it was incredible show
It's true Rob Bottin was hospitalised with exhaustion after working on the effects for this film. He spent I think it was over a yesr on set he worked and slept on set.
Interesting that this film was released the same summer as ET. As a result critics hated this movie. It was considered a financial flop. However, as the years have passed The Thing has gone beyond cult status. It is generally considered Carpenter's best work, even surpassing Halloween.
IMO, The Thing is almost the perfect horror sci-fi film of all time.
that’s why it’s my favorite horror movie
I'd argue the original thing from another world set that standard. For a 1950s movie, it was way ahead of its time. But the thing is still one of the best horror/sci fy movies out there.
Yup agreed & still to this day, audiences who have never seen it still have shock & horror reactions as intended.
Let's hope any aliens we encounter are like ET and not the thing🤞
Incredible it had bad reviews in 82. Even Ebert bashed it who I really respected. It inspired Tarantino and Hateful 8 completely. Best sci fi horror movie for sure
"I know you gentlemen have been through a lot, but I'd rather not spend the rest of this winter TIED TO THIS FUCKING COUCH!!" is one of the greatest lines in cinema.
The legendary Rob Bottin did the FX. He was Rick Baker’s protege.
He was only 21 at the time too. Incredible.
Amazing stuff!
Dude's a real estate agent now. How fucking insane is that
@@Jayskiallthewayski You see that a lot with folk who did well for a while in the entertainment industry. They take their spoils and get into property to make a fortune.
@@johnmellor932 Yeah, maybe they just went "Hollywood is insane" and got the fuck out.
Fun fact: At the beginning of The Thing, when the Norwegian guys run up to the American camp chasing the dog, they're shouting "It's not a dog, it's a thing!" in Norwegian
Something to note: at the end of the movie you can see that McReady was breathing heavily while childs showed no sign of breathing and the bottle childs drank from was(according to a a lot of fans)a Molotov cocktail and didn’t even notice hinting that he was the thing
@Sardonicus I just added in the Molotov cocktail bit because I keep on finding that piece of information everywhere and didn’t know it was a fan theory also John Carpenter also said that one of them at the end is the thing and child’s showed almost every sign and McReady showed none
So, Norwegian filmgoers had a headsup when they went to see the film in 1982.
I think the sparse character development is a feature, not a bug. You’re not supposed to know who’s behaving erratically, or which one is going to crack first. It contributes to the atmosphere of “who IS this guy really?”
I've heard that the actors were stucked together an unusual time before the real film shooting started. Therefore they interact like a real team whose members are familiar with each other. Maybe that's also a reason for the sparse character development. These guys live together in the station for month, maybe years. They don't tell each other (and the viewers) who they are because they have done this long before the events. They know each other.
Reason why the guy at the beginning is a terrible shot is because he's a Norwegian scientist, and shooting at a moving target from a helicopter is extremely difficult.
Lars was not a scientist and he knew his way around a gun. He was a rugged type.
@@ajalvarez3111 He was a dog handler, the equivalent to Clark. Now that I think of it, both are the only characters whose cause of death was being shot.
And it's hard to shoot in the cold. He was outside the whole day
@@FranklinClinton6903 He was inside, but technically there was airflow because everything was destroyed.
@@denierdev9723 bruh I have been through Himalayas in winter which are biggest mountains on the Earth trust me I was unable to move my body due to blood freezing.
I know I'm late to this party but I wanted to give kudos to Jed, the dog actor who played the main husky in this movie. He was actually part wolf, and his unsettling performance in The Thing made him one of the most famous dog actors in history.
Jed was truly a good boy
The shadow of the dude in the beginning isn't even cast by anyone in the cast - it's a crew member. Carpenter wanted there to be zero clues to who it might be.
The clothing he is wearing, however, was purposely Norris's.
CHILDS: "I can't believe any of this voodoo bullshit."
YOUR RESPONSE: "Have you seen what's on the fucking kitchen table mate"
LMFAO.
I wonder what would've happened if they were characters, lol...
That made me laugh, too! 😂🤣
I love that even though it was a box office failure and it got really negative reviews upon it's release, it's become one of the best horror movies 80's and one of the best horror films in general.
One of the greatest films of all time in my opinion. Brilliant practical effects, dialogue, acting, music by Ennio morricone, a brilliant cliffhanger at the end, just EVERYTHING. I'm glad you guys really liked it.
It will always be one of the greatest films ever made. The ending is perfect.
"I would NOT want to be tied down, because what if one changes and you're still tied down"
Everyone watching : (:
The best thing about the Thing is that no one really makes too many stupid decisions. They're all scientists and actually act like it, they all do the smart thing in any given situation. It's the psychological horror aspect of their situation, along with their inability to trust one another, that leads to their deaths. It's also why this move is low-key terrifying, since you can't just go "Oh, I'd do this instead of that."
"The movie tanked when it came out,” Carpenter admitted in a post-screening Q&A at the CapeTown Film Festival in 2013. “It was hated, hated by fans. I lost a job, people hated me, they thought I was … horrible, violent-and I was. But now here we are 31 years later, and here you are filling the theater.”
This got panned when it came out. So much so that John carpenter nearly quit making films.
Now it's seen as one of the greatest sci-fi monster movies of all time. And rightly so. Also this is a remake of a 50s movie which is worth a watch. It shows how original this remake is
I'm very late to this party, but I just wanted to drop this tidbit here: from the Wikipedia entry on the real-life Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica, "Most personnel leave by the middle of February, leaving a few dozen 'winter-overs', mostly support staff plus a few scientists, who keep the station functional through the months of Antarctic night [...] An annual tradition is a back-to-back-to-back viewing of The Thing from Another World (1951), The Thing (1982), and The Thing (2011) after the last flight has left for the winter."
That's awesome!!!
"i'd rather not spend the rest of the winter tied to this fucking couch"🤣🤣🤣 my favorite line from my favorite horror movie, love you guys 💗
ua-cam.com/video/dooAjI6yOhg/v-deo.html
EVERY The Thing reaction on UA-cam has that line from Garry! But not Shaun and Tom...they had to be mavericks!
same
2:47, he's liking the music! Lol! It was composed by Ennio Morricone, 1929-2020, and John Carpenter.
The score is by Ennio Morricone and John Carpenter and you can tell who did which parts - the dramatic orchestra arrangements are Morricone and the “heart beat” (as you called it) and synth parts are Carpenter.
The beauty of this horror movie is not just the fear of this other-worldly creature it is the intense paranoia, not knowing who you can trust, the isolation and desperation of knowing no one but The Thing will make it out alive.
I already said this under a different reaction to this movie, but I feel strongly enough about it to say it again:
The only thing bad about this movie is the opening shot with the spaceship flying towards earth. That gives away the premise of the movie and what is going on.
Cut that out and start with the helicopter chase right away and have the audience go in blind. That would turn an already excellent movie into a perfect movie.
god, I couldn't agree more
We completely agree
Same with the original 'Predator.' Remember showing that film to my dad 20 yrs ago and he missed the first minute where the space ship is shown. Up until the characters realise it's not enemy soldiers he thought it was a still 'war' film !
Exactly! the movie title is ambiguous enough, its better not to know wtf or where tf it came from
This is a genius take. I cannot agree more.
5:11, the Make Up Effects were designed by Rob Bottin, whom would later do effects for Twilight Zone The Movie, Legend, Se7en, and Fight Club.
Legend is one of my favorite movies!
People get confused each time when I say: "That dog is no dog. That dog is a banana!"
But once it starts to peel like one, they get it. ^__^
🤣🤣🤣
"Do you believe any of this voodoo bullshit, Blair?" "Child's" (Keith David's) voice is just so damn powerful! I have always felt that my dad bears a resemblance to him ^^
“Childs..Childs...Chariots of the Gods Man. They taught the Incas everything they know.(lights up a joint)”-Palmer
Fans still theorize about who at the end is The Thing.
Most people say Kurt Russel handed the other guy a bottle of gasoline, to test if he was the thing. And the fact that he drank it, and Kurts smile, proves he is the thing. Some people say it was impossible for Kurt to have survived the explosions the way he did, and that proves that it’s actually him.
Kurt Russel himself has said that the ending has no solid answers. It’s all meant to make you feel uncertain. That it’s even possible that neither of them are the thing.
I believe that the other guy is the thing. His breath was not warm enough to cause that smokey reaction you see when you breathe in cold weather.
@@error404idnotfound3 But watch the scene with the “Bennings Thing” earlier in the movie. He is emitting plenty of breath mist.
the only theory I have (besides yours) is the thing barely makes heat, that’s why you see Kurt’s breath acting like a fog machine and there’s barely any steam coming out of Child’s mouth.
That may just be an oversight from the production team regarding Child's breath. It's clearly meant to be ambiguous. I personally find it most compelling the notion that neither of them are the Thing, and that they've both descended into their paranoia. Great ending!
You can't help but respect the fx effects and animatronics from older movies. There is so much creativity, hard work and work hours poured into these projects, that it makes CGI look like a cake walk.
As far as I know there is a remake of this, but no prequel. This is the original.
This is a re-telling of The Thing From Another World (1951) but Carpenters has become the defacto The Thing. They did make another The Thing in 2011 which was a prequel to this version. Sadly the studio interfered and essentially painted over the insane practical effects with cheap looking CGI. Why bother building of a classic and then ruining it?! Studios piss me off.
There is a prequel, came out in 2011 and it's the story of the team of Norwegian and American scientists who find the thing originally and the ship. It ends with a dog running away from the camp and one guy telling another to start the helicopter and give chase.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1978
To this day, I can't think of any movie that mastered practical effects better than this movie.
The fly?
another fun fact, the only time the thing reveals itself is when its under the threat of getting burned, (the bloodtest) and the heat from the defibrilator
The Thing is sort of a reboot of the 1951 classic "The Thing From Another World" (which is actually pretty darn good if you ask me). The 1982 version was screenwritten by Bill Lancaster based on the short story "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell Jr. (same as the 1951 version). John Carpenter did not have a hand in writing this one but directed it with skill. The music, by Ennio Morricone, has plenty of dread and suspense built right into it. A classic that stands up quite well even today. Practical effects were ground-breaking.
Thought I was the only one who knew that and the 1951 version is in black n white very good movie
@@rubioalex67 The scene where the alien comes into the barricaded room on fire is actually scary the first time you watch it and I can imagine how 1951 audiences reacted to it. Good movie, though it takes a really different approach to the alien than the later versions.
'You gotta be fuckin kidding me'... awesome line
Even more awesome that one Thing is betraying another Thing.
You guys would love John Carpenter’s ‘The Fog’ featuring Janet Leigh and her daughter Jamie Lee Curtis, made in 1980 a year before ‘the thing’ it’s a horror classic.
One of my favorite ghost movies!
@@_thestarsarelookingatyou He sees you.
@@_thestarsarelookingatyou and I caught it lol
The fog is epic... I was born in 1979 so growing up in the 80s we only had like 6 TV channels and they closed around 2am at the latest. These movies all hit the TV when I was about 7 8 or 9, I watched them all alone all tucked up in bed at night 😜
John Carpenter, the genius
For anyone wondering who got the keys to open the blood locker, there's a huge clue before Bennings is assimilated.
Windows: (to Bennings) "Have you got the keys?"
Bennings: "Get 'em from Garry"
Later on when Windows finds Bennings being assimilated, Windows drops the keys and runs out to get help. You actually hear the sound of the keys dropping to the floor.
The GOAT of all SCI-FI/Horror movies. Nothing better!
This film is the PERFECT example of practical effects done right.
You should watch all Carpenter’s 80s output: Escape From New York, Big Trouble in Little China, Prince of Darkness, They Live...
Christine.
I highly recommend following this film with John Carpenter's:
THEY LIVE - 1988( starring Keith David and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper )
It's another fantastic film by him. 😊
meh, kind of silly
A classic right there.
@@betsyduane3461 I think quite a few sci-fi/horror films could be called silly, for one reason or another. For me, "silly" isn't the same as "bad", or "unworthy of your attention". In the case of "They Live", I think it's a weird, fun, sometimes unintentionally hilarious movie with a point. So many other silly movies wish they could leave that kind of impression.
For a more polished Carpenter flick (sci-fi but not horror), I'd suggest "Starman" (1984).
Read Twilight Eyes by Dean Koontz. Same premise, better story. But Roddy is fun.
"The music's insane". Ennio Morricone made the score...and got nominated for a Razzie for it!
The practical effects in this movie are unique and unmatched in cinema history. The ending is indeed brilliant. Adirn average director would have them saved and in the final shot one of them does something that might indicate he's the thing end then end credits, but that would have been cliche and much weaker.
This is one of my favorite movies, and I would not be lying if I said I have probably seen it close to 100 times. Another that proves how great practical effects can be.
My favorite scene is when the head is walking off, and Palmer says "You got to be fucking kidding me."
Kurt Russell's favorite line in the movie. ;-)
This is tied with The Exorcist and Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter as my single favorite horror film of all time.
This is also tied for top spot, but with Evil Dead 2, Halloween 2, and Scream for me.
Alien then this for me
Mines the shining and hereditary tied but the thing is a close second
Off topic: But can someone explain to me why the Final Chapter is everyone’s favorite in the Friday franchise? Lol Don’t get me wrong, it’s def one of the strongest movies, but the best? Idkkk 😅
@@coillest8628 In my opinion, The Final Chapter has the scariest Jason, the most entertaining characters, the coolest kills, the sharpest cinematography, the most suspenseful music and just gives you everything you could possibly want in a slasher.
I heard John Carpenter didn't put that opening scene with the spaceship coming to Earth, that was the studio who added it post production. He didn't like it. Also, even though Carpenter famously composes the music for most of his movies, this one wasn't composed by him, it was Ennio Morricone. Another John Carpenter recommendation for a movie is They Live. It has the wonderful Keith David (who played Childs in The Thing) and the wrestler Roddy Piper. A fun cult classic sci-fi movie!
Actually, it was kind of a co-effort between Carpenter and Morricone, especially on the theme, which does end up sounding like a collab between the two.
The spaceship coming to earth was Carpenter's own idea. He just didn't like that the sequence, per DGA rules, had to include all the actors' names. (Source: The Thing audio commentary with Carpenter and Kurt Russell.)
@@Trademarc1977 Oh, thanks. Good to know! That's probably exactly what I heard/read and just got the details mixed up. That's why I should never trust memory over the internet!
Fun fact: that shot of the guy losing his arms after getting then torn off was performed by a double amputee stuntman
This movie's situation gets a lot goddamn worse when you realise there's no guarantee an infected person is *aware they're infected* until it makes its move from inside them.
Not sure about that. Mac KNEW he wasn't infected, and he was right. Therefore, it's reasonable to think that an infected person knows of their infection. Also, Norris & Palmer (both infected) probably worked together to infect Blair and kill Fuchs...they probably could sense each other. Just my 2 cents.
@@rajdixit1605 I mean that's true, but neither of those scenarios proves that you know you're infected if it doesn't want you to know yet. It could so easily just be behind your eyes, riding your senses in ways you can't detect for signs you can't imagine, that'd tell it there's a fellow infected nearby.
@@Geth-Who The genius of the film is that either of us could be right - or we could both be completely wrong ...
@@Geth-Who it would be super terrifying if you didn't know if you were infected or not, but the way it seems to work is less of an infection and more of a digestion. like, it destroys your cells and then copies them, so like Blair said, its not you, its an imitation of you.
@@reagangaitens7154 exactly. once it imitates someone that person is no more. only the thing
Another great reaction video guys. This film was the first part of what John Carpenter calls his Apocalypse Trilogy. The second is Prince of Darkness and third and final one is In the Mouth of Madness. I highly recommend watching those as well.
For whatever reason, my parents allowed me to watch this at 10 years old... and I am SO thankful they did.
Arguably my fav horror movie & it sparked my obsession with film editing that led to the career I have today.
Such a gem of a movie! Excited to crack open a Friday beer and watch your reaction lads :)
I attended the world premiere here in Denver back in 1982. John Carpenter was there, along with his wife, Adrienne Barbeau. After the movie, as the news crews and people crowded around them, I noticed standing off to the side, was Rob Bottin, the make up effects wizard. I wandered over and chatted with him for a bit.
awesome! what was said btwn you two?
@@kermmettfrogger624 ...I congratulated him on an amazing job. I recognized him from my Fangoria and Starlog magazines. If I knew he was going to be there, I would've been prepared for him to sign something. Don't recall much, think I stammered some more praise.
Watching people react to John Carpenters The Thing is like the gift that keeps on giving. This has to be the best movie to react to just for how brilliant it is and how great the practical effects hold up on top of great story. One day you 20 something’s will be in your mid forties watching the younger generation react the same way. Just an incredible movie..
Here here, i was traumatized by it since i watched it as a kid but oh how its become my & everyones favorite horror sci-fi film.watch it every year near Halloween.
Great film and reaction, love it when young folks appreciate what we loved back in the day. I recommend watching again, and paying particular attention to that dog. He's so natural in the film, you forget he's acting, too.
This channel is sick, your uploads are so consistent
In my opinion, HOLLYWOOD should learn from movies like this!
"THE THING" & "POLTERGEIST" (came out same year) and the practical effects in those movies were great!
If you use practical effects and go in after to clean up some of the (small) flaws here and there, you have a masterful, realistic special effects.
Still...the practical effects are stellar and still hold up (in my opinion).
Agreed
You are damn freakin right man! I’ve been saying that for awhile! They still use in nowadays but not always to the best degree. Only legendary masterpieces use it. They use a blend of practical effects and cgi, but even that great idea has to be executed with great skills to make it the most realistic you can make it.
in this era hollywood make a movie seems like just for a money in my opinion. they remaking film just dont want to read the subtittle or make basic boring films. or making full cgi films which irritated me
This is where KILL IT WITH FIRE started.
Brilliant movie - one of the greatest films ever! You should also see two films that inspired The Thing - Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) and Alien (1979). I mean, The Thing was mostly based on a novel and the origal 1951 movie but you can see many similarities with Alien & Body Snatchers as well
Probably also related to the 1951 movie The Thing From Another World as well.
@@raphaelperry8159 Right. THe Thing from Another World came first. The Thing (1982) is a remake of it but they added more unique and interesting stuff and was closer to the novel. As for Alien and Body Snatchers (1978), I think The Thing tried to use the same atmosphere and slow pacing.
I prefer Pyscho and Legion from the movies they have reviewed but it's a brilliant film. I want them to do Rosemary's Baby since they are doing classics
If you like both John Carpenter and Kurt Russell, they did another movie together called "Big Trouble in Little China". It a comedy with some minor horror elements. John and Kurt did another movie before "The Thing" called "Escape From New York", a sci-fi classic. I would also recommend a collaboration with John Carpenter and Keith David (Childs) called "They Live". A sci-fi movie starring Roddy "Rowdy" Piper and Keith David; truly a cult classic.
One of my favorites
The prequel was very well-written and had a whole lot of effort put into the timeline and location, though the studio's decision to add the CG and change the ending really brought it down. Otherwise, it's a great watch and I highly recommend it, especially with its leads being Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton.
Glad to see the Prequel getting some love. While not on the same level as the Original, I consider it a solid flick sadly let down by the studio-mandated CGI. Frustrated, the Effects Artists would make their own Thing-esque Horror-Film a few years later, using the techniques they originally used for the Prequel, called "Harbinger Down".
@@derworfnet Y e s. I've looked into everything behind the scenes, I actually thought the original ending of the prequel was better than what we were left with. However, the transformations and kills are still super creative (for the most part), and a lot of great ideas were explored as well. The studio should release the original version, I'd love to see it.
Thought it was just a bad movie. The cgi was horrible and the story was bad.
Carpenter had the cast live isolated for a week to develop their character's interaction. A really smart move since they seem genuinly used to work together. And from what I've read somewhere, MacCreedy was a vietnam helicopter-pilot with severe PTSD. That's why he has insomnia and a budding alcoholism.
This movie is 39 years old and it STILL holds up today. Amazing effects! The music, the isolation, the paranoia....tension upon tension upon tension. Great acting. For me it's a 10/10.
From a movie panned to hell at its original release (true story) to a classic that helped cement Carpenter's legacy, and now a "rite of passage" for UA-cam horror aficionados.
The best dog acting ever
Isnt it?? the creepy way he slowly, very mannerly almost, lowers himself to the floor and sits with his back to the fence, facing the wall in the centre of the dogs. So creepy.
For me this is a 10/10, lucky enough to see this in the cinema back in 1982 🎉
Damn!, lucky duck ^^
I think the visible breath in MacReady vs Childs at the end is a red herring. There are several earlier scenes in which other incarnations of the Thing have visible breath mist. As for Carpenter, I thought I read that the ending turned out that way because MacReady was lit whereas Childs was in shadow, so his breath was naturally less visible. Anyway it's trivial, because either way this is probably my favorite horror film of all time.
"Have you seen what's on the kitchen table mate?" 🤣🤣
Fun fact: the movie was paned at launch, absolutely hated by reviewers but then brought to attention by a cult following at home video! One of my favourite horror movies, exception effect and tension! 10/10
I saw this film in a theater in 1982 with my late brother in law. We couldn't stop talking about it after we left. We both assumed it would be a hit. It was not. It came out the same time as E.T. and apparently people weren't interested in scary aliens as much as friendly ones. It now has become a cult classic and given the respect it deserves. I still can't believe you both rate some of the films you've seen higher than The Exorcist. To me that is still the scariest film of all time.
Possessions are not real so they aren't as scary to me as a possibly real single cell organism that can replicate other organisms.
I was eight, when my parents and I were walking past a movie theater and I became fascinated by a movie poster of The Thing. They told me I was too young to see it and that same year I saw E.T. and loved it. Ironically, I saw The Thing in 83’ on home video. This was the first John Carpenter film I had seen and it’s still my favorite.
This is one of the classics that I had just never gotten around to seeing. Until today. Because I knew you were giving us this reaction today so I watched it to make sure nothing was spoiled so I could still watch this with you guys.
Brilliant movie,brilliant reaction.
And so it begins ... I'm hyped!
The Thing is legendary, thanks for reacting.
This movie not being rated a straight 10 is a crime.
If you ever need an example of what a "Lovecraftian" story or film is like, The Thing is a perfect one. John Carpenter is a huge fan of HP Lovecraft.
Halloween = The Shape
The Thing = The Shapeshifter
The best horror film of all time for us here, from Carpenter who is as under appreciated as a HOF Director as his films are anytime they released. Was a treat to see you all react and appreciate the g.o.a.t
There's a theory that states that Childs is the Thing. If you watch the final scene, you can clearly see MacReady's breath. However, you can't see Child's breath when he exhales. Hence he must not be human. Not everyone agrees with this theory and there is much discussion to be found about it on the internet. All the same, it's an interesting idea.
I haven't seen anything myself, but others have said John Carpenter himself confirms in interviews that what you say is true. Macready's breath is quite conspicuous and you see nothing at all from Childs. This movie really needed a good sequel.
Yes , that's an awesome thing about the open ended endings.
Did they simply freeze to death ? Was one or both infected (by this time)? Even if they freeze, isn't that was The Thing wanted?
So the poor dude who has a heart attack and then his head turns into a spider is the best mate of a faculty member in my department at my university. They were best friends at their fraternity in the late 60s. Every time I see him now I think of my friend Bob! He won't watch the movie though, because he doesn't like gore. hehe The Thing has created a myriad of conspiracy theories and debates. There is so much great material in the film. The greatest "thing" about the Thing is that I have seen it so many times, yet see something new EVERY time. For some reason, when I saw it in the movies I was kind of underwhelmed. Now it is one of my favorite movies and I have seen it hundreds of times! You might like They Live, as it is another Carpenter film with a cult following. Another one I didn't think much of in the movies but love now. It actually is very relevant nowadays!
Great reaction to a classic movie.
What makes it still stand out besides a great story and acting is the fact the effects were done before CGI came out and still look great today.
In fact, better than much of today's CGI heavy movies which is cheaper and faster that the old special effects puppets that took months to create.
Agreed
You should - in your spare time - watch some behind the scenes videos and interviews for this production. Rob Bottin, who did the practical effects, is an absolute legend.
It's so crazy to think that he spent 57 weeks and 7 days a week on the creature effects to the point where he was hospitalized for pneumonia, exhaustion, and bleeding ulcers. If that isn't true dedication to make a monster, as organic, tangible, and as grotesquely awesome as possible, then I don't know what is, and damn did it pay off. It's such a shame that it bombed when it came out, but that doesn't matter anymore because now its become such an iconic film.
@@serpent6827 I know, right? You want that kind of work ethic, but at the same time, you're like, "Dude, even your best ain't worth dying for!" I think my favourite is when Bottin describes the first Norris prop catching fire - because they'd made it out of odds and ends without realising a lot of those odds were highly flammable - and John Carpenter being like, "Well, don't just stand there! Put it out, you idiot!" Man, to have those kind of moments at your job.
@@DanielleSouthcott For sure, and I think I would lose my mind if I was put in his shoes. I do remember him describing that fireball fiasco in the documentary, that was insane. I also thought it was hilarious when Bottin said he expected showgirls to pop out of Norris's stomach because Carpenter said it looked like a fountain in Las Vegas lol.
I also felt bad for Charles Hallahan (Norris) because he had to sit in that position for two 8 hour periods getting the makeup and prosthetics put on and it resulted in back pain for a couple of weeks but again, that just highlights the dedication to achieve such a short, but memorable sequence. I remember the actor saying in the documentary that the worst part of it was people constantly coming up to him and asking him if he is okay, and he basically says, "Don't talk to me." lol
I wish I knew how Bottin did the severed head sprouting legs, and eyestalks.
A lot of people don't even know the original The Thing movie is from 1951
Juan Alvarado the first movie isn’t even original itself. It’s based on a book.
Still the best horror i've ever watched
The Thing is arguably the definitive movie of its genre. Great reaction.
I genuinely love you both. It’s like I never realized how much I needed a Zac Efron/Niall Horan cinematic buddy vlog until now.
Also: Hereditary? The Babadook? Requiem for a Dream?
Here's a list of classic horror films you guys should react to:
Diabolique (1955)
Eyes Without a Face (1960)
Peeping Tom (1960)
The Innocents (1961)
The Haunting (1963)
The Birds (1963)
Repulsion (1965)
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Don't Look Now (1973)
Black Christmas (1974)
Jaws (1975)
Carrie (1976)
Suspiria (1977)
Alien (1979)
The Fog (1980)
Possession (1981)
Fright Night (1985)
Aliens (1986)
The Lost Boys (1987)
Misery (1990)
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Scream 2 (1997)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Others (2001)
And frailty
Great list! Though I’d definitely add Lake Mungo & Ghost Watch lol 👻
Fantastic list. I would love to see reactions to all of them but I think my favs would be The Birds, Suspiria, and The Haunting.
They are also doing foreign films. I'd love them to do "M".
Could I add two
2 original films
The fly 1958 and
The invasion of the body snatchers 1956
Both films had remakes like the thing
But I love the originals
Best Dog-acting ever.
Greatest horror film ever made and one of the greatest in general. Not just because of the great cast, ambience, plot etc but because of the concept. Can you imagine anything more frightening? A extremely intelligent creature, that is almost indestructible besides against fire/acid, can imitate all life forms and you won't know the difference without a specific test, you have no idea if it's evil or simply trying to survive, you're dead if it touches you and if it gets to transportation, water or civilization the whole planet is doomed, not only humans. Only thing worse I can think of is utter atomic annihilation.
Absolutely the GREATEST special effects film in movie history. Hands down.
Zombie Mom, 100% agree with you.
Yep. No CGI. A masterclass in craft directed by a genius (at the time)
I'm gonna be gutted when there aren't daily uploads after this week! Been so fun to watch these reactions. The practical effects in The Thing are one of my favourite!
You can't watch The Thing with the lights on, lads - honestly, it's tantamount to sacriliege. It's a film that simply has to be viewed in dark surroundings in order to truly bring out the claustrophobic tension and anxiety to its maximum. Okay, you were filming your reactions, and I understand that, but you've inadvertently sacrificed a massive 50% of the fear and trepidation that this brilliant film conveys....well, given the right setting, of course. Had you done as I suggest, you'd both have given it 11/10 because this horror movie is an an absolute classic and cinematic masterpiece. It tops my all-time horror list for sure.
Incidentally, the prequel receives a modest 6/10 from me, but even that mark is probably a bit on the generous side. It's watchable, I suppose, and it'll pass an hour or two if there's nothing else to do, but it's a massive disappointment when it comes to that awful CGI and lame acting.
Never, ever make the mistake of interfering with greatness - you're practically doomed to failure.
Agreed. It's even worse when you watch it in the dark, alone in the house in a northern town in the middle of Canadian winter! :)
@@664chrisman Dude! Get me a cold beer! :-)
Lol nerd here - and that's a good thing. if 6/10 is modest I don't want to know what you rated Fast & Furious 10
If you want to see John Carpenter and Kurt Russell team up again, watch Big Trouble, Little China. It's not horror, but fantasy/comedy.
I love that movie. :D
"Well, what we've got here is.... diabetes!"
Aaaahahaha!!! I forgot that Wilfred Brimley was in this film.
You sure resemble my college roommate his name be Albrecht Durer.......is you old mate?
Maidin mhaith cara maith.
I wonder if British people have the same feeling seeing Wilford Brimley this way. It really freaked me out the first time I saw this movie. I’d only seen him being wholesome before this.
My favorite horror flicks, no particular order;
*The Fly
*The Thing
*The Birds
*The Mist
*Psycho
*Texas Chainsaw
*Baby Jane
*Burnt Offerings 😮
*Jaws
Rob Botin is a genius 👏
Thank you for the Halloween week reactions 😄❤️😆 Really fun, hilarious, and entertaining as hell!!!
The great thing about the Thing is that the creature is only the secondary fear, the psychological aspect and isolation, who to trust , do you even know if you are infected , the blood test makes people even question themselves, there is the horror
There’s been quite a bunch of people reacting to this movie lately, and I really enjoy their reactions to the practical effects the most. :,D Especially if they’re young enough to have grown up with mostly CGI-effects, and have grown desensitized to it.
The human eyes and brain can detect when something is “off”, it’s an instinct that helped us survive hundreds of thousand years ago. So seeing people have this instinctive reaction of “this thing is actually there, and it looks so, so abnormal, wtf is this I don't even--” to the practical effects is always a treat. xD
After all these years, I still consider this an absolute masterpiece.
Fun Fact: The shadow of the unknown individual the dog-thing walks in on was not any member of the cast. It was actually stuntman Dick Warlock, who was a long time collaborator on John Carpenter's films, such as being Kurt Russell's stunt double in Escape From New York, and replacing Nick Castle as Michael Myers in Halloween II. Carpenter used Warlock in that scene to make sure the audience would have no idea who was first infected.
Clever bastards!
I still say it was Norris.
@@nickmanzo8459 It's pretty obvious it was Palmer who was first infected and copied.
The Thing is a true horror remake classic because it has great filmmaking potential even good dialogue especially the camera work by Dean Cundey. John Carpenter is the best horror director for over 40 years since last years anniversary. I loved this movie to pieces, pun intended.