The Thing | 1951 vs 1982
Hello Fellow Stardust. Welcome back to another thrilling comparison discussion. This month I talked about both Howard Hawks’ The Thing from Another World (1951) and John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982). Both films are adaptations of John W. Campbell’s novella Who Goes There?, published in 1938.Joining me was a special returning guest, Anthony of Fever Dreamland Theater. If you’re a fan of my channel, you’ve likely seen our previous discussions on Doctor Sleep and comparisons between The Others and The Babadook. Today, it’s all about aliens—more specifically, The Thing!
The Original Classic: The Thing from Another World (1951)
Released in 1951, The Thing from Another World follows a team of scientists and military personnel stationed in the Arctic. They discover a crashed UFO and an extraterrestrial being frozen in the ice. Upon accidentally thawing it, they must band together to survive its hostile rampage.
This film, though a loose adaptation of Campbell’s novella, features a Frankenstein-like monster instead of the shape-shifting creature described in the book. This change was due to budget constraints. With a budget of $40,000 (about $370,000 today), the film grossed $1.9 million at the box office.
Anthony and I both appreciate the tension and suspense this film builds, even though it differs from the novella. The creature, portrayed by James Arness, stands out despite limited screen time and special effects. The film’s setting in the isolated Arctic enhances the feeling of claustrophobia and dread.
The Remake: The Thing (1982)
In Carpenter’s version, a team of researchers in Antarctica encounters a shape-shifting alien that imitates any life form it touches, leading to paranoia and distrust. The film stars Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, and more, with groundbreaking special effects by a young Rob Bottin.
Carpenter’s film is a masterpiece of practical effects and suspense. The creature constantly changes, presenting a unique and terrifying form each time it appears. The film’s slow burn, combined with Ennio Morricone’s haunting score, creates an atmosphere of dread and paranoia.
Kurt Russell’s portrayal of the rough-around-the-edges McCready stands out, and the ensemble cast delivers grounded, relatable performances. The film’s conclusion, leaving the fates of the characters ambiguous, perfectly encapsulates the themes of mistrust and survival.
Which is Better?
For both Anthony and me, Carpenter’s 1982 remake edges out the original, though we still highly recommend watching Hawks’ classic. The remake’s faithful adaptation of the novella, combined with its superior special effects and tension-building, makes it a standout in horror cinema.
Final Thoughts
Both versions of The Thing offer unique takes on the story. The original provides a classic 1950s sci-fi experience, while the remake delivers a more intense and visually stunning horror. We encourage you to watch both and decide for yourself which you prefer!
Anthony’s Channel | Fever Dreamland Theater | https://www.youtube.com/@FeverDreamlandTheater