The Thing (1951)
Released in 1951 and directed by Christian Nyby, »The Thing« is a renowned science fiction film that explores themes of paranoia, fear, and the human response to the unknown. Based on John W. Campbell Jr.'s novella "Who Goes There?" and considered a seminal work in the genre, »The Thing« captivates audiences with its intense suspense, memorable characters, and groundbreaking special effects for its time.
Analysis:
1. Exploration of Paranoia and Fear:
»The Thing« delves into the depths of human paranoia and the psychological toll it exacts when faced with the unknown. Set in a remote Arctic outpost, the film follows the crew's growing suspicion that an extraterrestrial creature has infiltrated their midst, able to take the form of any organism it encounters. The suspenseful narrative expertly plays on the crew's uncertainty and fear as they grapple with the impossible task of identifying the alien presence. As tensions rise and trust crumbles, the film examines the destructive nature of paranoia, highlighting the harmful consequences of distrust and the instinct for self-preservation.
2. Strong Characterization:
»The Thing« presents a diverse ensemble of characters who each contribute to the escalating sense of paranoia and fear. We witness the transformation of the crew members, from initial skepticism to sheer terror. Captain Hendry, portrayed by Kenneth Tobey, emerges as the authoritative and level-headed leader, striving to maintain order in the face of chaos. James Arness delivers a haunting performance as the imposing and alien entity, adding a chilling presence to the film. The distinct personalities and varied reactions to the threat enhance the tension, immersing viewers into the characters' psychological struggles.
3. Groundbreaking Special Effects:
The special effects in »The Thing« were innovative for its time, thanks to the creative vision of special effects artist Clifford Stine. The creature's grotesque transformations and otherworldly appearance were a source of shock and fascination for audiences of the era. Filmmakers employed a mix of practical effects, forced perspective, and matte painting techniques to bring the terrifying creature to life. The striking visuals and the suspenseful build-up involving the creature's abilities effectively heighten the sense of danger and uncertainty.
4. Social Commentary and Cold War Parallels:
»The Thing« employs its sci-fi premise to comment on the social anxieties of the Cold War era. Released during the height of the Red Scare, the film reflects the prevalent fear of infiltration and subversion. The alien creature serves as a metaphor for hidden enemies or the idea of "the other" within society. By tapping into these fears, »The Thing« not only offers thrilling entertainment but also encourages audiences to reflect on the consequences of paranoia and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.
»The Thing« is a thought-provoking and tense sci-fi thriller that stands the test of time. By exploring themes of paranoia, fear, and the human response to the unknown, the film delivers suspenseful storytelling and memorable characters. With its groundbreaking special effects and underlying social commentary, »The Thing« solidifies its place as a classic in the science fiction genre, inviting viewers to confront their own fears and confrontations with the unknown.
REVIEW
A group of American scientists stationed in the Arctic asks the military for help. An unidentified flying object has crashed near their research station. When a team of scientists and the military investigate, they recover an alien life form encased in a block of ice. As the ice block melts, a grotesque creature emerges, more intelligent and stronger than humans, constantly growing and bent on destruction.
If the film 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' celebrated the ideas of peace, democracy and enlightenment, 'The Thing from Another World' is cut from a different cloth. It's hard to believe that both films are from the same year. But if you look at the science fiction year of 2016, you will notice that films like 'Arrival' and 'Star Wars - Rogue One' were also in theaters at the same time. The film 'The Thing from Another World' directed by Christian Nyby is a chamber play that belongs more to the genre of horror films than to science fiction.
The first thing that is striking is the position of the military vis-à-vis the researchers at the Arctic station. Whereas in 'The Day the First Stood Still' it was the scientists who took the lead, in Nyby's film they are regarded by the military only as a necessary evil. Captain Patrick Hendry (Kenneth Tobey) is the lone lead wolf who initially lets the leader of the scientists Dr. Arthur Carrington (Robert O. Cornthwaite) have his way with the research of the 'Thing', but then quickly assigns the latter the role of the 'Mad Scientist'. The scientist wants to investigate the 'Thing' (played by the later Marshall Dillon from the TV series 'Smoking Guns', James Arness) and establish peaceful communication with the alien being. But when it turns out that the Thing is a blood-sucking, emotionless space plant that feasts on the humans in the Arctic station, it is immediately cleared by Captain Hendry to be shot down.
It is really interesting how differently the two films from 1951 stage the treatment of the alien. Both aliens are alien and superior to humans. But the motivations of the alien Klaatu are made understandable to the viewer. From initial differences, commonalities with humans are worked out step by step. The 'thing' remains a 'thing'. Its actions are automatically classified as evil and must consequently result in the destruction of the alien. One must no longer understand the foreign - one must destroy it immediately, without ifs and buts.
This fascist worldview reflected the fears scattered among the American population during the Cold War era. The Soviet Union was re-titled from ally to class enemy. The 'Thing' and its capacity for asexual reproduction are here representative of the specter of egalitarian communism. It is striking here that the only 'free' individualist of the group, the journalist Scotty (Douglas Spencer), must likewise submit to the military leadership. On a positive note, the portrayal of the Arctic station's only woman, Nikki (Margaret Sheridan) seems refreshingly modern. At least she is allowed rejoinders and her own view of things. In this way, she is reminiscent of other strong female characters in the work of Howard Hawks. This does not wound, because Christian Nyby, the director of the film first learned his cinematic craft as an editor with Howard Hawks. Rumors that Howard Hawks himself directed the 'Thing' stem from the fact that Nyby studied Hawks' (seemingly' effortless style in depth.
The film's literary model, the novella 'Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell plays even more with the American fear of a secret infiltration by an alien (extraterrestrial) power. It wasn't until the 1980s that director John Carpenter revisited the novella's original idea of a shape-shifting alien. His interpretation of 'The Thing' is more disturbing on several levels and deals with the emerging fear of the alien in the form of diseases transmissible through bodily fluids, such as AIDS.Due to the current reactionary developments in American politics and society, a viewing of 'The Thing from Another World' has become more worthwhile again. For the fear of the stranger, already believed to have been overcome, is today once again experiencing an inglorious renaissance.
GUEST
Biophysics Department
Molecular Biology of Membrane Proteins