I caught The Thing from Another World last night, the Howard Hawks original from the 1950's.
Its years since I've seen it and I'd forgotten how good it is, despite falling asleep towards the end, more to do with my age than it's quality!
As always when a film has been remade it's fun to spot where stuff originated and I was amazed just how much John Carpenter paid homage to Hawks.
For me the most astonishing comparison are the films opening titles.
They're practically the same!
Here's the 1951 original, courtesy of The Art of the Title
https://share.google/gp6c3rz6ql0f1vbwV
And here's the John Carpenter remake title, courtesy of You Tube
https://youtu.be/m8ShlmUBTdA?si=G3rG7spXANwmF02G
How fabulous is that!
There are loads more connections between the two Things. Do you have a favourite readers?
Is it just me or do you think both films are under-rated?
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For more Thing Titles fun, have a look at these modern effects guys recreating the burning letters!
For me, the best part is where the team stand on the ice to outline the diameter of the saucer - it really brings home the scope of the ship. A similar scene appears with the Norwegian team on a video in Carpenters film. Until James Arness turns up as the Frankenstein like alien, the film is quite good, but the lumbering oaf of a 'thing' is just to boring to be exciting. John W. Campbell's story is excellent and well ahead of its time. I do recommend the later Thing prequel which covers the events around the initial discovery of the creature, which also references the book quite closely. Bill
ReplyDeleteI love that diameter scene too Bill. Really effective in the first film. I wonder if Campbells monster is more like the Frankenstein or the Carpenter beast? Do you know ?
DeleteI remember reading how they made the Carpenter titles in Cinefex magazine. That mag was the inspiration during my working life, especially when I was no longer working with miniatires for a living!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I used to see Cinefex mags for sale at Memorabilia shows at the NEC. Fabulous covers. Ive never owned one Looey but they looked great.
DeleteDon't forget there was a 2011 'Prequel' to Carpenter's movie, also called 'The Thing'. Not as good as the original but worth a watch!
ReplyDeleteI sure will Liamski. Never knew about it until this post!
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