Probably Carpenter's best work.

Rating: 10/10 (11 June 2002)

Finally seen as the true masterpiece it has always been, John Carpenter's 1982 sci fi / horror classic The Thing is a must for all the director's followers. Unlike Carpenter's usual efforts The Thing is one of his few films that is not rooted in the Western genre. It is however the opening part for his 'Apocalypse Trilogy' that continued with Prince of Darkness (1987)and concluded with In the Mouth of Madness (1995).
The Thing is a retelling of the story 'Who Goes There?' (1938) written by John W Campbell Jr. and made previously in 1958 by Christian Nyby as The Thing From Another World. The story concerns a group of men isolated and forced to defend themselves against a shape shifting alien species. High tension, great performances, chilling score from Morricone and some dazzling camera work from Dean Cundey. The star of the show is undoubtedly special effects maestro Rob Bottin, with what is still considered today to be jaw-droppingly shocking make up effects.
The DVD is worth purchasing. Full of extras and commentaries with Carpenter and Russell are always entertaining.