John Carpenter, the renowned director, composer, and screenwriter, recently made an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The talk show host expressed his excitement to have the master of horror join him, acknowledging Carpenter for scaring audiences since the 1970s. With a remarkable portfolio that includes Halloween, The Fog, Christine, Escape From New York, Big Trouble in Little China, They Live, and many more, it was clear that Colbert was personally invested in discussing one particular film – “The Thing”.
According to Colbert, “The Thing” holds a special place in his heart and serves as his go-to happy place. Carpenter was intrigued by this, considering that the film explores the end of civilization and humanity. Despite the dark subject matter, Colbert found solace and enjoyment in the movie. Carpenter jokingly suggested that if a creature like “The Thing” were to come to Earth, humanity wouldn’t stand a chance.
Colbert was fascinated by an ongoing speculation among fans regarding the identity of the creature in the film’s final scene. Although he didn’t want to know the answer himself, he was curious if it could be discovered by carefully watching the film. Carpenter teased that if Colbert watched it attentively and mailed him a check, he would reveal the answer. Colbert declined the offer, preferring to keep the mystery intact.
Reflecting on the initial reception of “The Thing,” Carpenter revealed that it wasn’t well-received by critics in 1982. He attributed part of this to the recent success of “ET”, a film that presented aliens as friendly and benign beings. In contrast, “The Thing” showcased a terrifying alien who devoured people. Carpenter jokingly expressed his desire to spend five minutes alone with each critic in a locked room, but emphasized his satisfaction with the film’s eventual recognition as a universally acclaimed masterpiece.
Carpenter also discussed the challenges of creating the film, highlighting the longer pre-production period required to design the creature. With practical effects being the only option at the time, every aspect of the creature’s movements had to be meticulously planned and executed. Carpenter mentioned Rob Bine and Stan Winston as instrumental in bringing the creature to life. His favorite moment in the film was when the creature sprouted spider-like legs and detached its head, creating a nightmarish and unforgettable scene.
Intriguingly, it was revealed that the helicopter sequences in the film inspired Carpenter to obtain his own pilot’s license. After riding in helicopters with Alaskan bush pilots during filming, he decided to give flying a try himself. Carpenter shared a humorous anecdote about his initial lessons, including the instructor cutting off the engine mid-air. Although he no longer flies every day, Carpenter emphasized the importance of regular practice for maintaining aviation skills.
John Carpenter‘s appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert provided a fascinating insight into the creation of “The Thing” and his illustrious career in the world of horror. Despite the initial critical reception, the film has cemented its status as a masterpiece over the years. Whether you are a die-hard fan of Carpenter’s work or simply appreciate the dark and thrilling genre of horror, “The Thing” continues to captivate audiences, proving that even in the face of terrifying monsters, the allure of a truly chilling story remains irresistible.
