New editions and remakes of famous classics always have to ask themselves: What can we do differently without jeopardizing the genius of the original? The Thing from 2011 is on TV today. It re-imagines the legendary sci-fi horror by John Carpenter. Was the balancing act successful?
What is 2011’s The Thing about?
The plot of The Thing takes you back to the 1980s. The story centers on a research team that discovers a spaceship in Antarctica. There is one on board alien life formthat is frozen. Despite orders from paleontologist Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), the creature is thawed.
The reboot takes place a few days before the events of the 1982 film. However, the plot is almost congruent, which is why The Thing goes through less as a prequel and more as a remake.
What made The Thing different from its legendary predecessor
The Thing From Another World (which was also a remake) made cinematic history in 1982 with its legendary practical effects. The body horror is considered a milestone. The overgrown blob of being that absorbs the organic life around it over the course of the story is still thoroughly repulsive today. And shockingly real.
The film from replaces this aspect with the means of modern blockbuster cinema: CGI. There is now a disappointing distance to the disgust. Mixing people with computer technology is simply not an act of violence and so the new edition lacks a decisive appeal. Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.’s version is still worthwhile, because the proven story was implemented in a routine and exciting way. In addition, Mary Elizabeth Winstead enhances every film.
When is The Thing on TV?
Unfortunately, RTL2 only shows The Thing on Saturday night at 1.05 a.m. It’s still worth switching on or recording, because you can’t stream the film on Netflix or Amazon with the flat rate. Rental options start at 3.99 euros.
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