Don’t Push Pause

Episode 45 : The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter’s THE THING got a bad rap when it was released in 1982. Though a special effects marvel and unique to the science-fiction/horror genre, it is now considered a well-respected, beloved cult film. Isolation and paranoia had not reached such monstrous, cinematic proportions until this landmark achievement in Carpenter’s career. And nearly 40 years later, THE THING still holds strong as a brilliant, deliberately atmospheric display of well-rounded artistry.

 

▶️Synopsis: Set in Antarctica, a team of researchers are infiltrated and attacked by a shape-shifting, body assimilating creature that takes over the camp one person at a time.

⏩⏩Discussions include: THE THING’s source material and how Carpenter re-envisioned the story; how tone and pacing create the mood of this ensemble film; Rob Bottin’s visceral special effects, Dean Cundey’s cinematography and the expansive set design; pre-production cast bonding and character interplay; physical challenges faced by cast and crew; Carpenter’s relationship with THE THING star, Kurt Russell; behind-the-scene tidbits, along with Justin and Lindsay’s favorite scenes. **Starring Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley. Directed by John Carpenter.**

 

▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, BREAKDOWN (1997): In this taught, cautionary tale, a woman is kidnapped in the middle of nowhere by a mysterious trucker driver, leaving her husband to stop at nothing to track her down. **Starring Kurt Russell, Kathleen Quinlan, J.T. Walsh. Directed by Jonathan Mostow.**

—Justin’s Pick, ELVIS (1979): This made-for-tv movie condenses the biggest life moments of music legend, Elvis Presley — from high school to his rise to stardom, relationship with his parents, marriage and segueing into acting. **Starring Kurt Russell, Shelley Winters, Bing Russell. Directed by John Carpenter.**

 

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Revisiting the commercially unsuccessful Billy film, LARGER THAN LIFE (1996), which also featured THE THING’s Keith David, and why this movie deserves another chance.

 

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Ennio Morricone’s score mixing with Carpenter’s musical contributions for THE THING; critical reception and open-ended climax to the film; THE THING as an AIDS epidemic metaphor; some love for canine actor, Jed the dog.

 

▶️NEXT UP: I SHOT ANDY WARHOL (1996)!

Episode 44 : Thelma & Louise

The outlaw journey of THELMA AND LOUISE was fresh in 1991, yet is still remarkably relevant almost 30 years later. Both visually stunning and packed with symbolism, this film was unafraid to focus on female friendship with a feminist backbone, along with the female experience in an unsupportive world. Beautifully crafted and atmospheric, THELMA AND LOUISE remains eerily timely and believable, while being empowering and forever iconic.

▶️Synopsis: Two best friends set out for a weekend road trip, which quickly turns into numerous unforeseen events snowballing into an ultimate, life-altering resolution.

⏩⏩Discussions include: First-time screenwriter Callie Khouri’s path to creating THELMA AND LOUISE; director Ridley Scott’s stylized grit and aesthetics; the film’s initial release, surrounding controversy and what it meant for women in film; the cast and evolving character breakdowns; how humor and plots devices interact with the film’s narrative; personal thoughts on the actual vs. alternate endings, along with fun facts sprinkled all throughout. **Starring Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon, Harvey Keitel, Brad Pitt. Directed by Ridley Scott.**

▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**

—Justin’s Pick, KALIFORNIA (1993): While on a road trip researching serial killings, a writer/photographer couple unknowingly pick up a psychopath and his naive girlfriend. **Starring Brad Pitt, Juliette Lewis, David Duchovny, Michelle Forbes. Directed by Dominic Sena.**

—Lindsay’s Pick, THE CLIENT (1994): After witnessing a suicide of a mafia lawyer, an 11-year-old boy hires an attorney to protect him from being used as a pawn to take down a mafia family. **Starring Brad Renfro, Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones, Mary-Louise Parker. Directed by Joel Schumacher.**

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Geena Davis’ recounting of her unusual and disarming audition for Bill Murray’s film, QUICK CHANGE.

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: George Clooney’s bitterness over losing Brad Pitt’s role in THELMA AND LOUISE; the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

▶️NEXT UP: THE THING (1982)! 

Episode 43 : The Warriors

It’s the 40th Anniversary of THE WARRIORS, yet the film became a phenomenon as soon as it hit theaters in 1979. By not villainizing gang life, THE WARRIORS serves as a voice for 1970s youth culture. Chocked full of visual treats in an unrealistic, yet relatable world, the film easily achieved cult status. Community, comradery and survival mode kick in for this pulse-pounding adventure all the way from New York City to Coney Island.

▶️Synopsis: After being framed for the murder of a major gang leader, The Warriors attempt to clear their name and hustle 30 miles back to their home turf.

⏩⏩Discussions include: The original story behind THE WARRIORS, plus the script adaptation to screen; production, atmosphere and style of the film; costuming and fight choreography; behind-the-scenes tidbits; the exclusively New York cast; the glorified depiction of gang life; usage of violence in the film and how THE WARRIORS fits into director Walter Hill’s action-filled career. **Starring Michael Beck, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, James Remar, David Patrick Kelly. Directed by Walter Hill.**

▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, FOXFIRE (1996): Four high school girls are inspired by a female drifter to stand up against an abusive teacher and other wrongs in their world. **Starring Hedy Burress, Angelina Jolie, Jenny Lewis, Jenny Shimizu, Sarah Rosenberg. Directed by Annette Haywood-Carter.**

—Justin’s Pick, SOUTHERN COMFORT (1981): After an ill-advised decision, a group of National Guardsmen are hunted down in an unfamiliar setting by a mysterious party. **Starring Powers Boothe, Keith Carradine, Fred Ward, Peter Coyote, T.K. Carter. Directed by Walter Hill.**

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Billy’s involvement with Love Rocks NYC, a yearly benefit for the longstanding charity organization, God’s Love We Deliver.

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: The alternate opening and music of THE WARRIORS.

▶️NEXT UP: THELMA AND LOUISE (1991)!