‘The Thing’ is a grotesquely eloquent special FX extravaganza; a startling exploration of suspense and paranoia, a psychological horror-thriller (that can mentally scar the uninitiated), and it’s an absolutely ingenious film; directed by horror aficionado – John Carpenter. This movie leaves a lasting impression on anyone who watches it. 

It’s a truly well-crafted piece of cerebral horror, playing off a person’s natural phobias and the human inclination to suspect those around them, watching ‘The Thing’ is a paranoia inducing experience. The majority of us do not deal well with isolation and claustrophobic environments, this is an absolute truth. As a piece of cinema, ‘The Thing’ highlights this truth; and succeeds in exploring the effects it can have on the human psyche. 

‘The Thing’ (1982) is a remake of ‘The Thing from Another World’ (1951) a black & white classic film that was also said to have pioneered progress in the area of visual effects. 

“I don’t want to be a product of my environment, I want my environment to be a product of me.” – Jack Costello

‘The Departed’ is a 2006 Irish-American crime-thriller directed by Martin Scorsese.

It is considered by many to be one of his seminal, modern motion pictures. It’s a tour-de-force – incorporating the finer elements of filmmaking that Scorsese has acquired through a long and storied career. The acting, pacing, score, visuals, editing, and an expertly crafted narrative; all come together to form something truly riveting and roguishly romantic. With little touches of comedy and stylistic wit, that work to balance out the more somber moments — in my ardent opinion, ‘The Departed’ is among the most moving crime-capers put to screen, rivaled only by ‘Casino’ – one of Scorsese’s formerly oft lauded gangster epics.