Episode 160: The Way of All Flesh: On John Carpenter's 'The Thing'

Dec 20, 2023

The hosts explore the metaphysical implications of John Carpenter's 'The Thing', discussing its blend of body horror and psychological thriller. They delve into the misnomer of the movie's title, analyzing the concept of 'The Thing' as a process rather than a physical entity. They also discuss the film's journey from being a flop to becoming a cult classic. The chapter explores the concepts of identity and essence in relation to our perception of the world. It also highlights the mastery of spatial construction in Carpenter's film and delves into the concept of biological horror and body transformations. The hosts discuss a nightmare that eerily predicted the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the importance of essence and infinite possibility, concluding with a reflection on fan intolerance towards ambiguity in art.