Previously, I had the honor of speaking with Writer, Director, and Film Author, who wrote for Empire and after discussing his previous popular Superdoc, Aliens Expanded, he's back for another round of questions while promoting his latest documentary based on another Alien related film, but this time, it doesn't involve a Xenomorph! The Thing Expanded gives a broader perspective of one of John Carpenter's most iconic films.
Let's get to it!
In your opinion which deleted scene or storyboard from the 1982 cult classic, should have made it into the final cut?
I’ve always thought there was something hilariously Thing-like about MacReady having a blow-up doll - and a female presence that the film sorely lacks.
What's your biggest challenge getting this project made, as well as the creative process?
Simple answer: landing an interview with the notoriously reclusive Rob Bottin. Take it from me that we are going to try everything in our power to persuade him.
How was your experience working with the Horror Master himself (Carpenter) as a consultant, and what stories or revelations, if any, from him that has taken you by surprise?
Well, it is beholden on me to keep the best of Carpenter’s interview for the documentary. What’s so interesting is his determination that the element of mystery must remain intact - otherwise the films would lose its power. Though he reacts with some force to the theories we laid before him.
Is John as outspoken as presented from previous interviews, or really laid back?
He was on sparkling form - darkly funny, still a little wounded by the film’s failure, but appreciative of where the film stands in terms of sci-fi fandom. Carpenter is a unique presence in cinema.
Side note: I always get a laugh from this video when some heckler asked him about Escape from LA (which is a polarizing sequel) followed by his unapologetic response.
He never apologises! And I have a quirky liking for Escape from LA. So, more power to him.
In your opinion, would the Thing be anywhere as successful had it not been for Carpenter and Rob Bottin?
I suppose we could imagine a version by Ridley Scott and H.R. Giger or James Cameron and Stan Winston, both of which would have been remarkable in their own way. But The Thing as we know it is defined by the juxtaposition of Carpenter’s taut filmmaking and somewhat pessimistic view of humanity, and the sheer breadth of Bottin’s imagination. It is a film both down-to-Earth and otherworldly.
Everyone seems to ask whether Kurt Russell and/or Keith David will appear on this documentary. Any luck contacting these two legends to show up? I, like so many others, are big fans of their work, so bringing them on would be a "signal booster!" 😎
It’s early days (Carpenter joined at the very beginning of the process) but those two are top of the list. Watch this space.
How would you compare working with Carpenter and his former prototype James Cameron? Who was more accommodating when giving the input , what were each biggest strengths as filmmakers?
Well, they are very different personalities and therefore very different interviews. Cameron is expansive and detailed, ready for anything. Carpenter is more guarded and prepared to take you on, but still so smart. But both give the two documentaries their abiding personality - and not-coincidentally the two films in question.
Now let’s be honest, what's your overall opinion of The Thing prequel?
Look it gets a kicking from fans and critics for understandable reasons. It’s a flawed film, but not without good ideas. I’m kind of against prequels as a rule - they answer questions I never asked. (See also: Prometheus).
Did it complement the 1982 original or disregarded as some non-canonical one off? Regardless the 2011 film did serve as an interesting homage if anything and this was long before Alien Romulus which also is considered a homage prequel of sorts.
I agree - it’s a curiosity. But we didn’t need it. Do a sequel. You could set it anytime - just have the remains of the camp plucked from the ice...
What was your first reaction after watching the ambiguous albeit nihilistic ending?
I loved it, though it took me a while to realise that. Like Blade Runner the note of ambiguity haunted me for years, still does. The idea of leaving something open-ended was a revelation to me.
MacCredy or Childs?
Childs - maybe. There’s the breath argument. The glint in the eye thing. And we’ve been with MacReady almost continuously, where the hell has Childs been? But as Carpenter would tell you - the point is not knowing. That said, one sequel idea did have Childs as the point of infection.
In one word, how would you describe the top five Films of John Carpenter?
Assault on Precinct 13:
Blueprint.
Escape from New York:
Atmospheric.
Halloween:
Seminal.
Big Trouble in Little China:
Wacky.
The Thing:
Masterpiece.
You forgot Elvis - it’s better than Big Trouble in Little China, as are Dark Star and They Live.
Okay, as with the last time we spoke, what is your next project in the works after this?
We’re talking over a few titles, which will be familiar to you. But let’s get this one done first.
With an impressive CV as a critic and now a filmmaker who met iconic actors and visionary legends such as Cameron and Carpenter, are you really living the dream?
It is great, certainly. But there is always that pressure to live up to the promise these films offer. I want the backers to be happy. That’s what keeps me awake at night.
Special thanks: (Once again) to Ian for taking time out of his busy schedule to respond to a few of my inquires, Amy Saunders of Alpha PR - always courteous and very helpful, and of course David Weiner along with the passionate minds behind Creator VC Cheers!
Fan Art by Stalks!
