Improving The Thing (2011) for a More Engaging Viewing Experience

Although The Thing (2011) garnered decent reviews and managed to stand as a prequel to the iconic original, there are several areas where improvements could refine the film and elevate its overall impact. This article explores key changes that could transform the viewing experience, making the movie more engaging and satisfying for viewers.

Practical Effects Over CGI

One of the most significant issues with the 2011 version of The Thing was the reliance on computer-generated imagery (CGI) over practical effects. The effects team put in a great amount of work, but the decision to use CGI resulted in what many critics and fans consider to be "ropey" (poorly done) effects. A commitment to more practical effects could have made the alien creature more believable and immersive. Practical effects not only enhance the visual authenticity of the creature but also contribute to the overall mood and believability of the film.

Making the Alien Creature More Subtle and Intelligent

The alien creature in The Thing (2011) lacked the nuanced subtlety present in the original. It often came across as a mindless killer rather than a calculating and manipulative entity. This harkens back to the original’s portrayal of the creature as a cunning and resourceful opponent._to make the creature more intelligent and manipulative, the film could have included scenes where the creature adapts and counters its weaknesses. For example, a scene where the creature reveals it cannot absorb metal and then finds a way to counteract this vulnerability could have added to the creature’s complexity and depth.

Rethinking the Spaceship Chase Scene

The chase scene in the spaceship could have been more complex and engaging. Instead of a simple run-around chase, there could have been more intricate interactions and battles within the confined space of the ship. This would have added layers to the creature’s portrayal and made the action more thrilling. Additionally, a change in the film’s ending could have provided a more satisfying and thematically rich conclusion. The pilot version of the film featured a compelling and less predictable ending, which could be revisited to enhance the story’s impact.

Enhancing Character Development and Lore

The pilot version of The Thing (2011) offered a richer narrative with more developed characters and a clearer backstory. The inclusion of scenes and story elements like the aliens being collectors and the creature escaping the ship added depth to the lore. This version also emphasized the isolation of Antarctica, a significant theme in the original film. Restoring or re-filming these scenes would have provided a more coherent and engaging narrative. Moreover, the ending of the pilot version offered a more emotional and thought-provoking conclusion, which could have resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Technical and Role Changes

The choice of characters and their roles can significantly affect the narrative. For instance, changing the incest joke between Peder and Lars to another type of joke would have provided a less controversial and more universally relatable scene. Similarly, giving the Norwegian characters more prominence and fewer American characters could have added to the authenticity and intrigue of the story. This change would emphasize the Norwegian characters and maintain ambiguity around who might survive at the end of the film. For instance, having more Norwegian characters revealed, such as the fifth woman, would add to the mystery and suspense.

Improve the Plot and Character Arcs

The plot could have been further improved by providing more time for the creature to infect everyone. The current version is too predictable, and the tissue sample and the Ice-block Thing acting quickly would have added more tension and unpredictability. Using Molotov cocktails, kerosene, and thermite grenades would have added more strategic depth and realism to the fighting scenes. Additionally, using Norwegian dialogue for most of the dialogue, with only limited use of English for subtitles, would have enhanced the authenticity of the film and maintained the setting's historical context.

Musical Enhancements and Scores

The musical score could be enhanced by using the works of Ennio Morricone, who provided unused music in the original 1982 film. Morricone’s music would add a distinctive and haunting atmosphere, perfect for the film’s offbeat tones and suspenseful moments. Additionally, using silence to build tension and amplification of fear would make the music more effective in setting the right mood.

In conclusion, by making these changes, the 2011 version of The Thing could have achieved a more engaging, coherent, and suspenseful narrative. These enhancements would not only improve the film’s pacing and character development but also bring out the full potential of the original’s lore and themes. Ultimately, the 2011 version would have been a more satisfying and memorable adaptation of the iconic creature.