The Thing's Unique Mutilinity in John Carpenter's 1982 Film

The Thing, one of the most iconic and complex horror icons in cinematic history, was introduced to the world in 1982 through the film directed by the master of lurking tension, John Carpenter. This 1982 classic reveals an extraplanetary threat that is nothing like the typical alien visitors you might encounter in countless other sci-fi films. It is a creature that defies simple categorization, one that transforms and re-forms into different bodies at will, making it nearly impossible to distinguish friend from foe. A central enigma in the film is the question of whether The Thing is a single creature or a collection of cellular entities. This article explores the film's depiction of The Thing as a multitenity, further unraveling the mystery it poses.

The Cell-based Nature of The Thing

At the core of The Thing's enigmatic nature is its cellular makeup. Unlike traditional creatures that possess a unified body, The Thing is a being composed of individual cells, each with its own distinct identity and survival instinct. Each cell within the creature is both an individual and a part of a greater whole, a paradox that lies at the heart of the Thing's alarming versatility and adaptability. This cellular autonomy means that the Thing can easily detach and reconstruct itself, thereby defying the physical boundaries of its form.

One of the key scenes in the film that highlights this cellular nature is when the Thing's cells physically separate to project a lieform during the attempted CIA decoding of top-secret messages. The cells react to environmental stimuli and the survival of the fittest principle, with each cell operating independently and engaging in mimicry to ensure its survival. This forced cooperation among the cells is what allows the Thing to take on different forms, blend into human lives, and function as a single cohesive entity when necessary.

The Thing's Instinct to Protect Themselves

Each cell within The Thing has an innate survival instinct that drives it to survive at any cost, even if that means the sacrifice of the entire creature. This survival instinct is not served by a single unified mind or consciousness but rather by the collective action of all the cells. In times of danger, cells will detach and escape to ensure their own survival. This can be seen when the Thing in the film severs its connection and escapes a trap set by its enemies. The survival of each cell is paramount, and the rest of the organism can be seen as a temporary form of cooperation for their common end.

Moreover, the film showcases how this survival instinct can lead to betrayal. When a Thing in human form is about to be exposed by the unwitting human, its cells will politely offer a lieform to cover up the truth. However, once the danger passes, the Thing reveals its true nature, betraying not just the situation but its former counterparts. This duality and the resultant betrayal illustrate the fundamental selfishness of the cellular nature of The Thing, leading to rapid and unpredictable shifts in alliances and loyalties.

The Uniqueness of The Thing's Existence

The Thing as a single continuous entity is a mere facade. The true nature of the creature is one of constant reformation and divergence. Even when reduced to a single body, the Thing remains a complex amalgamation of cells, each vying for its own survival. Once every body but one has been destroyed, there are still multiple surviving cells, each with the potential to form new incomplete Things. This means that The Thing can never truly be defeated and can reappear in various forms, making it a relentless and ever-ambiguous threat.

Conclusion

The Thing's multi-tenaceous nature challenges traditional notions of what a creature should be and blurs the lines between individuality, identity, and survival. It provokes deep philosophical questions about self, other, and the nature of life itself, making it a timeless and deeply enriching film experience. John Carpenter's 1982 classic is not only a must-watch for horror fans but also a fascinating exploration of the cellular nature of existence and the inherent survival mechanisms that drive life.