THE THING (R)(1982) Midnights Indoors (Dec 30 & 31)

14948 Crenshaw Boulevard,Gardena CA 90249

30 December, 2022

Description

The Thing is a 1982 American science fiction horror film directed by John Carpenter from a screenplay by Bill Lancaster. Based on the 1938 John W. Campbell Jr. novella, "Who Goes There?," it tells the story of a group of American researchers in Antarctica who encounter the eponymous "Thing", a parasitic extraterrestrial life-form that assimilates, then imitates, other organisms. The group is overcome by paranoia and conflict as they learn that they can no longer trust each other and that any of them could be the Thing. The film stars Kurt Russell as the team's helicopter pilot R.J. MacReady, with A. Wilford Brimley, T. K. Carter, David Clennon, Keith David, Richard Dysart, Charles Hallahan, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur, Donald Moffat, Joel Polis, and Thomas G. Waites in supporting roles. Production began in the mid-1970s as a faithful adaptation of the novella, following 1951's The Thing from Another World. The Thing went through several directors and writers, each with different ideas on how to approach the story. Filming lasted roughly twelve weeks, beginning in August 1981, and took place on refrigerated sets in Los Angeles as well as in Juneau, Alaska, and Stewart, British Columbia. Of the film's $15 million budget, $1.5 million was spent on Rob Bottin's creature effects, a mixture of chemicals, food products, rubber, and mechanical parts turned by his large team into an alien capable of taking on any form. The Thing was released in 1982 to negative reviews that described it as "instant junk" and "a wretched excess". Critics both praised the special effects achievements and criticized their visual repulsiveness, while others found the characterization poorly realized. The film grossed $19.6 million during its theatrical run. Many reasons have been cited for its failure to impress audiences: competition from films such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which offered an optimistic take on alien visitation; a summer that had been filled with successful science fiction and fantasy films; and an audience living through a recession, diametrically opposed to The Thing's nihilistic and bleak tone. The film found an audience when released on home video and television. In the subsequent years, it has been reappraised as one of the best science fiction and horror films ever made and has gained a cult following. Filmmakers have noted its influence on their work, and it has been referred to in other media such as television and video games. The Thing has spawned a variety of merchandise – including a 1982 novelization, haunted house attractions, board games – and sequels in comic books, a video game of the same name, and a 2011 prequel film of the same name. THIS IS AN INDOOR CINEMA EXHIBITION. PLEASE PURCHASE ONE (1) TICKET PER PERSON. ONE (1) admission ticket is required PER PERSON! FAQ's WHAT TIME DOES THE MOVIE START? Movie starts at 12:45 AM. WHAT TIME CAN I ARRIVE? Attendees will be allowed to enter the auditorium up to 20 minutes prior to show time, or when the auditorium is cleaned after the last showing of Avatar 2 ends, whichever is sooner. WHERE DO I PARK? Free parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the Gardena Cinema on the north side. WHERE IS GARDENA CINEMA? Gardena Cinema is located at 14948 Crenshaw Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249. HOW DO I REDEEM MY TICKET? Upon purchase, ticket will be emailed to you as a PDF attachment from Eventbrite. When you arrive to the event, please show the entrance attendant the bar code on your ticket at the entrance to the cinema, either by holding up your printed version, or by displaying it on your phone or smart device. Attendant will scan it to check you in, and you'll be good to go into the auditorium! CAN I BRING FOOD / SNACKS? NO! This is an indoor screening. Please do not bring outside food or drinks inside the cinema. Tasty refreshments and fresh popped popcorn will be sold at the cinema snack bar. WILL YOU HAVE RESTROOMS? YES! Gardena Cinema's lobby, snack bar, and restrooms will be open. MAY I BRING MY PET WITH ME? Sorry, PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE ACTUAL CINEMA BUILDING, (where restrooms and snack bar are located). WILL YOU BE HOSTING MORE OF THESE? YES! We intend to continue curating and programming some of the BEST cinema in Los Angeles County! We provide both an intimate Drive-In style setting, as well as traditional indoor cinema experiences. Please support by following us on Instagram and Facebook -- we'll keep you posted on our screenings and events! @GardenaCinema Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter and TikTok @GARDENACINEMA. Website: www.gardenacinema.com