An extra-terrestrial alien, capable of replicating any living form it touches, infiltrates an isolated Antarctic research base, sowing suspicion and terror among the men trapped there. The question arises: who is still human, and who is a perfect alien imitation? John Carpenter's film, the second adaptation of John W. Campbell's 1938 novella, initially faced harsh criticism upon its 1982 release but has since emerged as a classic that masterfully blends science fiction and horror. It is now celebrated for its groundbreaking practical special effects, well-developed characters brought to life by a talented cast, striking widescreen cinematography, haunting score, and a uniquely tense narrative filled with ever-evolving metaphors about the human condition. Anne Billson's insightful study, first published in 1997, was among the first to recognize the film as a modern classic, praising its role in redefining horror and science fiction conventions while incorporating sly humor and unsettlingly relevant metaphors for the sociopolitical, scientific, and medical upheavals of recent decades. In her foreword to this new edition, Billson discusses The Thing's evolving reputation since its release, its impact on filmmakers like Tarantino and del Toro, and its relevance in today's context of climate change and global health crises.
Anne Billson Books
Anne Billson crafts narratives that delve into the supernatural with a unique blend of wit and sharp observation. Her novels playfully subvert genre expectations, reimagining familiar tropes like vampires and ghosts with a fresh, often ironic, sensibility. Beyond fiction, Billson extends her keen analytical eye to film criticism, particularly exploring the cinematic representation of felines with scholarly depth and evident passion. Her distinctive voice emerges through a combination of insightful commentary and an unconventional approach to storytelling, marking her as a notable presence in both literary and film discourse.
Suckers
- 315 pages
- 12 hours of reading
In the greed-is-good Eighties, The Look is black clothes with white faces, black hair, and mouths painted scarlet, but Dora knows she must stop a takeover by terminally chic vampires.
Screen Lovers
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Traces types of screen love from unselfish sacrifice to sexual obsession, providing photographs and commentary on Hollywood's most romantic screen couples.
Der Nachbar
- 349 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Clare, die auf der falschen Seite der Stadt festsitzt, ist verzweifelt, das gute Leben unter den Schriftstellern und Künstlern des trendigen Notting Hill zu leben, wie ihre Freundin Sophie. Deshalb zögert sie nicht, in ein Haus mit einer schrecklichen Geschichte zu ziehen, auch wenn einige der ehemaligen Bewohner immer noch spürbar sind... Aber wie weit ist Clare bereit zu gehen für eine W11-Postleitzahl? So weit, dass sie mit jemandem zusammenwohnt, der, wie sie es ausdrückt, "lebenswichtige Herausforderungen" hat? Von der Autorin des Kult-Vampirromans Suckers kommt eine 'sexy, sarkastische und deutlich gruselige' Geschichte über Mädchen, Geister und Glamour, die in einem Teil Londons spielt, der in weniger als einem Jahrhundert von einem gefährlichen Slum namens The Piggeries in eine der modischsten Adressen der Stadt verwandelt wurde.