They Live Vs. The Thing

[FreddysFingers]

I think you make some great points Freddy - and inadvertently have made a point for me I think. The way you describe They Live, which I completely agree with, means I think its a film I appreciate more than I feel for. No rhyme or reason for that. Its purely an emotive response. While I really have a respect for it, it just doesn't draw me in for some reason in comparison to The Thing.

I can see what you're saying. The Thing does draw you in with it's powerful characters and tense mood, but then again, They Live and The Thing are two different movies in terms of mood and atmosphere. It's hard for me to describe the emotive response I have for They Live because I think it's exclusive to me only. To describe it I would have to give a scenario: Imagine yourself sitting in your bedroom, at night, looking out into your backyard and you see the entire neighborhood and beyond it. Then think to yourself, there is something out there… waiting for you… and you have to stop it. The fate of the world rests on your shoulder and it's your destiny. That's the mood I feel with They Live but the thing frightens me. I think one film works on the subconscience while the other isn't afraid to wonk you in the head with fear.