The Thing: Blair's Transformation in Solitary

The Thing: Blair's Transformation in Solitary  

1:07:23 – 1:08:23

In John Carpenter's The Thing, Blair is portrayed in this scene as Robin Wood defined ‘the other’ (Wood 27). Emotionally unstable and dangerous, the mise-en-scene of the scene reflects Blair’s character through the use of dark lighting and prominent props. It is clear during the film that Blair deviates from the normality in the film by acting illogically and putting all characters in danger. For this reason, the other characters repress him by exiling him to a solitary cabin in hopes of restoring order and containing one of the many dangers.

As identified by Schneider The Thing is located within the Doppelganger category of Dyadic Monsters, mimicking it’s preys appearance to kill (Schneider 183). This scene holds significance within the film as it is the last time Blair is seen as himself, as a human being. As one of the most pivotal characters, Blair’s transformation during the film from intelligent and logical to dangerous and uncontrollable demonstrates the development of ‘The Thing’ as it becomes attuned to Blair’s behavior. However, although it is evident that Blair has been affected by ‘The Thing’, within this scene he could also be seen as a ‘schizo’ within the Psycho category, with regard to his previous unpredictable and dangerous, and now placid, behaviour (Schneider 183).

The noose becomes the key feature during the scene. This prop is always visible in the frame when Blair is pictured, positioned in front of him whilst he speaks. Blair has become unstable and suicidal, and this prop infers that he is close to death, despite his tone of voice and mannerisms. When Blair stands up to talk to McReady, he hits the noose and sends it swinging, which leads to the assumption that death or danger is approaching. This also reinforces the notion that Blair is being exiled as ‘the other’. When he is sitting he is placid and stable, but once in motion he becomes unpredictable, the swinging noose indicative of his character and behaviour.

The Thing: The noose centre frame

The use of red light aids to the idea of Blair being ‘the monster’ in the scene. One of the only sources of light within the scene comes from McReady’s red flair, leaving the majority of the cabin in darkness. When Blair walks over to the opening his face is bathed in red light, highlighting him as dangerous and untrustworthy. Much like use of the noose, Blair is only scene as dangerous when he is mobile. In addition through the use of framing John Carpenter is able to isolate Blair in the scene and target him as the trapped monster. Blair is always confined to the black surrounds of the cabin, and from McReady’s point of view, Blair is framed by the opening, trapped within the space.

The Thing: Red light across Blair

Works Cited

Schneider, S. ‘Monsters as (Uncanny) Metaphors: Freud, Lakoff, and the Representation of Monstrosity in Cinematic Horror.’ Journal of Cultural Criticism 1.3 (1999): 167-191.

Wood, Robin. "The American Nightmare: Horror in the 70s." (1979): 25-32. Print.