The Artistry in Sound: Ennio Morricone’s & John Carpenter’s “The Thing”
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Master storyteller Ennio Morricone, an Italian conductor, trumpeter, and pianist, was renowned for his rich assortment of music compositions, with an imposing catalogue of more than 400 scores for cinema and television. Born in 1928, Morricone’s work in the film industry spanned many decades and styles, earning him prestigious awards including two Academy Awards and three Grammy Awards. Among his vast filmography, one of his considered masterpiece is the score for the 1982 film, “The Thing”.
Often referred to as a landmark musical composition, “The Thing” is a testament to Morricone’s ability to evoke chilling and isolated tones. Collaborating with John Carpenter, the master of horror genre, the film is set in the harsh, cold environment of Antarctica where the main characters, played by Kurt Russell and A. Wilford Brimley, encounter alien parasitic life forms. The score composed by Morricone mirrors the film’s suspenseful and icy atmosphere, earning it a special place in his vaunted catalogue.
An insightful figure in the music industry, Morricone had a strong influence on artists such as Hans Zimmer, Dire Straits, Muse, and Metallica. His prowess was such that his revered score “Once Upon a Time in the West” is estimated to have sold 10 million copies worldwide. Despite his classical background, Morricone’s ventures in the music industry were wide-ranging, composing for various genres of artists like Andrea Bocelli and Paul Anka.
The film, directed by Carpenter, takes a notable detour from the director’s tradition as it’s one of the rare films directed by him which he didn’t score himself. His unique filmmaking style combined with Morricone’s haunting composition significantly contributed to the film’s status as a sci-fi horror classic.
The release of the deluxe film score by Waxwork Records was celebrated by fans and critics alike. Encapsulating Morricone’s whole score in all its masterful brilliance, the vinyl reissue was heralded a success. The special features of this edition also found favor with musical enthusiasts, showing a re-mastered score from the original master tapes while the packaging and design offered a touch of nostalgia through its old-style gatefold jackets.
Overall, “The Thing”, just like Morricone’s career, defies typical definition and simplification. Broaching an intersection of horror, drama, and sonic artistry, it leaves an enduring legacy in cinematic music, a testament to the combined brilliance of the movie’s director, John Carpenter and the incomparable genius of composer Ennio Morricone. In acknowledging other influential artists like Andrea Bocelli and Andrea Anka, Carpenter and Morricone’s impact on merging film and music continues to inspire today’s artists in genres prevalent in today’s music industry.
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