Science fiction horror films from the early ’80s rarely age well. Something about watching laughable CGI, lacklustre performances, and odd sound effects doesn’t account for great viewing in the present day. One science fiction horror flick that never seems to get old though is one by revered horror director John Carpenter, and no it’s not Halloween.
Following his success after producing Halloween in 1978, Mr Carpenter made a slew of films, all of which were pretty good, the standout from the bunch however came in the year of 1982 – the year when the world was introduced to The Thing. Everything about the film makes it an instant classic, and that’s before even looking at any of the character’s wardrobes. The concept is fantastic. The musical score by Ennio Morricone is even better. If your idea of good viewing isn’t watching blokes in big jackets lock each other outside in the Antarctic Circle, then you should stick to Marvel.
The Thing does an excellent job of creating suspense, not just because of the creature itself, but also at what outerwear will appear in each new scene. Every character in this film seems to have a sensational rig on to account for the foul weather – if Proper was ever to direct a film best believe it would be set somewhere really cold. The main character, a helicopter pilot tough guy called MacReady, played by Kurt Russell, has the best attitude of all which is probably why he’s the main character. His onscreen presence is only fuelled by his wardrobe, and that’s what we’re going to be having a good look at today.
From watching The Thing, the things that MacReady holds close to his heart quickly become apparent – burning alien beings alive with a flamethrower, playing digital chess, drinking whiskey, and his beloved flight jacket. MacReady’s colleagues turned enemies opt for much larger coats than him, but judging by him being one of the last men standing at the end of the film the leather jacket seems to do a pretty good job of keeping him protected from the thing, as well as sub-zero temps.
Whenever things are about to get serious in the American research station, MacReady reaches for two very important accessories, his sunglasses and sombrero. Okay, it’s probably not a sombrero but it looks pretty similar, either way it makes for one of the more iconic pieces of headwear to appear in a science fiction film. Obviously, sunglasses are helpful when operating a flame thrower and flying helicopters in Antarctica, but we haven’t quite figured out the purpose for his hat yet, just to look tough possibly.
MacReady’s whole demeanour in the film is relatively calm, almost unbothered. At one point he even says “I’m tired of talkin’, I just want to get up to my shack and get drunk.” It’s that effortless energy that Kurt Russell carries when playing him that makes the character so good to watch and the clothes look so good on. That sounds a bit like we fancy him, maybe we do.
Even though no one would be able to carry off a MacReady-inspired outfit as good as the man himself, we’ve put together a list for you to at least attempt to try and do so. We don’t predict that dressing like an alien-hunting cowboy is going to become a trend anytime soon – be cool if it did though.
Pop Trading Company Flight Jacket – 4 Leaf Clover
The flight jacket is the pièce-de-résistance of MacReady’s outfit and this modern-day alternative from Pop Trading Company looks like it fits the bill pretty well. Leather has been traded out for cotton twill in this case, which in our opinion looks even better. It’s probably more flammable though so be careful when blowing up research bases.
Oakley Eye Jacket Redux – Prizm Grey / Matte Black
These shades from Oakley are the real deal. The Eye Jacket was introduced originally in 1994, ten years after The Thing, and we think it’s not out of the question that the gang at Oakley might’ve taken design cues from MacReady’s eyewear.
South2 West8 Painter Pant – Moss Green
These trousers are actually made for painting, not blasting aliens with a flame thrower, but then again what pants are?
Snow Peak Womens Takibi Weather Cloth Hat – Khaki Brown
Won’t lie to you, we were doubtful of finding a similar hat to MacReady’s, but we reckon we’ve smashed it out the park. This number from Snow Peak has a wide brim and drawcord strap, which is ideal for being the Clint Eastwood of hunting shapeshifting beings.
Danner Mountain Light – Black
Your footwear is paramount when marching about Antarctica trying to figure out which one of your mates has turned into the thing. For that reason we’ve elected the best of the best for the job, the Danner Mountain Light. One-piece leather construction, metal eyelets, GORETEX liner, recraftable Vibram sole, if there was ever a boot to depend on, it’s these. They’re tough as old boots, literally, sort of.
Senchi Designs Alpha 60 Hoodie – Blue Pearl
A more subtle part of MacReady’s outfit is the hoodie that lies underneath his jacket. If the weather takes a turn, he tends to put the hood up. Usually wearing a hoodie under a leather jacket isn’t a fantastic look but he carries it off superbly. This hoodie from Senchi Designs has a balaclava-style hood and a very good warmth-to-weight ratio we’re told. Yeah, the colour is a bit off but they haven’t made a bright blue one yet.
Arcteryx Venta Gloves
A solid pair of gloves is pretty much the most important part of MacReady’s outfit, can you imagine trying to operate a flamethrower without your hands covered – we can actually, and it doesn’t seem nice. This pair from Arcteryx utilise GORETEX Infinium, making them windproof, something that is quite important if you’re caught in Antarctic breezes.
