FSU Student Life Cinema

“The Thing” (1982)

In the 1982 film, “The Thing” director John Carpenter was advised by his film editor to film a “happy” ending to the film, for protective reasons, while actor Kurt Russel was still available.  Carpenter agreed and they filmed a scene in which Russel’s character R.J. MacReady was rescued and proven human by a blood test administered to him.  Though it was shot, this scene was not used in either test screenings and has yet to be released to the public.  In addition, the Norwegian camp that is scene in the film is actually just the American camp after the explosions.

“THX 1138” (1971)

In his directorial film debut, filmmaker George Lucas adapted “THX 1138” from his 1967 student film “Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB”.  More famously known for his “Star Wars” Saga though, most people don’t know that George Lucas has only directed 6 films in his entire career: “THX 1138”, “American Graffiti”, “Star Wars: A New Hope”, and then the prequel Star Wars films.  Though he wrote all the Star Wars films, George Lucas did not direct “The Empire Strikes Back” or “Return of the Jedi”.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1973)

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is an adaptation of the 1973 British musical of the same name, released in 1975.  This film was actually Tim Curry’s first screen credit and included numerous members of the original musical’s cast.  This movie actually has the distinction of having the longest-running theater release of any film ever created; 20th Century Fox never pulled the film and it has run across the country for 36 years!  This is extremely ironic as well considering this film was only given a “limited-release period” by 20th Century Fox.

-Raymond Calderon