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The Thing with Two Heads

Where to Watch The Thing with Two Heads

PG
1972

The 1972 movie, The Thing with Two Heads, is a unique blend of horror, science fiction, and comedy that delivers a complex, thought-provoking plotline peppered with humor. Directed by Lee Frost and featuring the acting talents of Roosevelt Grier, Ray Milland, and Don Marshall, this film established itself as a cult classic during the exciting era of 70s horror films.

The plot revolves around a dying racist surgeon, Dr. Maxwell Kirshner, brilliantly portrayed by Oscar-winning actor Ray Milland. Kirshner is a wealthy and skilled medical professional with a profound belief in the superiority of his own race. However, in the face of a terminal illness, he’s driven to the brink of insanity and decides to perform an unprecedented medical procedure to extend his life - a head transplant.

As his health deteriorates, the doctor swiftly prepares for the experimental procedure. The intended recipient body is a convict on death row named Jack Moss, played convincingly by Roosevelt Grier, an ex-football star turned actor. Moss, an African-American man with a percussion-cap muscle structure that could potentially reject the procedure, is oddly chosen as the host body for affixing Kirshner's head. The film takes an intriguing turn as the contrasting characters find themselves sharing the same body.

The movie capitalizes on the strange and unusual premise, infusing humor into the grotesque idea of a two-headed person walking around, struggling to exist. Though it seems absurd, the performances of the actors keep the audience engaged, and there's something intriguingly funny about watching these diametrically opposite personalities interact while strapped to the same body.

In addition to its main cast, the film benefits from appearances of Don Marshall and Roger Perry, playing Dr. Fred Williams and Dr. Philip Desmond respectively. They are trusted confidantes of Kirshner and play crucial roles in the operation and the bizarre aftermath.

While the story centers around the comic relief generated by Kirshner and Moss’s struggles to coexist, there are deeper themes woven throughout the film. Racial tensions and prejudices are glaringly obvious, especially when considering Maxwell Kirshner's blatant racism. It scrutinizes societal ignorance, hinting at its absurdity. The film merges an exploration of prejudice with grotesque horror and campy humor, making it more than just a simple B-movie exploit.

The Thing with Two Heads also stands out for its pace and production design. Despite being steeped in 70s aesthetics, it feels ahead of its time in many aspects, showcasing innovative makeup and special effects that aid in delivering a genuinely eerie and grotesque spectacle. The cinematography and editing complement the plot development, ensuring a smooth transition between sequences and maintaining an engaging tension throughout the film.

The movie boasts a thrilling car chase sequence that is blatantly ambitious for a low-budget horror film of that era. Rousing and perfectly choreographed, this sequence is a highlight of the movie, breathing life and energy into its narrative. It’s worth noting that the use of practical effects and stunt work enhances the authenticity and excitement of these moments.

Moreover, the film's soundtrack, composed by Robert O. Ragland, adds another layer to the film's uniqueness. Mature, atmospheric, and chilling, the soundtrack perfectly complements the film's intricate plot.

To sum up, The Thing with Two Heads is a compelling watch that combines suspense, comedy, and impactful social commentary. Its unique blend of horror and humor creates a bizarrely entertaining film. Despite its outlandish premise, it creates a social discourse on ethnocentrism, prejudice, and human discrimination, separated by the thin veneer of a grotesque medical experiment.

The performances by Ray Milland and Roosevelt Grier stand out, carrying the narrative forward with ample humor and dramatic tension. Its well-staged action sequences, macabre makeup, and distinctive soundtrack all contribute to making it a memorable cult classic of the 1970s. Despite its age, it remains a milestone in genre cinema, mixing comedy, horror, and science fiction with a hint of social commentary. The Thing with Two Heads is a testament to the creativity and distinct storytelling of that era, standing out as a fascinating artifact of 70s cinema.

The Thing with Two Heads is a Comedy, Science Fiction movie released in 1972. It has a runtime of 90 min. Critics and viewers have rated it mostly poor reviews, with an IMDb score of 4.5..

How to Watch The Thing with Two Heads

Where can I stream The Thing with Two Heads movie online? The Thing with Two Heads is available to watch and stream at FlixFling.

4.5/10
Director
Lee Frost
Stars
Ray Milland, Roosevelt Grier, Don Marshall, Jane Kellem, Rod Steele