Order in the Universe

by Robert C. Cumbow

An obscure independent filmmaker until Halloween (1978), John Carpenter has been applauded for his classic sense of compositions, yet reviled for his "B-film" sensibility. This second edition of the first book-length analysis finds in Carpenter's films a vision of a profound but unexpected order in the universe. The author analyzes Carpenter's early independent work, his made-for-television movies, his big Hollywood films ( The Fog, Escape from New York, The Thing, Stephen King's Christine, Starman ), his more recent independent work ( Big Trouble in Little China, Prince of Darkness, They Live ), and his contributions to films he did not direct. This edition fully updates the 1990 edition with attention to the films made since that date. With a chronology of Carpenter's career, a detailed filmography, photos, brief plot synopses, and a thorough index, this volume will be treasured by film scholars and fans alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Film

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Big Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving this a 5/5 because it’s entertaining, educational, and just doesn’t get enough props as a work. Order in the Universe is the definitive critical text on Carpenter, delving into each of his projects – including films he merely produced or wrote – with a keen, perceptive eye. Its effectiveness stems perhaps from the fact that it was written in the 90s, when his name was somewhat disreputable, before he became a critical darling regularly touted as the greatest horror director of all time.
Cumbow is clearly a Carpenter fan, but he does not come off as a bootlicker, or even a fanboy. He writes clearly and passionately, but always with an eye for objectivity. This is good academic writing that takes its subject seriously and on its own terms, ignoring the dismissive, politically-charged readings of critics such as Robin Wood and Tony Williams (whose arguments Cumbow debunks) in favour of open-minded readings that discuss their pros and cons and how the films fit into Carpenter’s oeuvre (and the worldview formed by them, from which the book’s title is taken). He discusses the director’s meticulous formalism, his sense of humour and horror, his influence from Howard Hawks, Sergio Leone, Nigel Kneale and Val Guest, situating him in a noble cinematic lineage. The interview fragments scattered throughout are a goldmine for Carpenter fans.
Cumbow’s writing is persuasive in the best kind of way – his observations on the work make you want to watch them with an open mind. He writes so well on Carpenter’s Elvis movie (often considered as a gun-for-hire TV job) and Memoirs of an Invisible Man (considered one of Carpenter’s very worst) that I added them to my watchlist.
The chapters on Bronco Billy, Assault on Precinct 13, Halloween, Prince of Darkness, the Escape movies and They Live are particularly exemplary, but there are no disappointments here. If you are a Carpenter fan who enjoys good academic writing (and wants a thoughtful in-depth look at the work and mind America’s master of horror), this is a must-read.

[m. · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been thematic strands running through the entirety of film director John Carpenter's work and in this book Robert Cumbow fully explores them, demonstrating that Carpenter's films have a depth of meaning beyond the usual dismissal of horror & science fiction.

A recommendation for any fan of film, not just for those interested in horror of John Carpenter specifically.