"They Live" was released on this day in 1988. Remarkable sci-fi-action movie (based on a short story by Ray Nelson) from legendary writer/composer/director John Carpenter.
Highlights: Alley brawl between Roddy Piper and Keith David is one of the greatest fight sequences ever; fantastic cinematography by Gary B. Kibbe; superb score by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth.
"They Live" opened at #1 at the box office, and grossed over four times its production budget. Although considered a mild success at the time of release, it found a much wider audience in the intervening decades. Today it is (rightfully) considered a classic.
"They Live" is a cinematic knockout. The film is layered with fascinating socio-political subtext while also examining the dangers of consumerism, capitalism and conformity.
Piper is terrific in the lead, with the always-great Keith David delivering one of his best performances. Fantastic special effects, unfortunately alien makeup design, and showcasing one of the greatest lines in movie history.
Among my ten favorite films of 1988.