MacReady depends on the flamethrower to guard him for the vast majority of the movie. Many scenes present him clinging to the weapon like Linus clings to his beloved blue blanket within the “Peanuts” cartoons. The weapon is used all through many scenes within the film, however some of the iconic moments is when MacReady forces everybody to undergo a blood take a look at as a way to discern who amongst them is an imposter. Wielding each the flamethrower and a gun, MacReady nervously assessments the blood samples solely to disclose that Palmer is most positively the Factor. Panic-stricken and in survival mode, MacReady torches Palmer like he is sugar on a crème brûlée, and the boys watch as his burning physique stumbles out into the snow and dies. It is a memorable scene for a lot of causes, certainly one of which is the truth that it is onerous to wrap your head round how Russell did not completely burn down your complete set whereas swinging that flamethrower round.

In a 2016 interview for LA Weekly, director John Carpenter talked a bit about his issues over the protection of the flamethrower on set. He mentioned, “We […] held our breath each time the actors used [flamethrowers],” noting that “this stuff shoot gasoline and are on fireplace!” No duh, John! We all know! Carpenter went on to say, “These are actors. You simply do not know. They may flip round to ask you a query and burn you up.” Which, truthfully, sounds completely terrifying. However fortunately, no actual actors or crew members had been by accident torched within the making of “The Factor,” so we will all take pleasure in watching flames get thrown in peace.