An American Werewolf in London(1981).Two American college students are on a walking tour of Britain and are attacked by a werewolf. One is killed, the other is mauled. The werewolf is killed but reverts to its human form, and the local townspeople are unwilling to acknowledge its existence. The surviving student begins to have nightmares of hunting on four feet at first but then finds that his friend and other recent victims appear to him, demanding that he commit suicide to release them from their curse, being trapped between worlds because of their unnatural deaths. Written byJohn Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>... Synopsis An American Werewolf in London(1981)
Movie Title: An American Werewolf in London(1981)
Run Time: 97 min
Rating: 7.5 / 10
Genres: Horror
Release Date: 21 August 1981 (USA)
Director: John Landis
Writer: John Landis... and other credits
Actor: David Naughton,Jenny Agutter,Joe Belcher
A Film maker's film that's an homage and a refreshing take on the werewolf legend. It's scary; rich in dialogue; practical... (in a horror movie???) AND Funny!
Especially in DTS sound... It's Scary!!!
Specifically...for anyone who enjoys the old 'Universal Studios' classic renditions of the "Wolf Man" saga, this modern 'fairy tale horror' doesn't violate any traditions. If you haven't seen the old classics, not to worry;...this flick stands on its own.
The story unfolds!...And the tension begins!...slowly!
Actors Naughton and Dunne are perfectly cast as your typical college students, backpacking their way thru Europe for...well...for what ELSE!!?!! Their back & forth banter is priceless!! Their 'on screen' chemistry is, unfortunately, too short (that's kinda redeemed in the DVD commentary by both actors). And their trek across the fog laden moor ranks as one of the most frightening scenes in movie history.
But the real star of the film is director John Landis!
Along with the Cast!
And make-up artist Rick Baker.
Not since "Bud Abbott & Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein" has Comedy/Horror worked so well. The difference is: unlike "A&C Meet Frankenstein", this film is a horror story laced with a sharp and clever 'comic relief'. And Landis captures that fine line balance between horror/humor that is unprecedented.
A near definitive werewolf movie that's bloody! scary! funny! satirical! funny! intelligent! sexy! charming!...and ultimately sad!!!...(did I say funny twice?). HEY...if you ever take time to see only one werewolf movie; then...
Well...everyone's got their opinion.
But this film ranks way up their in horror. A Classic!!
With a soundtrack that's perfectly placed! And composer Elmer Bernstein perfectly placing the music.
Grab the popcorn! And Hang On!
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