An American Werewolf in London

Starring: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, John Woodvine
Directed by: John Landis
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
1981

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: When two Americans (David Naughton, Griffin Dunne) are attacked in an isolated part of England by a monster, one suffers life-threatening injuries, while the other fears he will transform into a werewolf.

Review:

Tim: An American Werewolf in London is an interesting movie- it is a horror film, but there are also some truly comedic, romantic, and dramatic elements thrown in. It is a film that seems to exist somewhat outside of the conventional genre classifications. When I think about this movie, I can't easily categorize it or explain it. I really, really enjoyed this movie, and I feel like this is one of the best horror movies made. It is a great movie.

The most memorable aspect of the film is probably the special effects. Rick Baker did the make-up and effects for this movie, and I have to say, did a truly outstanding job. Baker deservedly won an Academy Award for Best Makeup for his unforgettable work here. The werewolf transformation scene is one of the all time greatest. It is astounding that it still holds up today, even with all the computerized special effects we have. The transformation is frighteningly real, and awe-inspiring to watch. I couldn't tear my eyes away from it, even as I felt afraid to look.

However, as we all know, special effects do not a great movie make. It is much more difficult than that, although John Landis does pull it off here. Chiefly, we have to care about our protagonists. We do, almost from the start. David Naughton and Griffin Dunne do a great job of convincing us that they are best friends. They have an effortless chemistry together, and I completely bought them as two American teens on an adventure in England. Their back-and-forth banter (although occasionally seeming fake), mostly worked well. I thought they worked very well together. Naughton is especially good, as he exudes a certain everyman quality that allows us to identify with him and to get in his corner. He is a protagonist we want to root for.

I was surprised how simple this story really was. Without going into too much detail (I do not want to spoil the movie), the whole thing unfolds very simply, and wen looking at it from afar, not a whole lot happens in the movie. However, we are still engaged and compelled because the characters are entertaining, and the story mixes horror and drama well together. Plus, there are some terrific moments that really stand out. In addition to the stunning werewolf transformation scene, the movie puts together a brilliant scene set to Creedance Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising" (personally, I believe this song should be in every werewolf movie). The film's conclusion is fairly strong as well.

My favorite aspect of An American Werewolf in London is that it just feels different. The movie is unlike many of the horror films that are made and in very good ways. This film is unique, and excellently directed by Landis. It is entertaining, scary, and memorable. So many horror movies are disappointing, that I sometimes wonder if I have a bias toward them. However, when I watch a great horror movie, I am reminded of all the reasons why so many other fail. It is not impossible to make a great horror movie- it just takes more effort than many who are trying to cash in for a quick buck are willing to put in. This is a classic horror film, and one of my favorites.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8



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