An American Werewolf in London is a classic horror-comedy film directed by John Landis. Renowned for its groundbreaking special effects and unique blend of horror and humor, the film is a significant entry in the werewolf genre and a favorite among fans of 1980s horror.
The story follows David Kessler (David Naughton) and his friend Jack Goodman (Griffin Dunne), two American college students traveling through the English countryside. While hiking in the moors, they are attacked by a mysterious beast. Jack is killed, and David is left severely injured. After the attack, David is hospitalized in London, where he begins experiencing disturbing dreams and hallucinations.
As David recovers, he discovers that he has been transformed into a werewolf. Jack’s ghost visits him, revealing that David is doomed to become a werewolf during the full moon, and he must find a way to end the curse. Meanwhile, David starts a romantic relationship with his nurse, Alex Price (Jenny Agutter), and struggles to come to terms with his terrifying new reality.
The film is celebrated for its groundbreaking special effects, particularly its werewolf transformation scenes, which were created by special effects artist Rick Baker. The transformation sequence is often cited as one of the greatest in horror cinema. The film’s blend of dark humor and horror also set it apart, providing a unique balance between scares and laughs.
An American Werewolf in London received critical acclaim for its innovative effects, engaging story, and successful mix of genres. It remains a beloved classic, influential in the horror genre, and a benchmark for werewolf films.
An American Werewolf in London (1981) is a seminal horror-comedy film directed by John Landis, blending the macabre with sharp wit in a way that was quite innovative for its time. The movie tells the story of two American backpackers, David Kessler (played by David Naughton) and Jack Goodman (played by Griffin Dunne), who are attacked by a werewolf while trekking across the moors in England. Jack is killed, while David survives but is cursed to become a werewolf.
What sets this film apart is not just its mix of horror and humor but also its groundbreaking special effects. The transformation scene where David turns into a werewolf is particularly notable. It was created by makeup effects artist Rick Baker, who won an Academy Award for Best Makeup for his work on the filmβthe first ever awarded in this category.
The narrative weaves through elements of tragedy, romance, and horror, with David’s struggle against his werewolf curse, culminating in a tragically chaotic finale in the streets of London. The film also features a memorable soundtrack, cleverly using songs like “Blue Moon,” “Moondance,” and “Bad Moon Rising” to complement its lunar transformations.
An American Werewolf in London has enjoyed a lasting impact on the horror genre, influencing how filmmakers could blend different tones to create a more dynamic and engaging narrative. It remains a cult classic for its innovative approach and effective storytelling. Do you have a favorite scene from this movie, or is there a particular element of its style that stands out to you?
