Amazon.com: Remember back in the early 1980s when special-effects makeup artists were tripping over themselves to create the next big effect? The Howling boasted a fantastic werewolf transformation scene courtesy of makeup wizard Rob Bottin. Then along came Bottin's mentor, Rick Baker, with his own spectacular effects in this popular horror comedy directed by John Landis. An American Werewolf in London is more of a makeup showcase than a truly satisfying movie, but the film is effectively moody when David Naughton discovers that a wolf attack has turned him into a bloodthirsty lycanthrope. Jenny Agutter plays his love interest (watch out, he bites!), and who can forget Griffin Dunne as Naughton's best friend, an undead corpse who progressively rots away as the plot unfolds? All things considered, it's easy to see why An American Werewolf in London became a modern horror favorite. --Jeff Shannon
Werewolf Genius An American Werewolf in London was one of the first Horror films I saw. I remember hiding in the back room at the age of 5 hoping my parents wouldn't notice what I was watching. I had many a sleepless night due to that film. And I guarantee you that I will never feel safe in a subway.
About the movie: This is a classic in the werewolf genera, both humorous, frightening, and true to the tragic history of the wolfman. John Landis (of Animal House fame) directed this interesting piece starring David Naughton as David, Jenny Agutter as Nurse Price, and Griffin Dunne as Jack. This is the classic retelling of an old horror film modernized and updated in the special FX area. And while we are on that area can we say breakthrough special effects? These set the standard for monster films up until Jurassic Park showed us the power of CGI. I don't want to give the plot away even though it's a very standard werewolf plot.
There are of course some great scenes in this film, I love the Slaughtered Lamb, no one can watch this scene without feeling uncomfortable.
As far as character development goes, the characters are likeable, especially Jack, but don't develop very much into the movie.
The acting is better than most horror flix, though it won't win any awards, I can't complain that it detracted from the film at all.
The script is quick and well written, easy to follow and hard not to like.
By today's standards some of the creatures look a bit campy, specifically those in the dream sequences. But again there is nothing better than the scene where David turns into the werewolf. And I love the idea of a four legged werewolf. I always hated the idea of a werewolf being a hairy man on two legs.
The film on the DVD is exactly like the one that was out in theaters they claim it is redigitized but I never notice any difference in that.
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The Making of video was mostly a repetition of what was said in the interviews and was again entirely too short.
The casting of the hand was interesting and gave a better perspective on the real personalities of David Naughton and John Landis. It was pretty funny too. I just wish they had added more info on how they used the cast after it was made.
The deleted scenes have no sound to them so it's hard to distinguish why they were included.
I'll admit that I haven't listened to the John Landis voice over yet... after seeing his interview I can't imagine it being more that a poorly written stand up routine. Once I watch it I'll add my opinion on that into this review.
There were pictures and storyboards that I haven't bothered to look at yet since the batteries in my remote died.
My final opinion is to get this movie for the film, not the extra's. They are far too short and insignificant in the whole scheme of what is on the DVD. I personally love the DVD but I won't bother with the extras again.
Throat-Ripping, Frightful Intensity Director John Landis steps away from directing hilarious comedies like Animal House to bring this frightful encounter. Two American travelers trek across the English mores, even though they were warned to be careful of the creatures of the night. As one of the travelers is bitten by some mysterious dog, he slowly comes to the realization that he has become a werewolf and must make the ultimate decision, whether or not to live or die, so he can save the people he loves.
The special effects in this film still stand the test of time, as no computer technology is used to digitally insert a life-like werewolf in the movie. In fact, the only time the werewolf is ever seen is for no more than 2 to 3 seconds, leaving it up to the imagination of the audience to decide how scary the werewolf may be. The make-up in this movie also stands out as the recently devoured victims remain among the living as they slowly deteriorate into the walking dead.
A first time experience for actors David Naughton and Griffin Dunne, both do an excellent job in conveying humor and frightful intensity throughout the film. Actress Jennifer Aguter also brings forth an amazing performance as the sensual love interest of the werewolf. If you ever feel the need to watch An American Werewolf in Paris, STOP! and go rent this one, the film is far superior and really lets your imagination run wild in no way that modern movies allow you to do anymore, plus it delivers both humor and fear in a throat-ripping blast of a movie.
An American Werewolf in London Another cult film with Jenny Agutter. She nurses a guy turning into a werewolf. The movie parodies itself. Moon songs are played. The best is Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival. John Fogerty of CCR wrote 20 rock classics including Proud Mary and Green River. The scene where David Naughton turns into a werewolf is disturbing. Jenny Agutter has had some weird love interest. In Walkabout, she is with an aborigine. In Logan's Run, it is a Sandman. In Othello, it is Shakespeare's black soldier. Here, it is a werewolf.
Classic I sneaked in to see this at the odeon, on my own, when I was 16, and when the howling on the moors scene came on, I wished I hadn't. By the time the tube station scene came, I wanted to go home. Most horror films NEVER live up to the blurb, but this is still truly a classic, ahead of its time all the way back then, and still good today. Recommended.
Baby Cromwell, Nottingham, England
A good werewolf movie A very good werewolf movie. But the special effects could have been better but it had a very good story line and there is some comdey in it as well.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
