IMDb user comments for
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Index
|
206 comments in total
|
22 out of 22 people found the following comment useful :-
One of my favorite films, 29 January 2005
Author:
Brandt Sponseller from New York City
While backpacking through Europe, two friends, David Kessler (David
Naughton) and Jack Goodman (Griffin Dunne), find themselves out on
England's moors, despite advice to avoid them. When a wild animal
attacks them, one of them dies, and the other just might be turning
into a monster.
Director John Landis' "pet project"--he had to sit on the script for 10
years before he had enough clout from other films for this one to be
greenlighted--is an excellent, seamless melding of comedy and horror,
with a surprising amount of brutality and one of the most wonderfully
dark, abrupt conclusions ever made.
John Irving once said that he loves to put comedy and tragedy in close
conjunction because each can make the other more effective. That's just
the effect that the combination has in An American Werewolf In London.
Both the comedy and the horror in the film are fully committed to,
unlike many attempts to merge the two. If "the whole is greater than
the sum of its parts" is ever true, this is an example. The comic bits
wouldn't be nearly as delightful if they didn't supervene on the
disturbing, and the horror wouldn't have near the impact if they didn't
arrive in the context where you half-expect the next moment to be just
as lighthearted and amusing. Both the initial "animal attack" and the
apocalyptic ending are perfect examples of this.
Aside from that exquisite unusualness, An American Werewolf In London
has many other superb characteristics. The cast is perfect. Naughton,
who also starred in the seriously underrated Desire, The Vampire (aka
I, Desire) (1982), carries the film with ease. The cinematography is
excellent. The shots of the countryside (actually filmed in Wales) are
actually both beautiful and very eerie at the same time. The make-up
effects are awesome, and the transformation effects are unsurpassed.
The music, which is primarily a number of different "moon" related pop
songs, is also perfect, partially because of the bizarre contrasts in
mood that the music creates, which echoes the comedy/tragedy
juxtaposition. Unlike many other films, every scene in this one is a
something I'd like to spend years exploring. The settings, the
characters, the scenarios are all so fascinating.
This film is a 10 out of 10 even with one hand tied behind its back. If
you enjoy it, and you're open minded about newer horror film styles,
the "sequel", An American Werewolf in Paris, is also worth a watch.
18 out of 19 people found the following comment useful :-
Going Out On A Limb (no pun intended)!!, 23 May 2004
Author:
jbirtel (jbirtel@bluefrognet.net) from United States
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!
11 out of 15 people found the following comment useful :-
Great film, full of humor and thrills., 3 February 1999
Author:
Barry Iverson (bearerik@techline.com) from Washington, USA
One of the best werewolf movies ever made, full of dark humor and gory
thrills. As most people know, this has one of the best human/werewolf
transformation scenes in cinematic history! The only other movie to show
such detail is The Howling. This movie is really fun to watch, and if you
are seeing it for the first time you will be shocked at some of the things
you see. Great performances from the cast, and an excellent script make
this a memorable experience. Unlike monster/horror movies today, this film
has no computer-aided special effects. It doesn't need them, for this is a
landmark film.
6 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-
Our Dual Natures Served Up Hollywood Style, 26 September 2005
Author:
jstock426 from United States
John Landis reveals a philosophical take on mankind in this film,
namely, that we have two natures: one benign, one monstrous. The
werewolf legend handily serves as that proposition's allegorical
vehicle, and compared to the alluded-to Nazi atrocities in two scenes,
the legend actually pales. Sadly, under the dark impetus of our
arrogance and vanity, our metaphorical "full moon", man is perfectly
capable of transforming into nightmarish beast.
As a director, Landis approaches Hitchcock in terms of scene economy
and symbolism. For example, the opening sequence set on the moors of
northern England features the tragic hero David and his friend Jack
climbing out of the bed of a truck laden with sheep - benign animals
destined for slaughter. Biped "sheep" David and Jack meander to "The
Slaughtered Lamb", a pub sheltering cowering, xenophobic locals from
the monster afoot on the moors during full moon. Soon the inhospitality
of the town folk compels the two lambs to leave - virtually sending
them to their slaughter.
And so it goes throughout this brilliant film. Without revealing the
ending, it can be stated that Landis makes his case against the idea
that love conquers all; instead, he suggests that love only gives the
beast within us pause.
Beware the moon.
5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
It's not a comedy!, 3 September 2005
Author:
martoforever from Argentina
John Landis directed this at the early 80's. It was a screenplay he
wrote when he was only 19 years old. The story is about 2 north
American tourists that get attacked by a werewolf during their tour in
England. One of them will become the most vicious and unforgettable
werewolf ever.
With stunning FX's (the guy behind this won an Oscar for this job),
Landis gives us a terrifying story with a lot of comedy, romance,
adventure, and friendship. And of course, gore. Some scenes were so
explicit they even shock today.
Yes, the plot has a lot of holes, and some things happen way too fast,
and some explanations seem forced but this is a movie that is pure fun
and even today is pretty enjoyable and wild.
David Naughton and the beautiful Jenny Agutter star in this picture and
remember: It's not a comedy!
But it's still funny as hell!
5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Ooooo. Scary., 26 October 1998
Author:
enh from St Andrews, Scotland
The old adage of the simplest ideas being the best is once again
demonstrated in this, one of the most entertaining films of the early 80's,
and almost certainly Jon Landis' best work to date. The script is light and
witty, the visuals are great and the atmosphere is top class. Plus there are
some great freeze-frame moments to enjoy again and again. Not forgetting, of
course, the great transformation scene which still impresses to this
day.
In Summary: Top banana
5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Excellent, 27 September 1998
Author:
anonymous from chicago
Violent, gory yet somewhat bittersweet tale of an American tourist who has
the misfortune of being bitten by a werewolf. David Naughton is young and
bewildered, Jenny Agutter cute, innocent and sexy and Griffin Dunne
hilarious as a rapidly decomposing poltergeist. The score is great and the
special effects outstanding. This movie gives new meaning to the term Ugly
American. Don't watch this on commercial TV. It can only be appreciated in
its original, unedited form.
7 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
Still Funny & Frightening After All These Years, 9 November 2005
Author:
ccthemovieman-1 from Lockport, NY, United States
Here's a film that never fails to entertain, year after year. It's
almost a quarter of a century old but hasn't become dated and the
special effects, which were astounding in its day, are still good.
Director John Landis is so good at making entertaining movies. This is
one of his best.
The appeal to this film is the combination of horror, suspense, action
and humor. The latter actually is the key ingredient because this can
become a downright scary movie. The levity here and there is welcome
relief. There is just the right amount of contrast between horror and
comedy.
For parents wanting to know, there also is a fair amount of rough
language and there two sex scenes, one as part of the story and one "on
screen" in a porn- movie theater where the two male leads meet late in
the story.
Jenny Agutter is the love interest in here, a very pretty woman whom
Americans audiences aren't that familiar with. It isn't just her:
neither of the two leading (American) male actors in this popular movie
ever became stars, either.
An entertaining but silly sequel came out almost two decades later, "An
American Werewolf in Paris." I own both movies but much prefer this
one.
4 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
1981: The year of the werewolf, 7 December 2005
Author:
saigook from Wisconsin
I love werewolf movies, even the stupid one's with the exception of any
"Howling" sequels. 1981 was the turning point for our hairy hero's,
gone were the Elvis chop wearing dudes with terrible under-bites, and
in were the really scary "werewolves" that walked on all fours and
ripped their pray to pieces. An American Werewolf In London is one of
two films released that year, that showed us what a little latex and a
lot of imagination (and bladders) can do. John Landis, fresh off the
heals of "The Blues Brothers" gives us a masterpiece of modern horror,
and leaves us thinking "Are there two John Landis'?" The movie is
brilliantly shot in terrifying fashion, yet Landis manages to throw us
some off beat humor, so we don't soil ourselves to bad. Set in England
(obviously), we follow two buddies as they hitchhike across Europe.
David Kessler (David Naughton) and Jack Goodman (Griffin Dunne) have
not a care in the world until they end up on "The Moors"... At night...
With a full moon... Okay this is getting redundant, but I bet you get
where I'm going (if not: refer to title). If you ever do find yourself
in merry Ole' England, at night etc, etc, etc. Stay clear of a place
called "The Slaughtered Lamb", in fact, just stay on sheep truck until
sunlight comes around. Besides (the first) Howling, American Werewolf
is the best werewolf flick out there, and holds up nicely to today's
cheesy horror flops. Take warning though, if you are going to rent this
film, make sure cover says: "London", not "Paris", which is a little
more like... Benji in Paris.
4 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
A Horror Comedy?, 29 August 2004
Author:
(caspian1978@hotmail.com) from Attleboro, MA
An almost impossible genre, the horror comedy is a sometimes dead genre. One
of the best, An American Werewolf in London is a comical title that lives up
to being a comedy and a horror movie. The special effects by Rick Baker
alone, make this movie a hit. The off edge comedy and the almost slap stick
style acting welcomes the horror. Many surprises throughout the movie, An
American Werewolf in London has a little bit of everything. There are
moments of laughter, hate, love, drama, and horror, the movie pushes the
envelope in being an original work, even though it is a
remake!
Keep your ear open for the movie's soundtrack. Several songs with the word
"moon". Like the soundtrack, the movie is full of interesting tid-bits. All
in all, a great movie, a near classic.
Add another comment
|
|