Written by Christen Rush
Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
An American Werewolf in London is a classic horror-comedy film released in 1981. Directed by John Landis, the movie follows the story of two American backpackers who find themselves in the picturesque English countryside. Little do they know that their innocent adventure will take a horrifying turn when they encounter a vicious werewolf. With its groundbreaking special effects, dark humor, and spine-chilling moments, An American Werewolf in London has become a cult favorite among horror enthusiasts. In this article, we will delve into 50 fascinating facts about the movie that will delve deep into the making of this iconic film and shed light on its lasting impact on the genre. So, grab your silver bullets and join us on this hair-raising journey!
Key Takeaways:
- “An American Werewolf in London” is a classic horror comedy with groundbreaking makeup effects and a haunting soundtrack. It’s a cult favorite that continues to captivate audiences with its blend of horror and comedy.
- The movie’s iconic transformation scene, practical effects, and blend of genres make it a must-watch for fans of werewolf films. Its enduring popularity and cultural impact have solidified its place in movie history.
Behind the scenes
An American Werewolf in London, released in 1981, is a horror comedy film directed by John Landis.
Groundbreaking effects
The movie is well-known for its pioneering makeup and visual effects, specifically the transformation sequences. Rick Baker’s work on this film earned him an Academy Award for Best Makeup.
Iconic transformation scene
The transformation scene in “An American Werewolf in London” is considered one of the most memorable and realistic werewolf transformations in film history.
A mix of genres
The film blends elements of horror, comedy, and romance, creating a unique and entertaining viewing experience.
Haunting soundtrack
The soundtrack features a collection of songs with “moon” in the title, adding a thematic element to the film.
Filming locations
The movie was primarily shot in London, England, capturing the atmospheric setting of the city.
Notable cast
The film stars David Naughton as the American tourist who becomes a werewolf and Jenny Agutter as his love interest.
Dark humor
The movie strikes a balance between horror and comedy, with plenty of humorous moments to lighten the atmosphere.
An American in London
The story follows an American student who is attacked by a werewolf while backpacking through the English countryside.
Psychological torment
After the attack, the protagonist experiences a series of unsettling nightmares and hallucinations.
Practical effects
The film relied heavily on practical effects rather than CGI, giving it a more realistic and tactile feel.
Classic horror references
An American Werewolf in London pays homage to classic horror films, particularly The Wolf Man (1941).
Humorous cameos
The film features cameos from various well-known actors and comedians, including Frank Oz and John Woodvine.
Box office success
The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $62 million worldwide on a budget of $5.8 million.
Cultural impact
An American Werewolf in London has become a cult classic and influenced many subsequent werewolf-themed films.
Award-winning script
John Landis received an Academy Award nomination for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for his work on the film.
Atmospheric cinematography
The movie’s cinematography effectively captures the eerie ambiance of the English countryside.
The werewolf makeup
The detailed werewolf makeup design took several hours to apply to the actors, including prosthetic pieces for the transformation scenes.
Suspenseful sequences
The film masterfully builds tension through its suspenseful and thrilling sequences.
Iconic poster
The movie’s promotional poster, featuring a full moon and a looming werewolf silhouette, has become iconic.
Critical acclaim
An American Werewolf in London received positive reviews from critics for its unique blend of horror and comedy.
The curse of the werewolf
The film delves into the mythology and lore surrounding werewolves, exploring their origins and the consequences of being one.
Impressive practical stunts
The movie showcases impressive practical stunts, including intense chase scenes and physical confrontations.
Quotable lines
The film features memorable quotes, such as “Beware the moon” and “I’m a werewolf, not a ******* in a horror film.”
A tragic love story
The romance between the lead characters adds a poignant element to the film, amidst the horror and comedy.
Sound design
An American Werewolf in London won the Academy Award for Best Sound, highlighting the effectiveness of its sound effects.
An unpredictable narrative
The film keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns in the plot.
Legacy of horror
Director John Landis had previously helmed the iconic horror film “The Twilight Zone: The Movie,” further solidifying his reputation in the genre.
Well-paced storytelling
The movie effectively balances its horror, comedy, and romance elements, creating a gripping and entertaining narrative.
Character development
The lead characters undergo substantial growth and transformation throughout the movie, adding depth to their arcs.
Frightening dream sequences
The film’s dream sequences blur the line between reality and nightmare, intensifying the terror experienced by the protagonist.
A cult following
An American Werewolf in London has gained a dedicated fan base over the years, with annual screenings and fan conventions.
Influence on the genre
The movie’s success and innovative approach to werewolf mythology influenced the direction of future werewolf films.
The tragic werewolf curse
The film explores the psychological struggle of the protagonist as he deals with the consequences of his inherited curse.
80s nostalgia
The film captures the spirit of 1980s horror movies, with its mix of practical effects and dark humor.
A tale of survival
The protagonist must navigate a dangerous and unfamiliar world as he strives to control his werewolf urges.
An enduring classic
An American Werewolf in London is considered one of the definitive werewolf films, standing the test of time.
Mainstream success
The film attracted both mainstream audiences and horror enthusiasts, appealing to a wide range of viewers.
Psychological horror
The movie delves into the protagonist’s deteriorating mental state as he grapples with his dual identities.
Quintessential werewolf transformation
The gradual and painful transformation of the main character remains a standout feature of the film.
The impact of guilt
The protagonist’s guilt over the consequences of his werewolf actions plays a significant role in the storyline.
Engrossing practical effects
The practical effects used in the film still hold up today, maintaining their impact and realism.
Atmospheric soundtrack
The eerie and haunting score adds to the overall tension and atmosphere of the movie.
The desolate moors
The movie effectively utilizes the desolate and isolated moors as a setting for its supernatural events.
The dark side of London
An American Werewolf in London explores the seedy underbelly of urban life, contrasting it with the idyllic countryside.
The duality of man
The film explores the theme of duality, showcasing the struggle between the protagonist’s human and werewolf personas.
A troubled hero
The lead character battles with his internal demons, presenting a complex and flawed protagonist.
Iconic werewolf design
The werewolf design in the film remains iconic, with a combination of human and wolf-like features.
An unconventional ending
An American Werewolf in London concludes with an unexpected and bittersweet resolution, subverting traditional horror movie endings.
Continuous popularity
Even decades after its release, An American Werewolf in London continues to captivate audiences with its blend of horror and comedy.
Conclusion
With its groundbreaking special effects, witty dialogue, and unforgettable characters, “An American Werewolf in London” has secured its place as a cult classic in the horror genre. The film’s blend of horror, comedy, and romance creates a unique viewing experience that continues to captivate audiences today. From its spine-chilling transformation scenes to its darkly humorous moments, this movie delivers a perfect balance of scares and laughs.
The legacy of “An American Werewolf in London” is evident in the countless werewolf films and TV shows that have followed in its footsteps, but none have quite captured the same magic. It remains a must-watch for fans of horror cinema and has solidified its status as a genre-defying masterpiece.
FAQs
Q: Who directed “An American Werewolf in London”?
A: The film was directed by John Landis, known for his work on “The Blues Brothers” and “Animal House.”
Q: When was the movie released?
A: “An American Werewolf in London” was released on August 21, 1981.
Q: What is the plot of the movie?
A: The film follows two American tourists who are attacked by a werewolf while backpacking through the English countryside. One is killed, and the other is bitten, setting off a series of terrifying events as he deals with the consequences of his newfound curse.
Q: Are there any notable performances in the movie?
A: David Naughton delivers a memorable performance as David Kessler, the American tourist who becomes a werewolf. The film also features standout performances from Jenny Agutter and Griffin Dunne.
Q: What makes “An American Werewolf in London” unique?
A: This film stands out for its innovative combination of horror and comedy, as well as its groundbreaking special effects. It successfully blends humor and scares, resulting in a truly memorable and entertaining movie experience.
If you're a fan of classic horror, check out our article on the chilling anthology film "The Vault of Horror." For those who prefer a good laugh, our piece on Melbourne's International Comedy Festival is sure to tickle your funny bone. And if you're curious about the science behind werewolf transformations, don't miss our fascinating facts about genetic transformation.
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