American Werewolf in London is a classic horror-comedy film from the early 1980s. Directed by John Landis and starring David Naughton and Jenny Agutter, the movie tells the story of two American tourists who are attacked by a werewolf while backpacking through England.
One of them dies, but the other survives and begins to experience strange changes in his body. The film was groundbreaking at the time for its special effects, which won an Academy Award, but does it hold up today? Let’s take a closer look.
The Story
The story of American Werewolf in London is a classic horror tale with a twist. While it follows many of the standard tropes of werewolf films, such as the full-moon transformation and the hunt for the beast, it also injects a healthy dose of humor into the mix. The result is a movie that manages to be both scary and funny at the same time.
The Acting
David Naughton is perfectly cast as David Kessler, the American tourist who becomes a werewolf. He brings just the right amount of charm and vulnerability to his role, making us root for him even as he begins to succumb to his animal instincts.
Jenny Agutter is also excellent as Alex Price, the nurse who becomes David’s love interest. She’s strong and independent without being overbearing.
The Special Effects
The special effects in American Werewolf in London were groundbreaking at the time and still hold up today. Rick Baker won an Academy Award for his work on the film, and it’s easy to see why. The transformation scene alone is worth watching for its sheer audacity and creativity.
The Music
The music in American Werewolf in London is another standout element. The soundtrack features classic rock songs from artists like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Van Morrison, as well as a haunting score by composer Elmer Bernstein. The music helps to set the mood and create a sense of atmosphere that is essential to the film’s success.
The Verdict
So does American Werewolf in London hold up? The answer is a resounding yes.
Despite being over 40 years old, the film still manages to be both scary and funny, thanks to its strong story, excellent acting, groundbreaking special effects, and memorable music. If you’ve never seen it before, now is the perfect time to give it a watch. And if you have seen it before, it’s worth revisiting for its sheer entertainment value.