If you’re a fan of classic horror movies, then you’ve probably heard of “An American Werewolf in London”. Directed by John Landis, this 1981 film is known for its groundbreaking special effects.
In particular, the transformation scene where David (played by David Naughton) turns into a werewolf is still considered one of the most impressive effects in movie history. But how did they do it?
The Concept
Before we dive into the technical details, let’s talk about the concept behind the transformation scene. Landis wanted to create a realistic and visceral transformation that would shock and terrify audiences. He also wanted to show the pain and agony that David goes through as he transforms.
The Makeup
To achieve this effect, Landis turned to makeup artist Rick Baker. Baker had already made a name for himself in Hollywood with his work on films like “Star Wars” and “The Howling”. For “An American Werewolf in London”, Baker created a series of prosthetics that would be applied to Naughton’s face and body.
The Transformation Process
The actual transformation scene took three weeks to shoot and involved multiple stages.
Stage 1: Pre-Transformation
In the first stage, we see David lying on his bed as his body contorts and convulses. This was achieved using a combination of animatronics and puppetry. A puppet was used for David’s legs while Naughton’s upper body was covered with prosthetics.
Stage 2: Mid-Transformation
In the next stage, we see David’s face starting to change. This was achieved using a combination of prosthetics and clever editing.
Naughton’s head was covered with a prosthetic mask that could be stretched and pulled by off-screen assistants. The shots were then edited together to create the illusion of a seamless transformation.
Stage 3: Full Transformation
Finally, we see David fully transformed into a werewolf. This was achieved using a combination of animatronics, puppetry, and prosthetics. Naughton wore a full-body suit designed by Baker that was covered in fur and had animatronic components that could move the face and hands.
- The Final Result
The end result is a truly terrifying transformation that still holds up today. The combination of practical effects and clever editing creates a seamless and realistic transformation that is both shocking and painful to watch.
The Legacy
“An American Werewolf in London” set a new standard for special effects in horror films. The film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup, which was the first time the award had ever been given out. Rick Baker went on to become one of the most respected makeup artists in Hollywood, with seven Academy Awards to his name.
In conclusion, the transformation scene in “An American Werewolf in London” was a groundbreaking achievement in special effects. The use of prosthetics, animatronics, puppetry, and editing created a realistic and visceral transformation that still holds up today. It’s no wonder that this scene is still considered one of the greatest moments in horror movie history.