Is an American Werewolf in London a British Film?

By Alice Nichols

Introduction

An American Werewolf in London is a 1981 horror-comedy movie directed by John Landis. The film tells the story of two American tourists who are attacked by a werewolf while hiking in England. The movie was a commercial and critical success and became a cult classic.

Background

The controversy of whether or not An American Werewolf in London is a British film has been ongoing for years. The movie was produced by PolyGram Pictures, a British production company, and shot on location in London and Wales. However, the director, John Landis, and most of the cast and crew were Americans.

British Elements

Despite the director and most of the cast being American, An American Werewolf in London has several British elements that make it a British film. For example, the movie was shot entirely on location in England and Wales.

Many iconic landmarks are featured throughout the film such as Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road, and Trafalgar Square. Additionally, many of the actors featured in the movie are British actors such as Jenny Agutter and Brian Glover.

American Elements

On the other hand, there are several elements of An American Werewolf in London that make it an American film. John Landis is an American director who brought his unique style to the movie. The humor present throughout the film is distinctly American with many jokes relying on cultural references only Americans would understand.

The Verdict

So, is An American Werewolf in London a British film The answer to this question isn’t as clear cut as one might think. While it was produced by a British production company and filmed entirely on location in England and Wales, it features an American director and several distinctly American elements.

Ultimately, whether or not An American Werewolf in London is a British film is open to interpretation. However, it’s undeniable that the movie has become an important part of British horror cinema and has left a lasting impact on the genre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, An American Werewolf in London is a unique film that blurs the line between what makes a film British or American. While it has several British elements, it also features many distinctly American elements. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, there’s no denying that An American Werewolf in London is a classic film that continues to be loved by horror fans around the world.