Cast
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David Naughton
as David Kessler
Jenny Agutter
as Nurse Alex Price
Griffin Dunne
as Jack Goodman
John Woodvine
as Dr. J. S. Hirsch
Don McKillop
as Inspector Villiers
Brian Glover
as Chess Player
David Schofield
as Dart Player
Lila Kaye
as Barmaid
Rik Mayall
as Second Chess Player
Sean Baker
as 2nd Dart Player
Frank Oz
as Mr. Collins
Paul Kember
as Sergeant McManus
Joe Belcher
as Truck Driver
Paddy Ryan
as First Werewolf
Anne-Marie Davies
as Nurse Susan Gallagher
Crew
Director
- John Landis
Producer
- George Folsey Jr.
Reviews
Potential Kermode
**The best horror film of the eighties**
This is a gem, it really is. Alternately amusing and horrific - John Landis plays our emotions like a fiddle here. He is pulling all the strings and we are uncertain as to which string he is going to pull next.
From the eerie Yorkshire countryside of the opening scenes through David's _awful_ nightmares in hospital to amusing zombie chit chat and finally the climactic slaughter in London - this film never lets up.
How many films will you find Kermit the frog sharing a scene with throat slicing, machine gun wielding mutants dressed as Nazis?
- Potential Kermode
Feb 14, 2017
Matthew Brady
"Beware the moon, lads."
Still frightening and funny 38 years later.
The transformation scene was absolutely incredible, but also really painful. You literally hear every bone crack in his body, and all his organs reshaping and shifting. No other werewolf movie has topped that scene and never will. The song Bad Moon Rising is the icing on the cake.
Rick Baker make-up work is masterful. He's the real beast here.
Jan 27, 2020
Peter89Spencer
An 80s horror classic!
The storyline was well written, the special effects were amazing, and Jenny Agutter was so sexy!
Although the ending was a bit rushed - just like the Wolfman, the main character dies, and the film ends, just like that!
What's more messed up is they play an upbeat song during the end credits, right after we see David's lifeless body.
The ending is my one critique. The rest of the movie was pretty good.
Oct 30, 2020
CinemaSerf
"David" (David Naughton) and his pal "Jack" (Griffin Dunne) are taking a walking tour of the UK when they decide to stop off at a pub. They are about as welcome as a dose of the clap and after a few minutes banter with the natives decide they are better off walking. The thing is, those inside know how dangerous it's about to be out there - and the boys soon find out. It's "David" who wakes up in hospital, replete with some mysterious scratch marks, nightmares and claiming that they were attacked by a brutal hound. Nobody really believes him, and anyway his attention is quickly diverted by nurse "Alex" (Jenny Agutter) whom he visits for dinner and never leaves. Luckily she works nights, else she might have discovered that her beau doesn't just stop at a bit of gentle biting. With corpses piling up around London, he is at a loss to know where he goes at night (waking up naked in the wolf enclosure at the zoo might be the final straw) but try as he might, he can't engage the authorities with his claims. Maybe only doctor "Hirsch" (John Woodvine) believes that something unusual is amiss - but can he help before "David" does himself or anyone else more damage! Increasingly more often naked as he goes along, Naughton joins in with the spirit of this enjoyable comedy horror with enthusiasm. I wonder what might happen now if a naked man in a bush even mentioned a boy's balloons!? It runs out of steam a little at the end, and Agutter's acting never really evolved much from the "Railway Children" 1970) but the visual effects work quite well especially when the full moon rises!
Apr 21, 2024
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. An American Werewolf in London presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John Landis brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1981, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of An American Werewolf in London took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 45 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While An American Werewolf in London shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Bucket List, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, An American Werewolf in London offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Sahara and Chicken Run explore similar territory, An American Werewolf in London stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 21, 1981
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Revenue: $31,973,249
