Filmmaker John Landis is probably best remembered for comedic classics like Animal House, The Blues Brothers, and Trading Places. However, before making some of the most iconic comedies of the 70s and 80s, he had his humble beginnings. In 1969, he got his first real job as an assistant director on the WWII comedy, Kelly’s Heroes. While working on that film, Landis witnessed a gypsey burial where a man was wrapped in canvas, garlic, and rosaries. The man was also buried feet first to prevent him from rising from the dead, which gave Landis an idea. He wrote the first draft soon after, but it was shelved for years as he continued growing his career. He soon found success directing The Kentucky Fried Movie, Animal House, and The Blues Brothers, all of which were hits. With this success, he got to make his dream project, An American Werewolf in London.

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Two young American men, David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne), are backpacking through the moors in Yorkshire, England. While traveling, they come across a pub called The Slaughtered Lamb, where they’re not welcome, so they decide to leave. Before leaving, they’re warned to avoid the moors, stick to the roads, and beware of the moon. Unfortunately, they end up disregarding their advice and are attacked by a large wolf, Jack killed and David left scarred. Sometime later, David wakes up in a London hospital, where he’s tended to by Nurse Alex Price (Jenny Agutter). David starts having a series of vivid dreams before being visited by Jack, now a member of the undead. Jack warns him that he’ll soon turn into a werewolf and he must kill himself, but David doesn’t believe him. Eventually, the full moon comes and David is turned into a deadly hound from hell.

An American Werewolf in London is easily one of the best horror comedies ever made, achieving a perfect genre balance. Like I’ve said in my reviews of Evil Dead II and Blood Diner, horror-comedies can be tricky to pull off. Luckily, Landis manages to strike a balance between dark humor, crude jokes, tension-filled suspense, and effective use of gore. Right from the opening scene, David Naughton and Griffin Dunne are instantly likable and have great chemistry with each other. Speaking of, Naughton also has great chemistry with Jenny Agutter, which also adds an element of tragic romance. There are also some great character actors throughout, including John Woodvine, Dave Schofield, Brian Glover, Rik Mayal, and Frank Oz. Everyone in the cast knows exactly when it’s appropriate to be funny and when to act serious and even ominous. Also, be sure to look for a cameo from John Landis himself.

Of course, it’s hard to talk about An American Werewolf in London without mentioning the makeup effects, for good reason. Done by the legendary Rick Baker, these are easily some of the best practical effects ever put on film. From Jack looking disemboweled and rotting to David’s initial werewolf transformation, it puts today’s CGI effects to shame. What also makes the initial transformation effective is Naughton’s performance, the bone-crunching sound effects, and the odd choice of music. Speaking of, the soundtrack is mostly comprised of “moon” songs, such as Blue Moon, Bad Moon Rising, and Moondance. While a more contemporary score would’ve fit some scenes better, the music is weirdly effective, adding an off-kilter feel. Other than some pacing issues and certain shots lasting too long, this is still an effective horror-comedy that deserves praise. Overall, An American Werewolf in London is essential viewing for budding horror aficionados.

 

Buy An American Werewolf in London on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2L5Tzts

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