An American Werewolf in London
John Landis
(1981)
American tourists David and Jack are savaged by an unidentified vicious animal whilst hiking on the Yorkshire Moors. Retiring to the home of a beautiful nurse to recuperate, David soon experiences disturbing changes to his mind and body.
An American Werewolf In London Movie Soundtrack/Theme Song - Bad Moon Rising
Cast
David Kessler: David Naughton
Nurse Alex Price: Jenny Agutter
Jack Goodman: Griffin Dunne
Dr. J. S. Hirsch: John Woodvine
Inspector Villiers: Don McKillopCrew
Synopsis
An American Werewolf in London tells the story of David Kessler, a young American backpacking through England with his friend Jack. After a fateful encounter with a werewolf on the moors, Jack is killed, leaving David traumatized and alone. As David recovers in London, he experiences terrifying hallucinations, unsettling dreams, and strange transformations that hint at his impending curse. The narrative masterfully combines horror with dark comedy, using David’s perspective to explore both the supernatural threat and his psychological descent. The tension builds steadily, with atmospheric urban and rural settings enhancing the sense of unease. Ultimately, David’s struggle becomes a chilling exploration of inevitability, loss, and identity.
Fun Facts
The film won the first Academy Award ever for Best Makeup, awarded to Rick Baker for the iconic full-body werewolf transformation sequence. Director John Landis blended horror with humor, pioneering the horror-comedy hybrid that would inspire many future films. The film’s nighttime sequences were shot on location in London and surrounding areas, adding authenticity and depth. Practical effects, prosthetics, and animatronics were used extensively, creating some of the most realistic werewolf transformations in cinema history. Additionally, the soundtrack featured a mix of contemporary and eerie music to enhance mood and tension.
Production Context
Produced on a modest budget, An American Werewolf in London required innovative special effects, including animatronic and prosthetic werewolf components. Landis collaborated closely with Rick Baker, pushing the limits of practical effects to achieve a seamless and terrifying transformation. Filming in both urban and rural England presented logistical challenges, including weather delays and nighttime shoots. The film emphasized character development and psychological tension, balancing scares with moments of dark humor and empathy for David’s plight.
Reception
The film was a commercial success and received critical acclaim for its visual effects, performances, and inventive blend of horror and comedy. Over time, it has achieved cult status and is considered one of the most influential werewolf films ever made, shaping both horror and comedy approaches in the genre. Its groundbreaking effects and memorable sequences continue to be studied and admired by filmmakers and fans alike.
Be the first to leave a contribution!
YouTube Curated Selection
Behind the scenes footage from AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON
An American Werewolf in London (1981) Trailer | David Naughton | Jenny Agutter
An American Werewolf in London (1981) - Let Me Help You Scene (10/10) | Movieclips
Behind the Scenes: An American Werewolf in London (Landis, 1981) with David Naughton
An American Werewolf in London (1981) - Jack's Warning Scene (4/10) | Movieclips
David Naughton talks An American Werewolf in London! #podcast #interview #werewolf #horrormovies
An American Werewolf in London: First time as a werewolf HD CLIP
JENNY AGUTTER - INTERVIEW - NOV 1981
An American Werewolf in London clip - David returns to Nurse Alex home from a night out
No results found.
Re-Animator (1985-10-18)
The Return of the Living Dead (1985-04-25)
The Howling (1981-01-21)
The Company of Wolves (1984-09-21)