If
I were to select a movie monster I would most like to be, it would
definitely be a werewolf. Sure, I love zombie movies, but I don't
think I could ever develop a taste for human flesh. The werewolf is a
majestic creature. He is powerful, terrifying and deadly...the
ultimate killing machine.
My all-time favorite
werewolf movies are "The Howling" followed by
"The Wolf Man", and "An
American Werewolf in London" respectfully. Many will argue that "An
American Werewolf in London" is better, but not in my book. I will
probably receive a ton of email on this subject, but here are my arguments.
E-mail me.
First, "The Howling" was
more of a true horror film than "An
American Werewolf in London". "An
American Werewolf in London", although a great example of horror, had
more of a comical overtone. I really enjoyed the hard edge of the "The
Howling". Its power raged from the brutally of its' horrific theme.
Second, both movies played
on the idea of the reluctant werewolf. The reluctant werewolf has been the
focal point of most these films since Lon Chaney, Jr. donned the fur in
The Wolf Man. "The Howling" changed the formula of traditional werewolf
movies. It showed the dark side of these hunters of humans. I really
liked how Joe Dante depicted the struggle between those who wanted to fit
into human society and those who just wanted to devour mankind. The
reluctant werewolf storyline can get old really fast. I know I wouldn't have
a problem with all that power.
Click below to hear
both sides points on this subject matter
Old Way vs.
vs.
New Way
(I prefer the old way)
Third, the special
effects. I will probably receive a ton of email saying that the special
effects in "An
American Werewolf in London" were great and there is no doubt, they were
awesome. However, Rob Bottin's transformations were truly amazing.
They had never been seen on film before and that was exactly what Bottin was
shooting for. I like them better than today's morphing. Rick
Baker, who did the effects for "An
American Werewolf in London" had begun as a fx consultant on "The
Howling", but later left to do "An
American Werewolf in London". Both men did a wonderful job with each
movie, but I like Bottin effects, because they seem more realistic.
Also, the lighting was a
key factor in the success of these effects. In "An
American Werewolf in London" all the effects took place in well-lit
areas. This made the effects look more plastic and fake. The blue-green
lighting used in The Howling's transformation scenes help to hide these
limitations and propel the effects.
Fourth and finally, the
werewolves themselves. I prefer the two-legged werewolf to it's
four-legged counterpart. The two-legged version just seem more menacing to
me. The creature still possesses the strength of the wolf
coupled with the derangement of mankind. Again, it is the ultimate killing
machine.
Well, that's my argument.
Checkout my "An
American Werewolf in London" page. As always please
e-mail me if you have anything you can add to this page, or if you have
any comments, criticisms or suggestion.
Newscaster
Karen White (Dee Wallace) has a new secret admirer. Unfortunately for her,
he's a little on the hairy side. While serving as a decoy to capture
sex-killer Eddie Quist (Richard Picardo) the howling begins for Karen. She
can't remember anything about Eddie's death and she doesn't want to. Her
nightmares persist and she seeks the help of Dr. George Waggner
(Patrick Macnee) who suggests she get away from it all and pursue counseling
at his retreat, THE COLONY. Little does she know that it a colony for
Lycanthropes (i.e. werewolves).
Weird things are afoot (or
should I say a paw) in the woods. Karen's husband Bill (Christopher Stone)
is quickly seduced by this strange world of the wolf. The gift is offered to
her, but Karen refuses it. These werewolf scenes are truly the best ever.
Rob Bottin's transformations are amazing, especially Karen's
re-encounter with Eddie Quist. That was one of the greatest scenes in horror
movie history. Better start running to get your wolf bane and silver
bullets. It seems these wolves have a craving for human flesh, but forget
the full moon crap, because a good werewolf can start howling anytime.
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