1981 stands out as a great year for werewolf fans as three movies were released that all look at the lycanthropy mythos from different perspectives and with different objectives in their storytelling. One in particular has reached the status of cult classic, but the other two also have their place amongst the ranks of great werewolf movies. An American Werewolf in London stands out among its contemporaries due to its unique blend of horror, comedy, and stunning practical effects it shares the year with two other iconic werewolf films, The Howling and Wolfen.
An American Werewolf in London
Two American college students, David and Jack, are backpacking through England. They encounter a mysterious creature on the moors and are attacked. Jack is killed, while David survives but is bitten. As David recovers in the hospital, he is visited by the ghostly figure of his deceased friend, who warns him of his impending transformation into a werewolf. Once released from the hospital, David begins a relationship with one of the nurses and is staying in her flat. The film blends horror and dark comedy as David grapples with his newfound curse and the horrifying reality of his future.
The Howling
A television news reporter, Karen White, is traumatized by a brutal attack and seeks help at a secluded rehabilitation center. She soon discovers that the center is inhabited by a cult of werewolves who are planning to turn her into one of their own. The film delves into themes of fear, transformation, and the loss of identity as Karen fights to survive and escape the clutches of the werewolf cult.
Wolfen
Wolfen is a 1981 horror thriller set in New York City. Detective Dewey Wilson is tasked with investigating a series of gruesome murders that bear the marks of animal attacks. As he delves deeper into the case, he encounters a mysterious Native American community living in the city’s urban jungle. Wilson learns of an ancient legend about wolf-like creatures, the Wolfen, who are capable of shifting between human and wolf forms. These creatures are intelligent and cunning, and they seem to be responsible for the recent killings. As the body count rises, Wilson must confront the terrifying truth about Wolfen and their deadly intentions.
An American Werewolf in London:
- Tone: A blend of horror and dark comedy.
- Transformation: Groundbreaking practical effects for the transformation sequence.
- Story: Character-driven, focusing on the protagonist’s descent into lycanthropy.
- Sequels
- 1 movie, An American Werewolf in Paris was released in 1997, and a remake is in the works.
- Written and Directed by John Landis
- Starring
- David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, John Woodvine
The Howling:
- Tone: A darker, more suspenseful horror film.
- Transformation: Stylized and surreal transformation sequences.
- Story: Plot-driven, involving a cult of werewolves and a mysterious retreat.
- Sequels
- Spawned seven additional films, none of which recapture the originals quality.
- Directed by Joe Dante
- Screenplay by John Sayles and Terrence H. Winkless
- Based on the book by Gary Brandner
- Starring
- Dee Wallace, Patrick Mcnee, Dennis Dugan, Christopher Stone
Wolfen:
- Tone: A gritty, urban horror thriller.
- Transformation: More subtle transformations, focusing on the creatures’ animalistic behavior and predatory instincts.
- Story: A detective story with a supernatural twist, as a detective investigates a series of gruesome murders.
- Sequels
- None
- Directed by
- Michael Wadleigh
- Written by
- David M. Eyre, Jr, Michael Wadleigh, Eric Roth (uncredited)
- Based on the Novel by Whitley Strieber
- Starring
- Albert Finney, Diane Venora, Edward James Olmos, Gregory Hines, Tom Noonan
While An American Werewolf in London and The Howling are more traditional werewolf films, Wolfen takes a unique approach by portraying werewolves as intelligent, urban predators. It explores themes of alienation, urban decay, and the dark side of human nature.
In terms of impact, An American Werewolf in London is often considered a landmark film in the horror genre, with its distinct balance of comedy and horror creating an entertaining film with sympathetic characters and amazing practical special effects but The Howling and Wolfen have also made significant contributions to the werewolf mythos. Each film offers a distinct vision of the werewolf, appealing to different horror fans. Which is your favorite?