Uncovering the Untold Side of 'An American Werewolf in London'
Unleash the terror and thrill of 'An American Werewolf in London', a cinematic masterpiece that will haunt your dreams Prepare for a hair-raising ride like no other as this movie sinks its teeth into the darkest corners of your imagination
The Big Picture
An American Werewolf in London is more than just a horror film - it's a tragedy that explores the meaning of loss and the curse of the werewolf.
The film delves into the protagonist's internal struggle and the impact of trauma on his identity, focusing on the psychological aspects of the curse. The ending of the film, while not surprising, is rather bleak, as it follows the tragic journey of the doomed protagonist and emphasizes the cyclicality of trauma.
Before the credits roll at the start of An American Werewolf in London, there is an underlying sense of gloom that sets the tone for the film. Dedicated to the late Jim O'Rourke, a producer who passed away during its production, this serves as a foreshadowing of what is to come. As the melody of Blue Moon plays, there is a feeling of warning. The lyrics echo, "You saw me standing alone, without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own." This juxtaposition may seem unexpected, as this is typically regarded as a straightforward horror film and a Halloween classic. However, it encompasses more than just these elements. In addition to its comedic aspects and impressive practical effects, An American Werewolf in London is ultimately a tragedy.
The film delves into the concept of loss, exploring its meaning, if any, throughout its storyline. It focuses on the inevitable doom that befalls the protagonist and the bloody aftermath of his actions. The Werewolf, a powerful symbol of transformation and strength, is also depicted as a tortured being, condemned to exist as a different entity under the light of a full moon. Primarily, werewolf stories are centered around the loss of control. In 1981's American Werewolf, the emphasis shifts from gore to the psychological aspects of the curse, allowing it to retain its relevance and freshness, even in the era of elevated horror.
An American Werewolf In London, an image via Universal Pictures, tells the tale of two American college students on a walking tour of Britain who find themselves under attack by a werewolf, despite the locals' denial of its existence.
'An American Werewolf in London' Goes for the Throat
At the beginning of the film, we are introduced to two main characters, David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne), who are embarking on a trip to Europe. Initially, they find themselves in England and seek shelter from the cold Moors by entering a local pub, ominously named The Slaughtered Lamb. The inhabitants of the town react to their arrival with scorn and disdain, eventually forcing them to leave and venture out onto the Moors. However, David and Jack, being young American men, dismiss the superstitious warnings of the locals. This changes when Jack is unexpectedly attacked while they are together. The suddenness and brutality of the attack shocks both David and the audience. Immediately after a lighthearted moment where David tries to help Jack up from a fall, Jack is dragged down and savagely torn apart. His puffer jacket is ripped to shreds, his throat is brutally torn open. In a state of shock, David witnesses some townspeople come to his rescue, shooting and killing the creature that attacked Jack. As David gazes at the body, now transformed back into its human form – revealing it to be an old man – we realize that our expectations have already been completely upended. Jack is no more.
Now, David finds himself in a foreign land, filled with dread from the horrifying events he witnessed. Adding to his distress, the hospital staff dismiss the true nature of his friend's death. This film, once solely focused on werewolves, takes an unexpected turn. It becomes evident early on that David is no ordinary being when an undead Jack pays him a visit, enlightening him about the supernatural. The real question now is what David will do next. Sadly, there is no hope for Jack as the movie does not aim to rescue him from his inevitable fate. However, what is even more astonishing is that David too is devoid of hope. According to Jack, the werewolf attack has condemned him to a lifelong cycle of harming others. The only escape lies in self-inflicted death. Trapped between his fear and his malevolent deeds, David is ultimately doomed from the beginning, reminiscent of the tragic element prevalent in many classic works. Yes, he is doomed, but not before he takes someone else down with him.
