It's a failure, less because the odd stylistic mix doesn't take (it does from time to time, and to striking effect) than because Landis hasn't bothered to put his story into any kind of satisfying shape.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:42
Fresh:37
Rotten:5
Average Rating:7.5/10
Runtime: 1 hr 38 mins
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Synopsis: In this grisly black comedy, David Kessler and Jack Goodman (David Naughton and Griffin Dunne, respectively) are two American students on a backpacking tour of Europe. Wandering the backroads of... In this grisly black comedy, David Kessler and Jack Goodman (David Naughton and Griffin Dunne, respectively) are two American students on a backpacking tour of Europe. Wandering the backroads of gloomy East Proctor, England, they find a pub where the unhelpful locals act suspiciously strange. The unsuspecting boys flee the pub in search of lodging after being warned to avoid the moors. Lost in the dark countryside, the pair is attacked by a werewolf. Only David survives, waking up three weeks later in a London hospital. As David begins to regain his memory he is tormented by nightmares and is visited by his dead friend Jack, who warns David that he will turn into a werewolf with the next full moon--and that the only way to lift the curse is to kill himself. Because the town of East Proctor has covered up the real cause of the murder, David is forced to face the truth alone. Finally, he is discharged and taken in by his nubile nurse, Alex Price (Jenny Agutter). As Alex and David begin their steamy love affair, it is only a matter of time before the next full moon comes--when the truth will be revealed. Director John Landis has crafted an entertaining, funny horror story, featuring the terrific combination of Naughton and Dunne and a sparkling rock score in which every song includes the word "moon.". [More]
Starring: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, John Woodvine
Starring: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, John Woodvine
Director: John Landis
Director: John Landis
Screenwriter: John Landis
Composer: Elmer Bernstein
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Reviews for An American Werewolf in London
Landis leans too heavily on the shock effects provided by Rick Baker's lycanthropic transformation make-up.
Seems curiously unfinished, as if director John Landis spent all his energy on spectacular set pieces and then didn't want to bother with things like transitions, character development, or an ending.
The best movie ever written by a teenager - Landis was 19 when he penned the first draft - and a constant comic delight.
Undeniably delivers a good share of scares and dark laughs. And for all its lack of discipline, it's a model of directorial clarity when compared with Landis's subsequent work, which inexorably descended into indulgence and foolishness.
The metamorphoses into the werewolf scenes are spectacular and the beast's rampage through Piccadilly Circus is marvellous. Splendid gory fun.
It might not belong on anyone’s all-time greats list, but it definitely rates right up there among the most entertaining films of its era.
Director John Landis brings humor to this offbeat reworking of the familiar tale for which Rick Baker received a well deserved Oscar for his makeup (in the first year of that category).
Awesome horror movie, great use of music for comedic effect, and the transformation still rules.
Considering its often campy competition, it's hard to argue that, if your in the mood for lycanthropy, London is the place to go.
A horror classic. It's ten times better than its follow-up, An American Werewolf in Paris, and about fifty times better than Halloween.
You've got to give John Landis credit for taking the well-worn werewolf tale and injecting it with new life, so to speak.
Latest News for An American Werewolf in London
June 29, 2009:
Weinsteins Plotting American Werewolf in London Remake? ![]()
According to a source at Bloody Disgusting, John Landis has cut a deal with Dimension Films allowing the studio to remake "An American Werewolf in London." More...
August 02, 2005:
John Landis Goes to the "Dogs"
Veteran comedy director John Landis will helm "Show Dogs" for New Line Cinema, says Variety. Described as a canine-centric "Pygmalion," the story focuses on... More...
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