53. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

How do you go about making fantasy horror more real? Add humour.
Written by John Landis wen he was just 19 years old, this horror comedy sets many new boundaries in the genre. Previous incarnations of the werewolf in film have been of  a 2 legged beast and the metamorphosis from man to wolf has been a clunky clumsy one. Make-up artist Rick Baker conquered this challenge, coining the phrase special visual effects and winning the inaugural Best make-Up Oscar for his troubles.

It really is the human story that makes this such a great film. David and Jack are American tourists who have inexplicably decided to take in the Yorkshire Moors on their travels about Europe. After being told by the creepy patrons of The Slaughtered Lamb pub to stick to the road, they find themselves wandering onto the moors much to the delight of the local werewolf who attacks them killing Jack and injuring David as the Slaughtered Lamb patrons have an attack of conscience and kill the animal. A bit late though as David ow has the curse. Something he finds out when the decomposing body of his friend Jack meets up with him in a London hospital.

There are great scenes throughout this black comedy. Jack introducing David to his victims in a darkened porn theatre, one of which is an enthusiastic Sloane ranger who offers up ways for David to kill himself like she's a contestant on a quiz show, is a particular favourite.

There are some discrepancies to be had. The geography, for one, is quite bizarre. Why does he have to go to London? I'm quite positive there are many closer hospitals to Yorkshire. Also, despite all the pleads for him to kill himself, why doesn't anyone suggest that he leaves London and heads for a less populated area or maybe just chains himself up? Just a suggestion.

It is a fantastic film. The comedy/horror ratio is well balanced and,though the effects are a bit clunky now, I think it still stands up now. The physical effects, despite their clunkiness, are a preference to the unrealistic CGI effects of late.

"Mummy! A naked American man stole my balloons." Such innocent times!