American Werewolf in London (1981)

In this article, we will be looking at 2019’s book “1001 Movies to See Before You Die” and going through each film in a random order that I have chosen. We will be looking at what constitutes this film to be on the list and whether I think this film deserves to be here at all. I want to make perfectly clear that I won’t be revealing details from this book such as analyses by film reporters who have written about the film in question, so if you want the book itself you’ll have to buy it. But I will be covering the book’s suggestions on which films should be your top priority. I wouldn’t doubt for a second that everyone reading this article has probably watched many of these movies anyway. But we are just here to have a bit of fun. We’re going to not just look at whether it should be on this list but we’re also going to look at why the film has such a legacy at all. Remember, this is the 2019 version of the book and so, films like “Joker” will not be featured in this book and any film that came out in 2020 (and if we get there, in 2021). So strap in and if you have your own suggestions then don’t hesitate to email me using the address in my bio. Let’s get on with it then.

American Werewolf in London (1981) dir. by John Landis

Known as one of the most incredible cult horror/comedy films of all time and the inspiration behind Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (1983) Short Film, "American Werewolf in London" is one of the most well-known monster movies of the 1980s.

The blend of horror and comedy became more favourable throughout the 1980s with many articles citing "American Werewolf in London" (1981) as one of the most inspiring pieces that started this. The films that were cited as being inspired by the blending of genres included: "Beetlejuice" and "Evil Dead 2".

There have since been many different criticisms on "American Werewolf in London" (1981), especially regarding its approach to Jewishness and anti-semitism. Rolling Stone Magazine had this to say:

"Hiding a secret deep within one's body, strange urges, xenophobic glances, accusatory feelings of guilt: David's condition already has a name, and this won't be the first film in which Jewish otherness is made monstrous."

I first watched "American Werewolf in London" (1981) when I was fifteen years' old and since, I have been a huge fan of the film. Honestly, I watched Michael Jackson's Thriller as a very young child because you know, I was of the generation that was practically raised on Michael Jackson (which is basically everyone from the late 20th century). I started to see the links between the the music video of 1983 and the film of 1981. It was quite conceptual but I ended up loving the film mostly because of the music video which was also directed by John Landis that came afterwards.

All in all, this film is a brilliant addition to the horror-comedy genre. It had a sequel which was not as good as the original called “An American Werewolf in Paris”. It was released in the USA by Universal Pictures on the 21st of August, 1981 and went to win many different awards including the first ever Academy Award for Best Make-Up. It has since become one of the most watched cult films in all of horror history with its sequel being released in 1997 but never really gaining the recognition its original had. The film’s ending is one of the greatest comedic and satirical endings you’ve ever seen and fits perfectly with the whole cult film vibe that it gives off. I think that the atmosphere though, is the most fantastic thing since sliced bread. You’ve got all this primitive smokiness which makes the atmosphere look both dark and comedic. Then you’ve got the key transformation scene which is just pure brilliance and the various close-ups done by John Landis gives an amazing look at all the hard work that went into the costume, the make-up and the overall design of this creature.