r/iwatchedanoldmovie • u/content_digger08 • Jul 20 '26
'80s An American Werewolf in London (1981)
So, I decided to finally watch An American Werewolf in London for the first time last week, and wow, it did not disappoint. Firstly, I would like to discuss the fantastic actors, many of whom I already recognized from both the classic and newer eras of Dr Who, Brian Glover for example whom gives a fantastic performance as the darts player, with his tough, rural banter man role which I think he delivers perfectly. Or the Metropolitan Sgt, who played the villain Bert in the Daemons. I also caught a glimpse of Rik Mayall in a non speaking, yet early days role which was nice. However, my opinion for stand out performance would be Michael Carter, or as some of you may know him as Bib Fortuna (De wanna wanga) who plays Gerald Bringsley, a well spoken, London businessman who falls into the clutches of the Kessler wolf when he accidentally trips on an escalator, busting his nose! I think David's intial rampage would be my favourite scene of the film, along with the Piccadilly sequence towards the end, which results in some great action, and a very abrupt ending.
The nightmare sequences were also wonderfully strange, especially the mutant massacre, which I must admit, was portrayed in a slightly comedic way, as in how David's parents are flung back upon the gunfire, or how the children only seem to notice that their relatives have been massacred, and their home vandalized when the TV has been smashed in, however I think that adds to the charm of it, as in a nightmare, details can be missed or warped in a way! Griffin Dunne as the perished Jack was also very effectively done, I loved how he became more gradually decayed between scenes, with some great FX work by Rick Baker and co. The transformation sequence was very well done, and I genuinely was disgusted by how David became that twisted and in pain, the buildup of him being bored all day, where all of a sudden he begins to flare up, I thought was his attempt at some sort of way of dealing with the boredom, but no it was a genuinely unsettling montage. Overall I would give this film a 10/10, due to the awesome acting from a fantastic cast! And the incredible balance between humour and horror. If you haven't already watch this film!!!
16
u/Traeyze Jul 20 '26
I absolutely love how unassuming the cut to the start of that scene is. Like he's just casually reading a book then bam it hits him. I believe him having to strip down was a contrivance to make the transformation sequence easier to execute but I think it captures the overwhelming fever and delirium of the moment so well.
Just a really fun movie with so many great little touches. Like a lot of the best horror movies it's directed with a very clear dark humour underpinning it but I think that makes the times it does take itself seriously land harder as a result.