Every Universal Studios monster has been resurrected for remakes, ranging from Dracula to Frankenstein. But the one monster that wasn't brought back to life was The Wolfman, one that I had wanted to see again for a very long time. The 1941 film is classic horror, and when it was announced that 2010 would see the rebirth of this wonderful film, I was quite excited. After nearly two years of anticipation and news, the final product of "The Wolfman" is a fun little surprise with humor, energy, and plenty of scares and gore.
After the gruesome death of of his brother, actor Lawrence Talbot returns to Blackmoor, England after many years to make peace with his father, Sir John Talbot, and help his brother's fiancee, Gwen Conliffe, find out what killed his sibling. Many believe that the attacker was simply a madman who enhanced the injuries of his victim to make it seem that an animal is the culprit. But one night, Lawrence is attacked by a savage beast, perhaps a rabid dog. Lawrence's wounds are harsh, but then his wounds heal quite quickly, and things happen to him that take over his mind, his senses, and his personality. Nothing can save him, not even psychological treatment or the love of Gwen. For in a matter of 28 days, Lawrence will become a monstrous being that feeds on other life every time the moon is full.
"The Wolfman" is a very fun and stylish horror film that fans of old-school horror should love. For what reasons does this film gain my critical acclaim?
First, the acting is great. Benicio Del Toro is very good as Lawrence, and it is a performance that the great Lon Chaney Jr. would be proud of. Del Toro provides a tone of sympathy and sadness to this character that I don't think others could have done with the role. You care about Lawrence, and you ask yourself "Why him?" That is the reason why Del Toro's performance works. Anthony Hopkins, as always, is awesome as Sir John. When you have Hannibal Lecter(Hopkins's character in "The Silence of the Lambs" for which he won an Oscar in 1991) in a horror film, you can't go wrong. Hopkins is creepy in this role, and you begin to feel suspicious about Sir John right from the beginning. When we first meet him, we begin to wonder if he is hiding something from his son, and if so, we are anxious to discover what it is. But Sir John is also charming and witty in his diabolical ways. Way to go, Anthony! As for the role of Gwen Conliffe, Emily Blunt is properly cast. While she is sultry, Blunt makes you care about Gwen, something that other heroines have a problem with in other horror films nowadays. British actor Hugo Weaving is entertaining as Inspector Aberline, making us laugh at times. And last but not least, the gypsy Maleva is played by Geraldine Chaplin, Charlie Chaplin's daughter. Chaplin adapts the gypsy accent well, and although she doesn't have as much screen time as the gypsy in the original film, she is good with what she is given.
Another aspect of the film I admire is the production design by Rick Heinrichs. One reason we go to the movies is to be immersed in the experience, to be taken away into the film's world. And while I was watching "The Wolfman," I felt like I was in 1800's England. The setting brings an eerie Gothic feel that has a certain authenticity.
A problem with some monster movies, such as the abominable "Van Helsing," is the effects come off as cartoonish, especially when a person has to transform into a monster. Another reason I love "The Wolfman" is because the makeup effects are fantastic. Why, you ask? Because the man behind it all is mastermind Rick Baker, known best for his notorious makeup in "An American Werewolf In London." Now, the transformations here are not as painful and weirdly realistic as the ones in AAWIL. But when Del Toro transforms, it is anything but campy. It is, at times, painful to watch the transformation, while it is also in the style of a classic B-movie.
And for those of you who love a little bit of gore in your horror movies, you won't be disappointed here. The movie is quite scary, but is also extremely bloody when it has to be. The gore isn't as over-the-top as it is in other genre flicks, but when this werewolf attacks, he is not a tame dog.
Music in a horror film is crucial. Either the movie sucks without it or it can be very disturbing with it. After going through many composers, director Joe Johnston chose the music of the ingenious Danny Elfman, who provided very effective music for a lot of Tim Burton's films. Elfman's score for "The Wolfman" is essential in that it sets the tone for an old-school scary movie. I'll be damned if Elfman's music for this film isn't praised.
I think every monster movie has a moral or metaphor hidden in it. It's no doubt that "The Wolfman" has a recognizable meaning. The story represents the bad side of human nature, how insanely violent and angry we can be. It is a metaphor for man's primal animalistic tendencies. While several other films can explore this metaphor, it is evident that "The Wolfman" boasts the best example of it.
Of greatest significance, "The Wolfman" is directed greatly by Joe Johnston, director of such films as "The Rocketeer," "Jumanji" and "Jurassic Park III." While the film went through serious development problems, the biggest predicament was finding the right director. After bouncing from Mark Romanek("One Hour Photo") to Brett Ratner("Red Dragon"), it seemed the best person to handle the material was Mr. Johnston, and what a great decision that was. His direction is stellar as he handles the film the right way, with care.
Overall, "The Wolfman" could have been an epic failure after the many challenges it faced to make it. But this year has been the best year for horror flicks, and this film joins the list of one of the best. It remains true to the original "Wolfman," but doesn't copy it. Instead, it stands on its own as a nifty little horror film that I believe many will be satisfied with. Not since "Ginger Snaps" have we had a good werewolf movie, and "The Wolfman" proves that there is still life in the subgenre. Instead of subjecting yourself to the senseless "Valentine's Day," get your dose of monster madness with this awesome film. Thank you, Universal Studios, for bringing back a classic cinematic monster.
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