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Werewolves On Film
With the recent release of
Universal's beautifully made, highly successful, and utterly respectful, remake
of "The Wolfman," starring Benecio Del Toro, as well as the success of
"Twilight: New Moon," werewolves on film are receiving extra attention these
days. Here's a look at some of my favorite movie werewolves, including
explanations on why I chose the ones that I have.
Paul
Naschy as Waldemar Daninsky, as I've stated before is, hands down, my absolute
favorite onscreen werewolf, the Gold Standard, if you will. While the immortal
Naschy (1934 -2009) portrayed several of the classic movie monsters, it was his
portrayal of El Hombre Lobo that became his signature role, one that he
portrayed in a total of 13 films! Any of his movies are worth a look, and all of
them are fun. Particular favorites of mine include "Return Of The Werewolf," and
"The Werewolf Vs. The Vampire Women."
Lest
the classic Universal Monsters fans think of me as a blasphemer, let me make it
clear that, yes, Lon Chaney Jr. as the original Larry Talbot beats Benecio Del
Toro's version, despite the fact that Del Toro put on the performance of a
lifetime in the new remake. When I picture the Wolf Man in my mind, I'll always
see visions of Lon Chaney Jr. in the original Jack Pierce make-up, prowling
about the countryside amidst the swirling fog, in the English countryside. While
Chaney's Larry Talbot comes off as more of a victim, I never had any problem
"believing" that this was a very tortured man, tortured by an evil curse, yes.
And, tortured by personal demons as well.
Lon Chaney Jr. portrayed the Wolf Man in "The Wolf Man" (1941), "Frankenstein
Meets The Wolf Man" (1943), "House Of Frankenstein" (1944), "House Of Dracula"
(1945), and, finally, in "Abbott And Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948). Lon
Chaney Jr. donned the Universal-style Wolf Man make-up again in a 1966 episode
of the popular television series "Route 66," playing himself, and appearing
alongside fellow Horror icons Boris Karloff, and Peter Lorre. Interestingly, Lon
Chaney Jr. also plays a mummified(!) werewolf in 1960's Mexican production "La
Casa Del Terror," from which scenes were lifted for Jerry Warren's American film
"Face Of The Screaming Werewolf" (1964).
Michael
Landon's Tony Rivers in the 1957 American International Pictures classic "I Was
A Teenage Werewolf" has always been a favorite of mine, and, while Mr. Landon
didn't appear in the sequel (of sorts) "How To Make A Monster," the highly
distinctive Teenage Werewolf character does appear in this most enjoyable
"inside the movies" Horror movie.
While
undoubtably one of the worst werewolf depictions on film, John Andrews'
portrayal of "the Wolfman," in the Ed Wood written "Orgy Of The Dead" (1965)
certainly occupies a special place on my list of favorite werwolves on film, if
for dubious reasons. No make-up here, just a rubber werewolf mask, complete with
gray streaks vaguely reminiscient of, and obviously inspired by, the Teenage
Werewolf. John Andrews thought highly of himself, and his acting "ability," and
made fun of "Orgy Of The Dead" female lead (and Bone Jangler crush) Pat
Barrington, mockingly saying of her, "She thought she was going to be a big ****ing
star!" Mr. Andrews had no room to talk, as he couldn't howl worth a damn,
allowed his neck, and wrists, to be seen on camera, and brought very little to
this laughably inept, yet mesmerizing, underrated, gem. While Ed Wood did not
direct this one (A.C. Stephens had the honor), it reeks of his special magic,
and unique vision. I have
dreams of the set used in "Orgy Of The Dead," and John Andrews' "Wolfman" just
happens to be associated with it, earning him a spot on this list.
Another
laughable werewolf, in my opinion, is Matt Willis' Andreas in Columbia's
otherwise terrific ersatz Dracula movie, "Return Of The Vampire" (1943),
starring the real Dracula - Bela Lugosi, on top of his game, as Armand Tesla.
Overall, I prefer Tod Browning's "Mark Of The Vampire" (1935), minus the ending,
which I won't spoil here. However, I could've easily done without the
wise-cracking, unnecessary werewolf in this picture. Universal had invented the
monster rally with "Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman," and Columbia must've felt
the need to attempt to deliver one of their own.
Often
referred to (by those whom actually know of this film's existence) as the single
worst werewolf in the history of film, veteran B-movie actor Anthony Eisley does
his best to make the most of his lead role in "The Mummy And The Curse Of The
Jackals" (1969). Eisley moonlights as a "were-jackal," sporting some really
corny, and cartoony, looking fur/make-up, and dukes it out with a pot-bellied
4,000 year old mummy. This one was directed by noted "hack" director Oliver
Drake, of whom Eisley gingerly referred to as being "senile." Hey, at least the
jackal wasn't wearing a rubber mask, and gloves! An interesting fact about this
cinematic atrocity is that it served as a sequel of sorts to "Dracula, The Dirty
Old Man" (1969), a totally cheesy sleaze-fest, and, one of our viewers' absolute
favorites.
The
titular werewolf in 1973's "Santo Y Blue Demon Contra Dracula Y El Hombre Lobo,"
is considered by many to be reminiscient of Paul Naschy's definitive Hombre
Lobo. I concur, to a degree, and most thoroughly enjoyed both the werewolf, and,
especially, this Mexican Monster Rally. The werewolf's appearance in this one is
more traditional, and easily blows away the aborigine-looking werewolf in the
superior "Santo Y Blue Demon Contra Los Monstruos" (1969).
And,
of course, another of my true favorite werewolf depictions onscreen, as well as
one of the undisputed best werewolf pictures ever made is John Landis' "An
American Werewolf In London" (1981). Fellow Pepper (I L-O-V-E Dr. Pepper,
especially from a fountain) David Naughton plays David Kessler, and, as is Mr.
Naughton's way, not only is he immensely likeable in this one, but, he puts on
an extremely enjoyable performance as the American college student taking a
walking tour of England, when his friend is mauled by a werewolf. At first, he
runs for his life, but, when he returns too late to try to save his friend, he
too is attacked by the werewolf. Before long, the young man is dreams of hunting
on four legs, and is haunted by his rapidly decomposing friend, and, before
long, transforms into a werewolf himself. Rick Baker, who also worked the new
Benicio Del Toro film, worked his magic here, in this film that includes the
most painful werewolf transformation scene ever committed to film, a scene that,
without the "benefit" of CGI, took a week to film!
Well, that's it. I know that there will be those crying foul, because I didn't
mention Henry Hull in "Werewolf Of London" (1935), or Oliver Reed in "The Curse
Of The Werewolf." While I certainly enjoy both of those films, and believe that
Reed's make-up in the latter film was fantastic, I could never realy wrap my
head around either of these cinematic werewolves, and, neither of these
caricatures were outlandish enough to make this list for other reasons.
I hope you enjoyed this list, and, if you haven't seen the "Wolfman" movie yet,
what are you waiting for?
- The BONE JANGLER
It's been a great week for
new Horror movie releases on DVD! There were 3 in particular that stand out
amongst the rest. They are...
"The
Wolf Man" (Special Edition) (Universal Legacy Edition) (1941)
That's right, for the third time in just 10 years, Universal is re-releasing
this Curt Siodmak-written classic, starring Lon Chaney Jr. as the cursed Larry
Talbot. Of course, the timing on this one is obvious. They're doing this to
tie-in to the new, 2010, remake starring Benecio Del Toro, which opens at
theaters on Friday, February 12th. This one's a 2-disc set, featuring several
bonus features, although only 2 of them are new. There's a 10 minute overview of
werewolf movies, covered by Rick Baker, John Landis, and several notable film
critics. There's also a well made 35 minute feature documenting the career of
Lon Chaney Jr., which, while not shedding light on any new revealations for
longtime Chaney fans, will serve as a great primer for the uninitiated. The same
can be said of the previously seen documentary on classic make-up man Jack
Pierce, as well as the "Universal Horror" feature-length documentary on the
entire Universal Horror catalogue. There is also a trailer gallery, just for
kicks. Buy it! Own it! Enjoy it, and support future releases of the classic
Universal Monsters!
"Zombieland"
(2009)
Oh yeah! This one's the BIG one this week, the one that everyone who saw it in
theaters is buying, and everyone who didn't is renting, and then buying. Yes.
It's just that good! This one features Jesse Eisenberg ("Adventureland"), Woody
Harrelson ("Natural Born KIllers"), Emma Stone ("Superbad"), and Abigail Breslin
("Nim's Island").
The world has become overrun by flesh-eating zombies, cause by a virus
pertaining to Mad Cow Disease. Only a handful of humans survive, and this tale
focuses on a group of (not entirely) strangers who become unlikely allies on a
search for California, a Twinkee, and the last of the good times.
If you've already seen it, then, you know better than to spoil the hilarious
surprise cameo that takes place late in the picture. You also know that this one
comes highly recommended.
"The
House Of The Devil" (2009)
Here's one that may have slipped below your radar.
Set
in the early Eighties (a favorite, and much more carefree, era of mine, I must
admit), college student Samantha Hughes, desperate to break away from her
slovenly, sex-obsessed, dorm roommate takes on a babysitting job to come up with
some cash for a new apartment. Early on, before she's even accepted the gig,
it's obvious (to everyone but Samantha) that something is very, very wrong about
it. Cutie Jocelin Donahue ("He's Just Not That Into You") stars in a
capitivating breakout role that's sure to garner her many a lucrative acting
role in the near future. Also starring Tom Noonan ("Manhunter"), Mary Woronov
("Rock 'n Roll High School"), and Dee Wallace ("The Howling"), "The House Of The
Devil" is the kind of film that they just don't seem to make anymore, a film
that relentlessly ratchets up the suspense throughout.
Anyone who lived in the late Seventies/Early Eighties, or is a fan of Horror
films from the era, will immediately recognize all of the music, feathered hair,
clothing styles, screen titles, etc., and will quickly develop a crush on this
picture. This is the kind of nostalgia that I welcome, and hope that more
filmmakers will embrace. Fans of Roman Polanski's Horror films will adore this
one as well. Whether you've previously heard any buzz about this one, or not,
even if you buy only 1 DVD this week, I urge you to plunk down your hard earned
money on "The House Of The Devil." You won't regret it.
- The BONE JANGLER
Rob Zombie is a
well-known, Grammy-nominated, musician/songwriter, born in Haverhill,
Massachusetts on January 12th, 1965. He first came to prominence in the band
White Zombie, named after the 1932 Bela Lugosi Horror film. After only 2, highly
successful, hard-driving, albums, White Zombie disbanded, and Rob Zombie began a
solo career.
In 2003, Rob Zombie made his film directorial debut with his "House Of 1000
Corpses," a colorful, and gore-filled, well-made, exploitation film, starring
Karen Black, Sid Haig, and Rob's wife, Sheri Moon Zombie. With the success of
his first film, a sequel was made, 2005's exceptional "The Devil's Rejects,"
which most Rob Zombie fans, and Horror aficionados, myself included, consider
to be his finest moment, film-wise.
In 2007, Mr. Zombie released "Halloween," a remake/reimagining of the John
Carpenter classic, which found Zombie exploring the previously overlooked
childhood of Michael Myers, providing the character with a realism which placed
Michael Myers in the real world, as we know it, a world of crazed serial
killers, providing insights as to how this kid grew up to do what he did.
Reactions to this film were mixed, with many Horror fans questioning the need
for such a re-telling. Honestly, like so many of these remakes, there was no
reason for it. However, the powers that be made the decision, and, whether one
saw the need for it, or not, it was a reality. I, myself, I enjoyed it for what
it was.
Flash forward to August 28th, 2009, Rob Zombie's "Halloween II" is released, and
is met with much more negative criticism, in addition to confusion regarding the
plot, than his original Michael Myers offering. Personally, I saw it in theaters
more than once, and found it fascinating. On January 12th, the movie was
released on DVD in an unrated director's cut. "Halloween II," the unrated
director's cut DVD, features a lengthier version of the movie, and, with the
addition of Rob Zombie's commentary, goes a long way to clear up any confusion
viewers of the theatrical release may have had.
This sequel picks up 2 years after the original (in the theatrical release, it was only 1 year later), and finds Michael Myers wandering the countryside, haunted by visions of his dead mother, and himself as a child. He also is haunted by a white horse. The movie is trippy, to say the least, illustrating the madness that goes on in Michael's head. Scout Taylor-Compton's Laurie Strode is no longer the nicey-nice girl next door of the first movie, having been through so much trauma. She lives with her friend Annie Brackett (Danielle Harris of "Halloween 4" and "Halloween 5"), who was nearly killed in Zombie's original take on the Michael Myers franchise, and her father, Sheriff Brackett (Brad Dourif in an amazing, and outstanding, performance) . Once the best of friends, the roles have been reversed in this picture, with Annie being the protective motherly type to Laurie's now wild self. Laurie no longer seems to appreciate her old friend, instead wishing to cultivate an entirely new set of friends.
All of the main characters at in this movie are pretty messed up, whether it be
from physical, and/or emotional scars from the events of the previous movie, or
otherwise. This is a very dark, and disturbing, film. Malcolm McDowell turns in
another tremendous performance as Dr. Loomis. This time, Dr. Loomis is no longer
the considerate, hippyesque Loomis of the first film. Gone is the long hair, and
high ideals. Instead, they've been replaced by a domineering, self-absorbed,
publicity-mad fame monster. In fact, it's Loomis' relative thoughtlessness that
brings about the revelation that Laurie Strode is actually Angel Myers, Michael
Myers' little sister. It is this revelation that pushes Laurie over the edge,
as she strives to sort of reinvent herself whilst attempting to stave off a
complete mental, and certainly emotional, breakdown.
As per usual, Rob Zombie's choice of music for the film's soundtrack is
inspired, and entertaining. There's a nice segment of the film featuring
psychobilly band Captain Clegg & The Night Creatures (the band's name comes from
the 1962 Hammer film "Captain Clegg," know in America as "The Night Creatures"),
a bunch of swingin' cats with sideburns that many people find reminiscent of my
infamous thigh ticklers.
The band plays at a Halloween party hosted by the fictitious Horror Host Uncle Seymour Coffins, whose appearance is blatantly lifted from the 1974 Vincent Price film "Madhouse." Rob Zombie clearly has a thing for Horror Hosts, drawing inspiration from them on many occasions, and placing these sorts of characters in his films.
For well over a year, Nocturna &
I were perched at the top of Rob's friends list for his "Werewolf Women Of The
S.S." MySpace page, and I have an interesting personal story regarding
"Halloween II" that I may one day share with you.
In closing, I urge you to open your mind, and take in a viewing of Rob Zombie's
"Halloween II" unrated director's cut. If you saw it in theaters, you didn't see
the full picture. If you didn't see because you "knew it was going to suck,"
think again, and give this movie a chance. Is it the best Michael Myers movie of
all time? No. However, it's far from being the worst, and I enjoy it more than
several of the original entries in the series. Seriously.
Megan
Fox has been the subject of many a male, and female, fantasy, over the last
twelve months. She's also been under intense scrutiny by "serious" film critics,
and fans alike. One thing is certain: Megan Fox is a very well known Hollywood
personality.
Megan Fox was born on May 16th, 1986, in, depending on which source you trust,
Rockwood, or Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Miss Fox was discovered after she won several
awards at the 1999 American Modeling and Talent Convention in Hilton Head, South
Carolina. Megan's entry into the world of performing arts began at the tender
age of 5, when she was enrolled in Dance, and Drama courses. In school, she was
involved in both Chorus, and the swim team.
In
2001, using her full name, Megan Denise Fox, Miss Fox made her film debut in
"Holiday In The Sun," starring Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, better known as "the
Olsen twins." From there, Megan went on to appear in several TV series. Her
first big film was 2007's "Transformers." After that, she appeared alongside
Jeff Bridges, and Kirsten Dunst, in "How To Lose Friends And Alienate People,"
oddly playing a young Hollywood starlet experiencing her first taste of fame.
So, why the biography on Megan "Mega" Fox? Because, I'm here to give you my
review of the new DVD release "Jennifer's Body," that's why.
"Jennfier's
Body," smartly written by Chicagoan Diablo Cody, famous for her work on the 2007
hit "Juno," stars, surprise, Megan Fox, in the title role. In the film,
Jennifer's best friend, the aptly-named Needy Lesnicki, is played by another
hottie actress by the name of Amanda Seyfried, whose biggest role to date has
been that of Sophie in "Mamma Mia!" One night, at Jennfier's urging. Needy goes
to a dive bar in their town of Devil's Kettle, MN, to see a none-too-spectacular
indy rock band by the name of Low Shoulder. As it turns out, the boys in the
band are a bunch of Satan worshipping, eager to court Lucifer's favor, so that
they may become as popular as, say, Maroon 5. One thing leads to another, and
Jennifer finds herself in the band's van. The band then drives Jennifer out to
the woods, thinking she's a virgin (talk about suspension of disbelief), and
sacrifice her. Of course, Jennfier is not a virgin, and that's where things go
terribly wrong. Jennifer shows up later that night at Needy's covered in blood,
spewing jagged black sludge in every possible direction.
The movie proceeds with Jennifer having developed an unquenchable craving for
male blood, and body parts, and the bodies begin to mount. Needy and her friend
Jennifer explore their relationship, as friends, and, perhaps, more. There are
the prerequisite close-ups of both girls' anatomies, although I could've
seriously used more of this, and the whole film does a very nice job of
balancing both the gore, and, yes, comedy, elements. Also, the film's
soundtrack, contrary to some published reviews, is used effectively throughout.
Kyle Gallner, last seen in "The Haunting Of Connecticut," soon to appear in the
new "Nightmare On Elm Street," is pitch perfect in his role as school emo king
Colin Gray. Adam Brody's Nikolai Wolf, loathsome,
self-absorbed, frontman for Low Shoulder, is also spot-on. Johnny Simmons' Chip
Dove, Needy's boyfriend, is inspired, while both female leads, and the movie
itself, deliver the goods, combining the right amount of hip references, black
comedy, somehow managing to evoke comparisons to Stephen King's "Carrie" on many
occasions. Look for a few surprise genre-related cameos sprinkled throughout the
picture.
If you didn't see this one in theaters, and, odds are, you didn't, you owe it to
yourself, as a Horror fan, to give this one a look. While the DVD extras were a
bit of a disappointment, the movie itself, and the performances within, is not.
I can easily name several other films made in 2009 that made a mockery of the
Horror genre.
Happy New Year, and may all of your Horror take place onscreen!
With Thanksgiving behind us, I'd just updated the color scheme, and changed the home pic, of Count Gore De Vol's "Fans Of Horror Hosts" Yahoo group to reflect the arrival of the true Christmas season. Then, the horrible news reached us that the incomparable Spanish Horror actor/writer/producer/director/sex symbol/icon Paul Naschy had crossed over into eternity. Immediately, I felt it my duty to change the photo to honor this man whose work has had, and will, without a doubt, continue to have, an immense effect on Horror fans worldwide.
Paul Naschy was born Jacinto Alvarez Molina in Madrid, Spain on September 6th, 1934. His father was Enrique Molina, a successful industrialist, and his mother was Pilar Alvarez. Naschy grew up in Spain, during the Fascist regime of Franco. His mother used to take him to the cinema to see movie serials, such as "Drums Of Fu Manchu." By the time young Jacinto turned eleven years old, he'd developed a serious fascination for genre films, and he managed to sneak into a screening of Universal's "Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman." While the film made a profound impact on the child, his first loves were still Westerns, and historical films.
As the boy grew into a young man, Jacinto's family pushed for him to pursue a profession more in line with their social standing. He studied architecture at the world renown School Of Architecture in Barcelona, Spain. There, Jacinto drew high marks for his artistic drawing abilities, and he would later go on to design album artwork for record companies Decca, and Columbia. He also created a comic book character "Snake-Black," and had paintings presented in numerous art exhibitions. Soon, he became an accomplished novelist, writing primarily Westerns, using the pseudonym "Jack Mills." Jacinto was also an outstanding athlete, competing in sports such as soccer, javelin throwing, and weight lifting. His athletic abilities were such that he set records in weight lifting, and took 3rd place in a Spanish national javelin competition.
Paul Naschy, a fan of Marlon Brando, finally made his film debut as an uncredited extra in 1960's "King Of Vikings." He'd appear in several more films, most often, again, as an uncredited extra, until 1968's "Las Noches Del Hombre Lobo." "Nights Of The Werewolf," the US title of this movie, marked the debut of "Waldemar Daninsky," a sort of European "Larry Talbot." Naschy served as writer on the picture, and his portrayal of "the Werewolf" became his signature movie role. No one seems to be certain if this movie was ever released, or even fully completed, and serves as a sort of Holy Grail for Naschy/"Daninsky" fans. Paul Naschy would eventually appear as "El Hombre Lobo/Daninsky" another 12 times, with the last appearance being in "Tomb Of The Werewolf" (2004).
Throughout Paul Naschy's film career, aside from "the Wolfman," he portrayed a number of other famous Horror characters, including Frankenstein's Monster, the Hunchback, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, the Phantom Of The Opera, Dr. Moreau, and even the Devil. This earned Naschy the nickname of "the Spanish Lon Chaney." Naschy worked in films, including voice work, until his death on November 30th, 2009. Nocturna and I have had the pleasure of hosting a handful of his films, and will, no doubt, host even more of them. Nocturna's good friend, writer/director/actor/musician Donald F. Glut, worked with Mr. Naschy on "Countess Dracula's Orgy Of Blood." Naschy's work, in my opinion, is unparalleled in the Horror genre, each performance a tour de force, filled with many a subtle nuance only associated with the very best in his chosen field. Like Vincent Price, for example, no can ever "replace" Paul Naschy.
Chances are, whether you realize it or not, if you're a true fan of Horror films, you've seen at least one of Paul Naschy's films. They are known by many titles, as the English translations, for most all of them are many. Again, Paul Naschy is best known for his portrayal of "the Werewolf," and those films involving the "Waldemar Daninsky" character are amongst his most enjoyable. I strongly recommend viewing "Assignment Terror," "The Werewolf Vs. The Vampire Women," "Doctor Jekyll And The Wolfman," and "Return Of The Werewolf." I have yet to see a Naschy movie that I haven't enjoyed.
"Waldemar Daninsky" has finally found peace. Coincidentally, as Nocturna pointed out to me, he died on the night of a (mostly) full moon. God bless Jacinto Alvarez Molina, and, thank you Paul Naschy.
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