The Wolfman (2010)

Directed by: Joe Johnston | 102 minutes | horror, thriller | Actors: Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving, Geraldine Chaplin, Kiran Shah, Art Malik, Branko Tomovic, Richard James, David Sterne, Emily Parr, Nicholas Day, Olga Fedori, Michael Cronin, Cristina Contes, Elizabeth Croft , Andy Gathergood, Catherine Balavage, Robert Roman Ratajczak, Geoff Searle, Stuart St. Paul

Director George Waggner made in 1941 with ‘The Wolfman’, with Lon Chaney Jr. starring, a groundbreaking horror film. Not only was this one of the first films to focus on the legend of the werewolf, the film proved to be especially influential because of the way people viewed this phenomenon. In the lore of the lore, the one who was cursed could turn into a werewolf at any time he wanted. However, Waggner’s film introduced the idea that a full moon forces the transformation from man to beast. Now if you ask someone how to stop a werewolf, they will no doubt tell you to hit him in the heart with silver bullets. We also owe that knowledge to Waggner’s influential film. Do you really want to recreate such a classic? Universal Pictures already thought so in 2006. Benicio Del Toro, a big fan of the original film, was given the lead role and also became involved as a producer on the project. “This new version comes at just the right time. The original story has never been retold. We see plenty of werewolves and vampires, but we haven’t seen the original Wolfman since 1941.”

‘The Wolfman’ (2010) could therefore be seen as a tribute to George Waggner’s film: the original story in a new, modern jacket. The foundation that was laid in 1941 has remained intact as much as possible. Blackmoor, England, 1891. Lawrence Talbot (Benicio Del Toro) returns after years of absence to his childhood home, the stately but drab Talbot Hall. The reason for his return is not a celebratory one: his brother Ben has died under mysterious circumstances. His body was found dismembered a few yards from the mansion of his father John (Anthony Hopkins). Lawrence doesn’t trust the case at all and investigates. The villagers have scapegoated a gypsy community, but Lawrence suspects something else is behind the atrocity murder. His suspicions are confirmed when he discovers that the town is infested by a werewolf. Before he can inform others about this, he is bitten by the beast… He is cursed for the rest of his life! At full moon, he turns into a murderous beast that will stop at nothing. The villagers, led by Detective Francis Abberline (Hugo Weaving), have started the hunt for the Wolfman. Only Gwen (Emily Blunt) seems to want the best for him, but is her love strong enough?

The first thing you notice about this production is the immeasurable love the makers have for the original film. That love is expressed, among other things, in the care and attention that has been paid to the decoration of the film. Everything breathes the mysterious atmosphere of Victorian England. The sets are particularly impressive. John Talbot’s terrifying mansion in particular is a hit. The cinematography of Shelly Johnson (‘Hidalgo’, 2004) is very successful; the viewer is almost immediately drawn into the grim atmosphere of the film and only comes out of it when the ending credits roll across the screen. Danny Elfman’s impressive score, which poses a constant threat, is also responsible for this. Of course, sometimes the music is too emphatic. But in an ode to the classic horror film – in which bombastic music always plays an important role – that is permissible. The famous make-up artist Rick Baker (‘An American Werewolf in London’, 1981) was called in to portray Del Toro’s transformation from human to wolf credibly. The hours the actor had to spend in the grime pay off, though Del Toro’s Wolfman isn’t as terrifying as it could have been. The make-up was also working overtime, because during the Wolfman’s killing sprees he leaves a bloody trail of death and destruction. Guts ripped from bodies, severed limbs and a beheading; nothing is spared you as a viewer.

While thriller, action and horror elements make up the bulk of ‘The Wolfman’, romance and drama certainly play a role as well. The tragedy of Lawrence Talbot is excellently portrayed by Benicio Del Toro. He may be a monster, but he’s more likable than most of the other characters. The difficult relationship with his father is played out excellently. Thanks also to Anthony Hopkins of course. In horror films, the acting is not always as strong, so it is a relief to see quality actors such as Del Toro, Hopkins, Blunt and Weaving at work here. Where ‘The Wolfman’ falls short is the screenplay. Although the traditional story is followed as much as possible, there are holes in the script here and there. The psychological depth that one tries to create, for example, does not come out well. This undoubtedly has to do with the messy run-up that the film has had. Since 2006, several directors have been linked to the project, before Joe Johnston (best known for adventure films such as 1995’s ‘Jumanji’ and the aforementioned ‘Hidalgo’) finally turned out to be a keeper. The script written by Andrew Kevin Walker (‘Se7en’, 1995) was later refined by David Self (‘Road to Perdition’, 2002). Anyone who considers all those personnel changes will say that it is a miracle that ‘The Wolfman’ is still completed. A calmer preparation for the final production might have brought more balance to the script, but fortunately the damage is limited.

For the modern horror fan – lovers of ‘Saw’ (2004), ‘Hostel’ (2005) and the like – the atmospheric ‘The Wolfman’ will take some getting used to. Of course, there’s plenty of gore to be found. Lovers of dismembered bodies will certainly get their money’s worth. But for a change there is also strong acting in a film that is dripping with blood. A breath of fresh air! ‘The Wolfman’ is certainly not lacking in stylish decoration, matching music and a terrifying atmosphere. The trick in the transformation from man to wolf has also been successful. The fact that they drop a few stitches in the script here and there and that the monster isn’t even that scary should not spoil the fun. A worthy remake of a classic. Not perfect, but more than entertaining. For an evening of old-fashioned horror!