Few horror movies have stood the test of time quite like “An American Werewolf in London”. Directed by John Landis and released in 1981, the film is considered a classic of the genre, known for its impressive special effects, dark humor, and memorable characters. But for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the film’s creation, there’s no better place to start than with the screenplay. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the “An American Werewolf in London” screenplay PDF, discussing its history, structure, and notable differences from the final product. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the film or simply interested in the art of screenwriting, there’s plenty to discover in this fascinating document.
Exploring the ‘An American Werewolf in London’ Screenplay PDF: The History of the “An American Werewolf in London” Screenplay
The “An American Werewolf in London” screenplay was written by director John Landis in 1969, when he was just 18 years old. Landis had already written several short films and was eager to make his first feature-length movie. However, it would be more than a decade before the screenplay was finally produced.
During the 1970s, Landis found success as a director of comedies, including “The Kentucky Fried Movie” and “Animal House”. It wasn’t until the success of the horror-comedy “The Howling” in 1981 that Landis was able to secure funding for “An American Werewolf in London”.
The screenplay itself underwent several revisions over the years. Landis originally wrote the script as a straight horror film, but later added comedic elements to balance out the scares. The final product is a unique blend of horror, comedy, and drama, with a strong emphasis on character development.
One of the most notable aspects of the screenplay is its structure. The film begins with a prologue set in the English countryside, where two American backpackers, David and Jack, are attacked by a werewolf. The rest of the movie takes place in London, where David struggles to come to terms with his new condition.
Landis has cited the films “The Wolf Man” and “Frankenstein” as inspirations for his screenplay. Like those classic horror movies, “An American Werewolf in London” explores themes of transformation, morality, and the fear of the unknown.
The screenplay also includes several memorable scenes that would go on to become iconic moments in the film, including the transformation sequence and the dream sequence featuring Nazi monsters. These scenes were carefully planned out in the screenplay and required extensive special effects work to bring to life.
Despite its long journey to the big screen, the “An American Werewolf in London” screenplay remains a testament to Landis’ talent as a writer and director. Its blend of horror and comedy, unique structure, and memorable characters have made it a beloved classic of the genre.
Exploring the ‘An American Werewolf in London’ Screenplay PDF: Character Development
The characters in “An American Werewolf in London” are some of the most memorable aspects of the film. The screenplay lays the groundwork for their development, but it’s the performances of the actors and the direction of John Landis that truly bring them to life.
David and Jack, the two American backpackers who are attacked by a werewolf at the beginning of the film, are the heart of the story. In the screenplay, they are presented as carefree young men on a European adventure, with Jack serving as the more cynical of the two. In the final film, their relationship is fleshed out even more, with their banter and camaraderie making the audience care about them even more when tragedy strikes.
Another character who undergoes significant development from the screenplay to the final film is Nurse Alex Price. In the screenplay, she is introduced as a love interest for David, but their relationship is not as fully realized as it is in the film. In the final product, Alex is given more agency and depth, with her motivations and backstory being explored in greater detail.
One of the most intriguing characters in the film is the werewolf itself. In the screenplay, the werewolf is presented as a straightforward monster, with no explanation given for its existence or behavior. In the final film, Landis explores the idea of the werewolf as a manifestation of David’s inner turmoil, adding a layer of psychological complexity to the story.
The screenplay also includes several supporting characters who play important roles in the story, including Inspector Villiers and Dr. Hirsch. In the final film, these characters are given more screen time and their relationships with the main characters are more fully realized.
Perhaps the most significant change to character development between the screenplay and the final film is the ending. In the screenplay, David is killed by the police, and his fate is left ambiguous. In the final film, he is given a more heroic death, sacrificing himself to save Alex and defeat the werewolf. This change not only gives the audience closure on David’s story, but it also reinforces the film’s themes of transformation and redemption.
Exploring the ‘An American Werewolf in London’ Screenplay PDF: Analyzing Key Scenes
The dialogue in “An American Werewolf in London” is an essential component of the film’s success. It serves to develop the characters, advance the plot, and provide both humor and scares. Here are some key scenes where the dialogue shines:
- The opening conversation between David and Jack: This scene establishes the playful banter between the two friends and sets the tone for the rest of the film. Their conversation about the differences between American and British customs is funny and relatable.
- David’s nightmare sequence: The dialogue in this scene is minimal, but it’s effective in creating a sense of dread. The echoing voices of Jack and David’s family members serve as a reminder of David’s guilt and the danger he’s in.
- The hospital scene: When David wakes up in the hospital, he’s confused and scared. Nurse Price’s attempts to calm him down are both comforting and unnerving, as she seems to know more about his situation than she’s letting on.
- The pub scene: This scene is a standout in the film, thanks to the sharp dialogue and strong performances from the supporting cast. The locals’ skepticism about the existence of werewolves provides a much-needed dose of humor, while the tension between David and the other patrons ratchets up the suspense.
- Alex and David’s conversation in her apartment: This scene is a turning point in the film, as Alex reveals her own traumatic past and encourages David to face his fears. The dialogue is raw and emotional, and it serves to deepen the audience’s investment in the characters.
- The climactic showdown: As David transforms into a werewolf and goes on a rampage through Piccadilly Circus, the dialogue takes a backseat to the action. However, the final confrontation between David and Alex is notable for its economy of words. Alex’s plea for David to fight his inner demon and the werewolf’s haunting last words serve as a poignant end to the film.
In each of these scenes, the dialogue serves a distinct purpose, whether it’s to establish character, create tension, or provide a moment of levity. The strength of the writing is matched by the performances of the actors, who bring Landis’ words to life in memorable ways.
Exploring the ‘An American Werewolf in London’ Screenplay PDF: Examining Plot Points and Alternate Endings
“An American Werewolf in London” went through several changes from script to screen, resulting in a film that is both faithful to the original story and a unique entity in its own right. Here are some of the most notable changes:
The opening attack
In the original script, the werewolf attack on David and Jack is more brutal and graphic than what appears in the final film. Landis toned it down to avoid an X rating, but the scene still packs a punch.
The subplot with Dr. Hirsch
In the screenplay, Dr. Hirsch is a minor character who is only briefly mentioned. In the final film, he plays a more significant role, serving as a mentor to Alex and a foil to Inspector Villiers.
The character of Alex Price
As mentioned earlier, Nurse Alex Price is given more depth and agency in the final film than she is in the screenplay. Her role as a love interest is downplayed in favor of exploring her own motivations and backstory.
The transformation sequence
The werewolf transformation in the film is a standout moment that has become iconic in horror cinema. In the script, the transformation is described in more detail, but Landis wisely decided to let the visuals speak for themselves.
The alternate ending
The original screenplay ends on a bleak note, with David being killed by the police and his fate left ambiguous. Landis filmed this ending but decided to include a more heroic death for David in the final product. The alternate ending can be seen as an extra feature on some home video releases.
The final shot
The film ends on a chilling note, with a close-up of David’s lifeless eyes as the credits roll. In the script, there is an additional scene where a group of boys find a piece of the werewolf’s fur, hinting at the possibility of a sequel.
These changes show the evolution of the film from its inception to its final form. While some alterations were made for practical reasons, such as avoiding an X rating, others were made to enhance the story and characters. The alternate ending, in particular, provides an interesting glimpse into an alternate version of the story that may have been equally effective. Overall, the changes from script to screen show how collaboration and creative decision-making can lead to a stronger final product.
Exploring the ‘An American Werewolf in London’ Screenplay PDF: The Role of the Director and Cast in Adapting the Screenplay
Adapting a screenplay to the screen is a collaborative effort that requires the director and cast to work together to bring the story to life. “An American Werewolf in London” is a prime example of how successful collaboration can result in a memorable film.
As the writer and director of the film, Landis had a clear vision for how he wanted the story to be told. He worked closely with the cinematographer and special effects team to create a unique look and feel for the film that blended horror, comedy, and romance.
Naughton’s portrayal of David is a key factor in the film’s success. He brings a natural charm and vulnerability to the role, making the audience care about his character even as he transforms into a monster. Naughton also collaborated with Landis to create a sense of realism in the transformation sequence.
Nurse Alex Price is given more depth in the final film than in the screenplay, thanks in part to Agutter’s performance. She worked with Landis to flesh out her character’s backstory and motivations, making her a more integral part of the story.
Dunne’s portrayal of Jack, David’s undead friend, provides some of the film’s funniest moments. He worked with Landis to create a rapport with Naughton that feels genuine and playful.
The werewolf transformation sequence is a standout moment in the film, thanks to the groundbreaking special effects work of Rick Baker. He worked closely with Landis and the actors to create a sequence that was both terrifying and believable.
From the skeptical pub patrons to the bumbling police officers, the supporting cast of “An American Werewolf in London” is filled with memorable characters. They all contribute to the film’s unique blend of horror and humor, and their performances show how collaborative efforts can lead to a cohesive ensemble.
In each of the aforementioned cases, collaboration was key to the film’s success. The director, cast, and crew all worked together to bring their individual talents and perspectives to the table, resulting in a film that is greater than the sum of its parts. The importance of collaboration cannot be overstated when it comes to adapting a screenplay, as it requires a shared vision and commitment to bringing that vision to life.
Exploring the ‘An American Werewolf in London’ Screenplay PDF: Impact on the Horror Genre and Beyond
“An American Werewolf in London” has had a lasting impact on the horror genre and pop culture as a whole. Here are some ways in which the film’s legacy continues to influence and inspire:
- “An American Werewolf in London” helped revitalize the werewolf subgenre of horror films in the 1980s. Its success paved the way for other werewolf films such as “The Howling” and “Silver Bullet,” and its influence can still be seen in contemporary werewolf films like “Ginger Snaps” and “WolfCop.”
- The film’s blend of horror and comedy has become a popular subgenre in its own right. It demonstrated that horror films could be both scary and funny, paving the way for other horror-comedy hybrids like “Scream” and “Shaun of the Dead.”
- The film’s makeup effects, created by Rick Baker, are still regarded as some of the best in cinematic history. They set a new standard for practical effects in horror films, inspiring future filmmakers to strive for the same level of realism and detail in their own work.
- The film’s soundtrack, featuring classic songs like “Blue Moon” and “Bad Moon Rising,” has become an iconic part of the film’s legacy. It was one of the first horror films to use popular music in this way, and its influence can be heard in other films that use music to create an eerie or unsettling atmosphere.
- “An American Werewolf in London” was one of the first horror films to be set in Europe, specifically in London. Its success helped pave the way for other horror films set in foreign locations, expanding the possibilities of the genre beyond American shores.
- Perhaps most importantly, “An American Werewolf in London” has amassed a dedicated cult following over the years. Its unique blend of horror, comedy, and romance has resonated with audiences of all ages, making it a beloved classic that continues to inspire and entertain.
In all of these ways, “An American Werewolf in London” has left a lasting impact on the horror genre and pop culture as a whole. Its influence can be seen in everything from werewolf films to horror-comedy hybrids to makeup effects and soundtracks. Its legacy is a testament to the power of innovative filmmaking and the enduring appeal of a good werewolf story.
To read the script, click here.
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