Beware the Moon: Remembering 'An American Werewolf in London'

'Beware The Moon: Remembering 'An American Werewolf In London' (2009)' is a documentary focused on the creation of 'An American Werewolf In London (1981)'. It's a passion project from its writer-director Paul Davis, and is now available as a 'bonus feature' on the home-media versions of the film it focuses on. It's a very informative and entertaining documentary; it really feels as though you're being given an insight into what went on behind the scenes of Landis' landmark film. Via an impressive array of interviews with varying members of the cast and crew (including pretty much all the major players), some behind-the-scenes footage and, even, some entirely unused footage, the piece gives you a cohesive and compelling insight into its subject. Like the best 'making of' affairs, it gives you a whole new appreciation of the picture it explores. It's a wonderful companion piece. 7/10

John Landis's "An American Werewolf in London" is proof positive of how well the comedy and horror genres can function alongside each other quite well in the same movie, without each element cancelling the other out. Unfortunately, some viewers just couldn't appreciate it at the time - thinking Landis should have made up his mind what kind of movie he was making - but it's now rightfully regarded as one of the top movies of its kind, made at a time when wolf-themed movies were now back in vogue, with "The Howling" and "Wolfen" released the same year. Writer / director Paul Davis is the man behind this extremely comprehensive, feature length (it actually has a running time similar to that of the actual movie) look at the making of this classic. He occasionally appears on screen to give us background information, and one major appeal of this documentary is seeing him revisit a couple of the old familiar locations, even if in the case of the pub The Slaughtered Lamb the look has changed over the years. "Beware the Moon" mostly consists of sit-down interviews, and it's a delight just how many people among cast and crew take part, including writer / director Landis, principal actors David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, and John Woodvine, makeup effects expert Rick Baker (who deservedly won the Oscar for his work), and crew including producer George Folsey, cinematographer Robert Paynter, editor Malcolm Campbell, art director Leslie Dilley, and others. The expected topics get covered, from the genesis of the project to its execution, the various challenges of shooting, Landis's vision of shooting key scenes, the creation of that incredible transformation scene, and the aftermath / legacy of the release. "Beware the Moon" is informative, engaging, and a treat to watch, with the participants very willing to share all of their memories and anecdotes. Really, this is a perfect companion piece to the movie, and unless some viewers don't really want to see / hear some of the secrets behind the magic, it's a fine look into the whole movie making process. Stay tuned for funny outtakes during the closing credits. 10 out of 10.

Beware the Moon: Remembering 'An American Werewolf in London' (2009)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

You know you're in for a treat whenever a documentary runs longer than the actual film. This film from Paul Davis pretty much gathers everyone from the production of AN American WEREWOLF IN London and gives fans an excellent change to hear some stories about the production as well as take a look at the cast and crew as they are today. When I say just about everyone from the production is here, I'm really not lying. All the big folks are here including John Landis, Rick Baker, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne and David Naughton. You get smaller characters in the film (several victims, the porn actress) as well as the cinematographer, the editor and various special effects guys.

If you're a fan of the film then there's no doubt that you're going to love hearing these stories. Landis starts us off talking about how he originally wrote the screenplay in 1969 and he discusses why it took so long to film. There's plenty of talk about the casting and pretty much all the key scenes in the movie are discussed. Even better is talk about the negative reaction the movie originally got plus there's talk about several scenes that had to be taken out in order for the movie to get a R rating. This is certainly one of the better special features to be added on a disc so it's highly recommended.

A new documentary about Werewolf in London. Some people think that it is not necessary. But could there be enough documentaries, about one of the best Horror films of the last century? I don't think so. And this documentary is edited very well. You get some anecdotes, the ever so great John Landis, who is always on "full" mode. He is so full of energy, you wish you could see even more of him!

If you also consider, how this movie/documentary came to be, it is really more than an achievement by Paul Davis. It also is an indicator for up and coming new filmmakers, that you just have to believe in yourself and your chance will come. Paul D. is now off, having a full schedule and many other projects coming up. Another good thing? You can get this on the new "American Werewolf in London" DVD or Blu Ray as a Special Edition Bonus!