The 70s, 80s and 90s were filled with great horror films that have become classics. The Howling, released in 1981, is one such movie that has stood the test of time. This werewolf horror flick is filled with suspense, drama, and horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here, we take a look at why it is still worth your time to watch The Howling movie today.
The Plot of The Howling movie
The Howling movie follows the story of a television news anchor, Karen White (Dee Wallace), who is traumatized after an encounter with a serial killer. Karen is sent by her psychiatrist, Dr. George Waggner (Patrick Macnee), to a remote retreat called The Colony to recover. However, Karen soon finds that there is something more sinister and supernatural going on at The Colony.
As Karen investigates, she discovers that the residents of The Colony are werewolves, and she is now in grave danger. To save herself and stop the werewolves from terrorizing the town, Karen teams up with a local reporter, Chris (Dennis Dugan), and a werewolf hunter, Erle (John Carradine).
The Werewolf Special Effects in The Howling movie
The Howling movie’s werewolf transformation scenes were groundbreaking for its time. The transformation scenes, created by makeup artist Rob Bottin, are done in stages and build up to a full-fledged werewolf. The use of practical effects and prosthetics made the transformation scenes more terrifying and realistic, which added to the overall suspense and horror of the film.
Behind the Scenes of The Howling movie
The Howling movie was directed by Joe Dante and written by John Sayles. Dante, known for his horror-comedy style, infused the movie with humor while still keeping the terrifying aspects. The movie is also known for its subtle nods to classic films and pop culture, making it both a horror classic and a cult favorite.
The Howling movie also boasts a talented cast, including Dee Wallace, who starred in another classic horror flick, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and John Carradine, who is known for his work in classic horror films like The House of Frankenstein and The Invisible Man’s Revenge.
The Legacy of The Howling movie
The Howling movie was a commercial and critical success upon its release and has since become a cult classic. The film’s success spawned seven sequels, each with varying degrees of success. The Howling movie’s werewolf effects have also inspired future filmmakers and horror films, such as American Werewolf in London and Ginger Snaps. The Howling movie’s legacy continues to be felt to this day.
Conclusion
The Howling movie is a classic werewolf horror film that delivers suspense, drama, and humor. The use of practical effects and prosthetics makes the werewolf transformation scenes terrifying and adds to the overall horror of the film. The talented cast and director, Joe Dante, make The Howling movie a modern classic that is still worth watching today. If you’re a fan of horror films or looking for a classic to watch, give The Howling movie a chance. You won’t be disappointed.
So, that’s it from our review of the movie The Howling. Feel free to share your thoughts on what you loved about the movie or any other great, forgotten, or fun films from the 70s, 80s, or 90s in the comments section below.
