THE WOLFMAN

I know the inclusion of “The Wolfman” on this list sets me up for ridicule (because it is an almost universally hated film), but I can not help it, I loved this film.  The production history of “The Wolfman” is such a sad one, that it was almost assured that nothing good was ever going to be made from it.  This was a dream project for Benicio Del Toro, and he had director Mark Romanek signed to helm the project.  Romanek had previously directed the under-rated thriller “One Hour Photo”, and seemed a perfect choice for the material.  Then with around three weeks to go until principal photography was about to begin, Romanek left the project over budgetary concerns (don’t feel bad for Romanek, the film he ended up making after leaving this project was phenomenal – see later in the list).  Joe Johnston was immediately brought on board to take over and shooting continued as planned.  Then the release date was constantly pushed back, at least three or four times, and finally at the least second, the original score was scrapped and a new one was made.  How did this have any chance in being good?  Well, to me, it beat those overwhelming odds and a very good movie was created. 

This is obviously a remake of the 1941 film of the same name, and is about actor Lawrence Talbot (Del Toro) coming home to England after the murder of his brother.  It turns out that he was attacked by a wolf-like creature, and after hearing that most people were blaming the gypsies for the recent attacks, Talbot searches for them out to find the truth.  While there, he is bitten by the wolf too and ultimately becomes a werewolf himself.  What surprised me most about the film was how gory this was.  I expected it to be almost bloodless, but man, this “Wolfman” has certainly got some teeth.  The gore effects are expertly done, by the master Rick Baker, and are so bloody, that they had me cheering (well, inside they did).  The transformation scenes are also so well done.  I know that most people despise this film, but the thick Gothic atmosphere that is prevalent throughout, just seduced me.  I love this stuff. 

Since seeing this film, I have caught up with the original film, which I must say is the superior film.  It also exposes the fact that Del Toro didn’t do enough with the role except walk around looking sullen the whole time, it’s like he didn’t realize the tragedy of Talbot’s story.  Emily Blunt’s performance is a little better, but also could have been so much more.  Also, strangely (especially because a big deal is made about Talbot being given it), the walking stick with the silver wolf’s head plays no part in the film at all, unlike the original where it has a huge part to play.  The other part of this film I dislike is the end with the two CGI werewolves fighting each other.  It just looks poor.  I know that I have said a few negative things about this film but they really don’t stop me from loving this film. 

On a side note, I should point out that I have watched this film both, in the cinema and on blu-ray (it was the first blu-ray I watched actually) which has an extended cut of the film with an extra sixteen minutes added to it.  Most of these minutes are at the beginning giving the film and story more chance to breathe, and if I had to choose I would go with the blu-ray, but overall I like both these versions of 2010’s “The Wolfman”.

Ranked 17 in Tope 25 of 2010