Wolfen (1981)

The movie is probably one of the hidden gems that got lost during the 80's slashers and werewolf themed films. I say this because one might have different expectancy after reading the synopsis and the tag lines.For me (a big horror and art movies fan) it was one of those rare films which didn't just deliver sensations (fear, edge of the seat experience, etc.), but also provides a clear and thoughtful message that stays with you after the credits roll.For those who like symbolism, mysticism, there is a lot to discover in this movie.Although there is no other resemblance, except the profound Eco message, i would put it together with "Emerald Forest"(Earth theme)and the more artsy "Embrace of the Serpent"(Civilization theme).For me, as an animal and nature lover, it had a similar impact, mostly because this was intertwined with the themes of the movies I've mentioned above. Also deals with the fact the every progress of mankind means also some regress as well(technology vs senses/empathy).Scripting and acting wise it isn't very spectacular, but compensates with good camera-work and concept/message. It will age well and will be relevant in the next decade too.Highly recommended!

A series of gory killings in and around New York City, mutilations done by a Jack the Ripper-type, are investigated by a hardened veteran police detective and his cynical female partner. Aside from some interesting Steadicam photography from the predator's point of view, this 'thoughtful' thriller about territorial spirits manifesting themselves as wolves isn't very suspenseful. Albert Finney, wrung-out and with a whopper-crop of fluffy hair, pieces together the mystery with bleary eyes and mouth askew; his blasé manner isn't used for salty humor, though--he really does look bored. David M. Eyre and Michael Wadleigh adapted their weak screenplay from Whitley Strieber's novel "The Wolfen," and Wadleigh also directed (it was his first feature following directorial duties on the 1970 documentary, "Woodstock"). In a ludicrous example of what eventually follows, the filmmakers attempt to raise shivers by having a nude Edward James Olmos run around at night like a madman, drinking from a puddle and howling at the moon. *1/2 from ****

Werewolf movies were big in the early 80's and this is one of the good ones. This horror/thriller has striking cinematography and sound, fine direction, and a good script, and very good Special Effects.A series of seemingly unrelated murders are being committed in New York City, from the penthouses of the super-rich, to the bombed out appearing South Bronx. Burned out detective Dewey Wilson (Finney) and terrorism expert Rebecca Neff (Venora) are brought in to solve the case. Coroner Whittington (Hines) finds a common thread.Wolfen is one of the rare cases where lots of people working on one element improved the film, instead of hurting it. Four people are credited with the photography, six for the script, and eleven people worked on the Visual Effects. James Horner did the score for the film; a theme heard in another film he scored can be heard here, in an understated form.Finney is good as the burned out detective. Venora isn't believable as a terrorism expert, but very believable as someone who doesn't have the sense to stay away from odd noises in the South Bronx. Hines is cynically funny as the coroner."Wolfen"is strong on technique, fair on acting. I'd recommend it.

I'm a huge fan of horror movies (or monster movies as my brothers and I called them). I look at the several years on either side of 1980 as a second golden age for horror films, with the first being, of course, in the 50s. Wolfen is, at times, confusing. When the movie ended, I wasn't quite sure what had happened, but it didn't matter; the parts between the beginning and end were wonderfully frightening. Finney and the lovely Venora play NYC detectives trying to solve a growing number of mutilation killings around a neighborhood being demolished for redevelopment. (Abandoned buildings seem somewhat sinister all by themselves.) The credits are salted with names you'll recognize, but for most of the cast(as noted by the lack of photos), Wolfen was their fifteen minutes of fame. Specials effects seem primitive compared to today's computer generated, gee whiz stuff, and are mostly over-saturated shots used to show POV from the wolfen and to show the mayhem inflicted on various folks by wolfen. Despite the lack of sophistication, the POV effects and careful camera angles left me wanting to shout out warnings to the stalked. The tension in this movie is palpable and the characterizations by its cast are completely believable.