Review of Wolfen (1981) by Timothy S — 04 Jun 2012

In the annuls of horror history, 1981 was the year that the werewolf movie grew up with two of the best entries into that sub-genre getting released and inspiring the creation of a make-up category at the Academy Awards. "Wolfen" also came out that year and was unjustly lumped in with the other two, even though it's completely unlike not only those two werewolf films but most other horror films as well.

The creatures here aren't werewolves but actually wolves, and the Indian folklore indicates that they might even be shape shifters. Unfortunately, the film falters one time in the scene that really clarifies all that and really botches the explanation. I didn't know any more about their origins after that scene than I did in the ninety minutes that proceeded it, and that's frustrating but it really doesn't hinder your enjoyment of the film at all.

First-time director Michael Wadleigh packs a lot of suspense and atmosphere into the scary moments, and the special effects are groundbreaking. They were impressive upon the film's initial release, and they remain so today. Like any horror films of the day, it puts an unusual amount of emphasis on storytelling, so today's audience might find it too slow for their tastes. I relished that change of pace.

It's packed with great character actors, including Gregory Hines and Tom Noonan who are both terrific in supporting performances. They are unique characters in a very unique film, which is also greatly enhanced by touches of gallows humor that perfectly fit in with the tone of the picture. If you think you have "Wolfen" figured out by the first fifteen minutes, al I can say is think again. This is one movie that doesn't play all of its cards to soon.