The Wolf Man Review- By Michael Carlisle

 Title: The Wolf Man
Year: 1941
Director: George Waggner
Country: US
Language: English

Universal Horror is the name given to a series of unique horror, suspense and science fiction films made by Universal Studios starting in 1923 (Phantom of the Opera) and ending in 1960 (The Leech Woman) The most successful era was the 30's, when in- spite of the depression- audiences flocked to see the newest Bela Legusi or Boris Karloff flick.The german expressionist style would follow through the 40's as a new star was being made; Lon Chaney Jr. His most successful feature was 1941's The Wolf Man

A practical man returns to his homeland, is attacked by a creature of folklore, and infected with a horrific disease that turns him into a werewolf during each full moon. The local villagers become unruly, and go on the hunt for the wolf terrorizing their village. 

Most cultures around the world have their own legend to explain the equal parts good and evil present in every person. In a lot of these legends the susceptible human shape-shifts into some horrid monster, or other fiend. Some legends prove to be allegories regarding puberty, sexual drives or catholic guilt. Indeed the Wolf Man does a great job at reflecting the duality behind the human monster. which proves ultimately more confronting, psychoanalytic, and undeniably more terrifying than an explanation rooted in the paranormal. 

Even a man who is pure in heart, and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms, and the autumn moon is bright. The picture is essentially about intense sexual desire, which is frowned upon in strict Christian communities where the story is set. I believe the main character is a sexual predator who cannot come to grips with his actions. This would explain why all his victims are female, and why the wolf tracks always lead to his bedroom. The townspeople slowly start to suspect the main character, one woman even accuses him of looking at her “like a wild animal with murder in his eyes.” 

 In conclusion, The Wolf Man is slightly dated but still proves to be entertaining and provokes discussion. Using a combination of rubber framework, false teeth, and yak-hair wigs to bring the werewolf to life, this depiction of a werewolf is much more convincing than anything that has come since. Though many pictures have used the wolf motif, none have done it as successfully as this horror classic. Praise it! 4/5