Perhaps I shouldn’t mention the trouble The Wolfman had in getting made but it may give some insight as to why it didn’t turn out fantastic. A few weeks before director Mark Romanek was to begin filming he left the production over budget disagreements. So Universal hired Joe Johnston (Jurassic Park 3, Jumanji) to take over and get the film made. However, Johnston’s take would also re-write some of the screen play and cut some of Rick Baker’s practical effect transformations. Then Universal rejected Danny Elfman’s complete score which borrowed heavily from Wojciech Kilars score from 1992’s Dracula. They hired Paul Haslinger to create a more pseudo-rock heavy contemporary score. After the final cut of the film it was decided to go back and use Elfman’s score. So throughout its production problems the film finally came out in Feb 2010.
So how is The Wolfman? It’s actually pretty good but with its share of problems. Lawrence Talbot (Benicio Del Toro) must return to his childhood home in England after learning of his brother’s brutal death. He is greeted by his creepy and secretive father, Sir John (Anthony Hopkins) as well as his brother’s beautiful bride to be, Gwen (Emily Blunt). The filmmakers do an interesting thing with this story line. Del Toro is obviously Latino or “Spanish” and speaks with an American accent however this is explained by making his mother Latina or “Spanish” living in England and shipping Lawrence off to America. Hopkins really plays this whole role up. He’s constantly alluding to things but keeps the mystery going rather well. Blunt tries her best to be the ideal “damsel in distress” and predictably falls for Lawrence. The human element suffers greatly in the movie due to Del Toro’s bland performance. He just doesn’t convey emotion and depth the way you’d think the character would. Thankfully we are introduced to inspector Abberline (Hugo Weaving) who’s acting fits the atmosphere like Blunt and Hopkins. Sadly, what ends up happening is that every scene with the Wolfman becomes the most interesting thing in the film.
Believe me the werewolf stuff works so well. It’s violent, scary, thrilling and all together perfect. The gypsy massacre is breathtaking and very bloody and the horrific transformation scene in the asylum leads to an awesome rampage through the streets of London. Benicio in the wolf makeup is the only time I have any interest in his character. The creature CG effects are also really great. However, there are a couple of CG animals that look very CG.
The film feels choppy at times and disjointed. There are some beautiful shots and the lighting is gorgeous. Elfman’s score borrowed heavily from Kilar’s Dracula score that at times, when I heard the theme, it would take me out of the movie. The music was still effective if only because it was very familiar. Overall Johnston was able to make a pretty good movie but casting Del Toro was its major flaw. The movie is creepy, violent and bloody but kind of boring as a whole. My Grade: B-
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