The Wolf Man

Refusing to accept defeat a half decade after the meager box-office receipts of “Werewolf of London” (1935), Universal makes another try – a winning one, this time – to elevate the lycanthrope mythology to the status of perennial fright film classic.

Written by Curt Siodmak, a fine sci-fi writer who doesn’t hesitate inserting scientific touches (the power of hypnosis, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, psychotic dissociation, etc.) into a strictly fantasy context, thus heightening the appeal of a work already extremely evocative to start with.

Director George Waggner, availing himself of Joseph A. Valentine’s excellent cinematography, infuses the film with a somber, anxious atmosphere, which on one hand perfectly suits the dark fable overtones (“Even ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ was a werewolf story“). But on the other hand, it also highlights an oppressive fatalism that leaves no room for individual free will – on that score, Lon Chaney Jr. delivers a touching performance as an unfortunate victim of cruel destiny.

As for the monster’s appearance, renowned makeup artist Jack Pierce creates a hairy creature with a unique look, although the result could hardly be described as “wolfish”.

Small but significant role for Bela Lugosi.