John Landis’s An American Werewolf in London stands as a cinematic gem from 1981, a year rich with werewolf films like Joe Dante’s The Howling and the intriguing Wolfen. This movie, often lauded for its groundbreaking special effects and blend of horror and dark humor, also masterfully uses music to enhance its narrative. Among its sonic arsenal, the song “Blue Moon” emerges as a recurring motif, deeply embedding itself into the film’s identity and emotional core. The opening sequence, though seemingly simple, is a poignant example of how music and visuals intertwine to set the stage for the tragic werewolf tale about to unfold in London.
An American Werewolf in London movie title card featuring the song reference, highlighting the film's soundtrack and werewolf theme in London setting.
The werewolf legend traditionally finds its roots in wild, rural settings. True to form, An American Werewolf in London initially unveils a desolate countryside, the Welsh moors, far removed from the bustling city promised in its title. After the studio logos fade, this tranquil, almost eerie landscape dominates the screen during the opening credits. The silence is broken only by the wind, a sound that immediately evokes a sense of isolation and foreboding, perfectly setting the atmosphere before the narrative even begins to introduce its American protagonists. The static camera lingers on the stark terrain, allowing the credits to roll over the scenery, emphasizing the remoteness and creating a visual prelude to the horrors that will soon erupt when the setting shifts to London. This stark contrast between the serene wilderness and the impending urban terror is a key element in the movie’s thematic structure.
What’s particularly striking about An American Werewolf in London is its ironic use of upbeat, popular songs, especially those referencing the moon, juxtaposed against Elmer Bernstein’s dramatic score. This technique is most evident in the repeated use of “Blue Moon.” Originally a ballad from the 1934 film Manhattan Melodrama, “Blue Moon” gained immense popularity in the 1940s and beyond. Landis strategically incorporates three distinct versions of this classic song into the soundtrack, each serving a unique emotional and narrative purpose.
The film opens with Bobby Vinton’s melancholic rendition of “Blue Moon.” His voice, known for its evocative quality as heard in “Blue Velvet,” lends a mournful tone to the opening scene. This version foreshadows the tragic elements inherent in the werewolf myth, immediately establishing a sense of impending doom and sadness. Later, during the agonizing transformation scene, Sam Cooke’s softer, bittersweet cover of “Blue Moon” amplifies the protagonist’s pain and despair. Finally, The Marcels’ doo-wop version, a hit from 1961, closes the film, its upbeat tempo tinged with irony after the preceding tragedy, highlighting the darkly comedic undercurrent of the movie.
“Blue moon/you saw me standing alone/without a dream in my heart/without a love of my own”
These lyrics, especially poignant in Vinton’s and Cooke’s renditions, resonate deeply with the film’s themes of isolation, transformation, and lost love. The song “Blue Moon” in An American Werewolf in London is not just a soundtrack choice; it’s a carefully selected sonic motif that enriches the film’s emotional depth and thematic resonance, making the movie a memorable exploration of the werewolf myth set against the backdrop of both rural England and urban London.
