The Story of Wolf (1994)
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- Опубліковано 13 лют 2024
- In this in-depth retrospective, I tell the story behind one of the 1990's most underrated horror gems: Mike Nichol's "Wolf", a werewolf movie like you've never seen before. I dive deep into its rocky development, production, reception and legacy, while giving my own thoughts on the film. Starring: Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Spader and Christopher Plummer. Directed by Mike Nichols, written by Jim Harrison and Wesley Strick, and produced by Douglas Wick for Columbia Pictures.
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Nicholson as a werewolf is easily one of the most inspired castings of all time
Like Anthony Hopkins as H*tler, ha ha.
That's The Bunker, 1981.
He is often described as lupine
I have a theory that Jack watched Batman Returns and saw Danny and Michelle get big playing spooky animal people, and he said hey, I wanna be a wolfman. I have absolutely no proof of this, I just want it to be true.
Nicholson was one of my dads favorite actors. Quite a few of his movies we had, still have on VHS. How can ya not appreciate Nicholson
………why?
For me "Wolf" has since gained a cult following for its atmospheric cinematography, compelling narrative, and memorable characters. Whether you're a fan of horror, drama, or romance, this hidden gem is definitely worth a watch.
It’s pretty good always wanted to see Jackie as the wolf man when I first saw this in 94 it’s up there as my favorite Jackie movies
In a way, it’s a genre film that’s trying not to be genre, and that’s why it succeeds. It fits perfectly alongside “Black Rain”(1989), “The Ghost and the Darkness”(1996), and “Clear and Present Danger”(1994).
Those fast animatronic edits in the fight are superb. Looks terrifying! When done right, puppets will always have a quality about them that cgi just can't achieve.
A Layton Eversaul retrospective video about WOLF is a much better Valentine's Day present than roses and chocolate.
It's also kind of/sort of a romance movie.
@@LaytonEversaul absolutely. It also reminds me of that Hammer Wolfman movie.
It'll probably take until the next major holiday that we see the next video. So basically July 4th. Maybe Memorial Day if we're lucky.
Since 1994, this has been in my top 5 werewolf movies of all time.
Agreed, although we have few good ones. Ginger Snaps was pretty good too, if you haven't seen it.
The werewolf stuff has so much potential for great stories, I'm surprised it hasn't taken off more.
I can watch Wolf over and over again. I like the characters and the strange 90s TV atmosphere.
Same here it has an unique feel to it.
@nickxero2740 idk, the aesthetic reminds me to an Law & Order episode. It´s not cinematic or epic like The shining for example. Wolf has an unique charme. Love it.
The Ennio Morricone soundtrack made it feel very 90s as well. It was perfect. Made every scene with wolfiness feel dreamlike.
I actually adore Wolf. I think it's an imperfect classic that demands rewatching. It just has a certain quality to it that brings me back. Warts and all, Wolf is an engaging and enjoyable film.
Absolutely loved this movie as a kid, the "realistic" depiction of a werewolf is top tier. Always wished it got more respect than it got. Thanks for covering this film.
Man I wish they made such incredible films like this again. Despite its flaws its really excellent
22:17 that image of jack nicholas as the wolf is exactly how I picture Wolverine: the Chris Claremont wolverine from the comics circa 75-90.
I think Claremont once said that the closest actor to Wolverine was Bob Hoskins and if you've seen his early 80s role - it kinda makes sense. He is fucking intense in Long Good Friday
As I always thought. Funny enough I think James Spader in this film acts like how Sabertooth should have -
Gary oldman - Dracula
Robert de niro - Frankenstein
Jack Nicholson - wolfman
Kevin beacon - invisible man
Arnold Vosloo - the mummy
to bad we never gotten a 90s universal monster crossover it was planned but never came out sadly
but I love this movie!!! great video and insight!
I didn't know they were planning to do this.
The 90s version were pretty damn awesome.
Also John Malkovich as Jekyll and Hyde
Marketed heavily is an understatement, I forgot how big it was when it came out. Its mad that ive forgotten it over the years and how a mainstream film like that feels like its fallen into obscurity. I remember at the time that had a weird ending and parts of the it didn't match up, my way of comprehending the mixed up tone. I love your videos Layton, they take me back to a time in my life that was amazing.
I loved this movie! It also gave me the notion that if Jack Nicholson was 40 years younger, he could’ve played Wolverine in the X-Men
Great minds think alike for I was just about to say the same thing.
My best friend picked this out for one of our movie marathons last year. And I was really impressed by how good it was and how much I enjoyed it. I think it was far better than it had any right to be, even with other contemporaries like Teen Wolf or American Werewolf in London.
They definitely tried doing something different with the genre, and it's hard to fault them for that.
To split hairs those two are not contemporaries with Wolf. Teen /London are with each other. Wolf is 10-15 years later. Different decades entirely. London is '81, so thats closer to 70's than Wolf is to the '80s.
Wolf is a B schlock movie with an A list cast and budget. Its a fascinating artifact of the time, capitalizing on the prestige monster trend to an extent, but swerving hard away from it by not embracing the gothic period or aesthetic. It strips the myth down to the folklore roots, and manages to be more than a poor man's Jekyll and Hyde, as Jack's wolf self is more of himself, not a restrained opposite. I find it quite enjoyable, but I'd watch it in the context of its late night Showtime and Cinemax genre staple offerings, where it fits in better tonally, than the Draculas and Frankensteins it will be compared to. A fun watch overall.
There was the short-lived show “Wolf Lake” that seemed to get how a modern pack of werewolves would function, and of course, the 1981 film “Wolfen” is a great comparison.
Having Will buy a cabin in the woods and some acreage (where he conveniently installs 8-10 foot deer fences around the perimeter) would’ve been a perfect end scene. He tells his publishing company that a condition of his remaining with the firm is that he retreats to his cabin for a week of remote work.
Once again, the level of research and excellent presentation is the reason why I always look forward to a new upload. Great work as usual mate!
My thoughts exactly!
Thanks again!
14:56 That is so brutal! Can you imagine being that stuntman and having your serious injury / concussion used in the final film? What a terrible idea all around to get that shot by just launching a body into stone stairs (thin protective padding be damned)!
It was the stuntman's idea, he insisted on not wearing or using any wires.
It would’ve been more insulting to the stuntman to NOT include it into the Final Cut of the film?
Great Morricone score ❤
Hard to find these days, but I still have a cassette copy of it.
WOLF was my second favorite of the Universal Monster 90s updates. Jack Nicholson was awesome as the Wolfman Michelle Pfeiffer was pretty good.
What was your first favorite?
@@LaytonEversaul Bram Stoker's Dracula. Mary Shelly's Frankenstein Third, Mummy Forth, and Mary Reilly Fifth.
Fun Fact:
Michelle Pfieffer in *"WOLF"* was voiced
in Japanese by two different actresses.
For the film's soft edition, she was dubbed by Sumi Shimamoto (Toki from Hayao Miyazaki's 1997 film: *"Princess Mononoke").*
But for the film's 1997 TV Asahi edition, she was dubbed by Masako Katsuki (best known as Michiru Kaiou/Sailor Neptune from the first *"Sailor Moon"* anime series from 1992-1997 and the 2nd & 3rd movie of its film trilogy.)
On my top 5 list of best werewolves movies
Wolf is a great movie. I always thought so.
I was 14 when this came out and I thought it was great. I recently rewatched the movie on Blu Ray (I'm 43 now), and I think it holds up beautifuly. If anything, now being middle age myself, the movie is somewhat reinvigorating. I can't wait for the 4K UHD
Easily in my top 3 werewolf movies of all time.
I've always loved this movie. Even though it's not really scary, it has great performances and characters, and it's just really enjoyable to watch. Some of the dialogue is excellent, the score is fantastic. My favorite scene is Nicholson's visit to the mystical 'doctor'. The fact alone that Nicholson approached Kubrick to direct this shows how much he believed in the project, but of course it was always going to be unlikely a perfectionist auteur like him would let himself be hired for a project that wasn't his own.
I remember when Columbia Pictures videos had that pan and scan feature which all their movies in 1994-1996 had and it was jarring!
Great, informative video on an underrated thriller. I thought I knew most things about this film's production, but (as always) you managed to uncover a lot of new fun facts. I was always under the impression the last third was heavily reshot, but could never find a work print or information on what exactly was changed. Now I know why.
I love this film. It has great atmospherics, music. And Jack Nicholson is born to play a warewolf.
This is the film that got me into Universal Horror and classic werewolf movies like The Howling and American Werewolf. I have a lot of love for this film and watch it atleast once a year. I've still got a collection of Fangoria and SPX magazines with articles about the making of this film.
Ditto! I also have a Cinefantasique issue on its making.
I have been a fan of this movie since it was released! I was 15 years old when it hit theatres and it was part of my traditional Last Day of School movie trip, in fact that year I watched it back to back with Speed.... and a few weeks later my cousin and I hit a up a theatre that had a weekend Triple Feature deal where it played with The Crow and The Shadow.
Jack Nicholson is my all time favorite actor... and has been since I saw him as The Joker in Batman in 1989. So when I saw the trailer for Wolf and saw he was going to play a werewolf I knew I had to see this movie opening day. Too this day I still watch Wolf at least once or twice a year, typically around Halloween as it has that perfect Fall Horror movie vibe.
I also remember seeing the episode of Siskel and Ebert where they reviewed Wolf and if I remember correctly it was split decision with Siskel liking it and it just not completely working for Ebert ( i may have that backwards), but the biggest part of that review that I remember was how they both liked how the movie was shot to make it look like the character of Will Randall was in some sort of metaphorical prison and becoming a wolf was his way escaping that prison... in fact they made the analogy that even though the Bradbury Building is beautiful piece of architecture, it's layout and design is very much like an old multi story prison.
I saw this in the theaters upon release and have always enjoyed it, I never understood why werewolf fans turn their backs on this. It's new approach to the werewolf myth is what makes it stand out among films like The Howling and An American Werewolf in London.
Damn with all the connection to Harrison Ford with Jim Harrison almost writing the western movie and Mike Nichols having worked with Harrison Ford before, I feel there was an opportunity that was lost there in him playing the part instead of Jack. Bear in mind the result was phenomenal but I would have loved to have seen Harrison branch out and do something like this. He would have been able to play the normal man in crisis. Even the painful part, but the monster/confident part, he would have had to do things he has not done before. But I think his "in" would been to make him more tortureous than the character that Jack played.
I remember being equally interested in and terrified of this movie as a young 7 year old snot nose kid. Wound up rewatching it several years back and really enjoyed it. Something about the subtlety of Will's transformation into the wolf that I think deserves a lot of praise.
This movie remains one of my favorites. The scene where he meets the mystic stays with me to this day. “It feels good to be the Wolf? Power without guilt? Love without doubt?” In some ways it’s a coming of age story. Nicholson’s character finds his true Male confidence even in middle age. I found that inspiring. The wolf is just a symbol.
one the the best wolfman remakes
Great retrospective
Thank you!
One of my fav movies of all time. It just sticked to me once I saw it on VHS and always takes me back
I was curious about this film for a while before eventually giving in and watching it last year. If I were to compare it to anythig in terms of vibes I guess it would be the werewolf equivalent of Cronenberg's The Fly - structurally they're similar enough and I thoroughly enjoy both films exploration of what beocomnig this new kind of creature would be like and taking that to its logical conclusion
Great observation!
I love learning about films I’ve never heard of before, and this is one of the reasons I’m subscribed to you. Another awesome video and movie recommendation that I’m excited to check out. Thanks as always, Layton!
Awesome, thank you!
The scene where he HEARS for the first time is a masterclass in what movies should be.
Yay! Another Layton Eversaul video!
I love this movie! It is kind of like an elegant soap inside of a movie. It also carried classic horror themes.Very unique and creative. If it had been better thought~out, it would have been a hit. It was too vague and convoluted.
Thank you for subtitles!
Wolf was always one of my favorite Werewolf movies, despite a lot critics claiming it isn't very good.
This is the only movie I ever walked out on. Maybe I should give it another shot.
It has a mixed reputation, so that's not surprising.
That says everything we need to know about you.
Great video, Layton. The way you used the term "Oscar nod" made me google the term, and I'm fascinated by it since it doesn't appear to actually mean an Oscar nomination or a win. Instead it's some kind of ominous "gesture" by the Academy, and I'm wondering what the hell that even means. Who's watching for these nods? How does anyone know these nods are even happening?
always loved this film, and youve captured what it is about the film, i love, the big themes and also it's beatingheart, Thanks layton
How does Layton,Draper and channels like these not have 2M plus subs?
It’s a bloody sin is what it is.
Criminally underrated Werewolf film. Full of class & atmosphere
Great video as always. I say “Wolf” is if not a forgotten gem. It is at the very least perhaps “found money”. That 20 dollar bill you discover in a jacket you haven’t worn in a while. I like it and watch fairly often. I think where it scores the most is in the scenes without any makeup or gore. It strengths, other than just Jacks performance and Michelle’s unique beauty, are just the plot and circumstances of the lead character. The “office politics” are portrayed very nicely. Spader is perfectly cast. Always plays an outstanding “sleaze bag”. So much so he’s iconically linked to such a character. So it’s a good movie. Jack is Jack. He’s great.
I've been curious about seeing this film, but your review makes me want to see it now more than ever.
Every time I’ve had a PB sandwich and a glass of milk, I think of Nicholson since seeing this as a kid
When I saw "Wolf" I loved it. But I thought of it as one of those movies that nobody would really talk about. Like Curly Sue and Other People's Money.
Don’t stop, I love your videos. Your behind the scenes stories of the movies are chef’s kiss. Keep up the good work. Still my favorite is Salem’s lot.
Crikey, I remember when this was coming out. I was 9 at the time, and still wanted to see it just because it was Jack Nicholson! I doubt I would have sat through it then, but I certainly want to now
Always nice to see your work dude.
I’ve always loved this movie
I wanted to like this film when I originally saw it back in the day on its original release. I’ll give it another watch. Informative video.
Man....Ennio Morricone's music MADE this movie.. absolutely perfect..Williams would have made it too blockbuster movie-ish
Been really busy lately and it's taken me a few days to watch this. A terrific review for a movie that deserves more attention. Although I haven't seen this movie lots and lots of times, I've seen it enough to appreciate it. It's well made, doesn't take itself too seriously, it brings in flavours of different genres. The characters feel like they shouldn't be in a movie with werewolves and that's what makes it feel unique. Perfect casting. I've enjoyed your channel from the moment I found it, because I love the making of movies and not just the movie itself I love the depth you go into. Casting, music, production and writing issues.. it all serves to give the movie depth and add a new level of appreciation for the movie.
Another excellent video. I always look forward to watching them, so thank you.
Thank you!
I have always loved this hidden gem. Chemistry between leads is incredible. The protégé old lion dynamic between spader and nicholson. Love story with excellent chemistry between nicholson and Pfeiffer. I think the juxt opposition of a beaten up worn down watered down old man to returning to his more animal nature plays well and is unique.
The music was so perfect!! I’m gonna rent this now and watch it for the 50th time ❤❤❤❤ great retrospective !!
I loved walk in the theaters and now on Blu-ray. This is a great introspective thank you. It always reminded me of the classic universal movies on the way that it was shot in the music. The acting the framing of the scenes. It just felt like a universal picture from the classic movie times.
some of the original score sounds like it was recycled in The Departed, anyone else hear it? Great video!I love this movie, saw it in theatres
Awesome video! As always
I absolutely love it. I remember watching it pay per view back when it hit as a little kid and the part where he finds the fingers in his pocket fro
The mugging attempt was burned into my brain lol. Great film! Awesome retrospective Layton’!!
It's long since been a particular favourite of mine. Definitely a movie with a great many "hidden gems" within, waiting to be discovered, and rediscovered again and again...
I love these videos man, keep them coming!
Wow amazig so happy you did this one. One of my favorites , seen it so many times.
This was a great movie experience. I remember seeing this at the Sacramento Drive-in, watching it outside in lawn chairs under a half-moon sky. So stoked for Nicholson to wolf out and beat Spader, and Michelle was so damn hot! Always a fond memory I hold on to for decades.
Though it's not without its flaws, this movie has quite the atmosphere.
Fascinating. Thank you.
I remember feeling disappointed like many at the time as I was expecting something else. Saw it 10 years later and enjoyed it alot more. That seems to be the general consensus
Wolf was a great movie for it’s time
One of my favorite movies. It is a recipe in how to make an excellent movie, the magic of movie making, screenplay, directing, acting, and the ways many scenes are shot.. It really is a must be movie in an education to make or see how and what makes movie making an art.
And mystic, romantic, mixed with ordinary striving life.
15:00 always knew that poor stuntman got messed up there.. tried to search up in it but couldn’t find much. Great work here! 👏 love the movie
Fascinating stuff. Really well made documentary ty.
Very sophisticated great movie
This is a genius for me for the werewolf genre, I first saw it when I 10 and I classed it in the same league as Dog Soldiers and American werewolf in london but after watching it for the first time in 7 years There were themes in the film that exploited my life with an arched back and receding hairline already balding at the back and front and struggle with pancreas and bowel problems as well as a chronic anxiety disorder and depression, Wolf would be to me if offered I remember thinking to myself is something I'd take in a heartbeat and reclaim if only for a short while what it means to be 31 and in perfect health as well as a confident extrovert genius haha so it's a thought provoking classic rewatch it when you get older then you will love it more 💯
Went to see this in my local cinema when it was released. There was hardly anyone at it.
Thanks! Great doc! My favorite werewolf movie
Totally a hidden gem! The evil in the politics overshadow the wolf evil! Great movie!!
Woohoo Layton!!!
'Wolf' and the 95 computer game 'The Beast Within' are the two most classy werewolf productions.
I was 12 yrs old when this came out and was thrilled when my dad let me get it on pay-per-view
Great video. I hadn't heard of this film before.
I saw this when it was released, and only appreciated the horror/werewolf aspects. 30 years later, I appreciate the social satire elements (which went over my teenage head). It's never quite an easy mix, but is definitely unique. Jack Nicholson was inspired casting, as is James Spader as another sleazeball of a character. Spader is also sinister asf when he starts to wolf out.
It's also weirdly, a superhero origin story? Spider-Man...but with a wolf instead of spider. Another terrific video from you sir!
I absolutely love this movie I think it’s one of Nicholson’s best. I’ve watched it so many times and I always find something new some little detail that I’ve missed James Spader is fantastic. I’m so excited that you focused on this movie new sub here and loving your content.
I LOVE this film! It's one of my go-tos!
I really like this film. For some odd reason it has a seductive quality about it.
I saw this at the drive end with my family when I was a kid
I love this. Good acting, good effects, good story. Very original amongst werewolf-movies. What's not to like?
I remember liking it at the time.
Maybe time to re-visit it ^^
Wow I love this movie & I just saw a special screening on the big screen at alamo Drafthouse a couple weeks ago. 100 percent my favorite werewolf movie
Fun fact: the security guard you see @30:13 who Stuart ends up killing, played the Game Warden in X-Files Alpha, who helped Mulder and Scully track down a wolf/man like creature.
The animatronic wolf versions of Nicholson and Spader were also done by ADI as well. Production approached Rick at first but turned it down when he was busy with a Sylvester Stallone movie that never got made and hired Greg Cannom to do makeup. Greg wanted to focus on the makeups while they hired ADI to do the animatronics. When Greg’s approach was deemed too much and was let go, they were able to get Rick but still had ADI commissioned to do the animatronics. Rick’s only contributions to them was final touches with the hair work to better match his makeups.
I remember watching this at the time and thinking , that's as close as I'm ever going to get to seeing a Wolverine and Sabretooth fight on screen lol
Excellent video! Just a small correction: I bought a bare-bones Blu-ray of Wolf around 2010. It was in a two-pack with Coppola's Dracula and later a three-pack with Brenaugh's Frankenstein.
This movie is fucking amazing!