Director Explains “I Started Researching Wolves”: Insights from the Werewolf’s Perspective in Wolf Man’s Shots

Leigh Whannell’s Unique Take on the Wolf Man: A Chilling Transformation

Leigh Whannell, acclaimed for his directorial work in The Invisible Man, embarks on another haunting journey through the Universal Monsters universe with his upcoming film, Wolf Man. Produced by Blumhouse, this fresh adaptation reinterprets the classic 1941 film. It chronicles the emotional and physical turmoil faced by Blake, portrayed by Christopher Abbott, as he confronts his terrifying metamorphosis into a werewolf following his return to his estranged father’s isolated home in Oregon.

Behind the Scenes: Whannell’s Innovative Approach

In a revealing conversation with The New York Times, Whannell elaborated on the creative direction he took, particularly focusing on the film’s unique werewolf point-of-view shots. This innovative technique offers viewers a first-hand experience of Blake’s harrowing transformation, intensifying the emotional weight of the story. Here’s an extract from his insightful interview:

I had this idea of the camera moving around the room and suddenly what seemed like gibberish became legible, and you realized there was some invisible wall that the camera had crossed through. I started researching wolves, how they see, the colors of their eyes. I was thinking about how animals hear.

When we talk to our dogs, we all anthropomorphize our pets. I have whole conversations with my dog where I’m like, “What are you doing? Oh, you’re upset. What are you upset about?” You know that he’s just staring at you. They recognize tone and maybe up to 20 words. I was thinking about that.

This classic Wolf Man story is a great way to use this because usually in Wolf Man stories, the transformation is very quick. I was like, what if you slowed this down and treated it more like a degenerative illness? I was thinking more of a film like “Still Alice.”

Understanding the Significance of the Werewolf POV Shots

Blurring the Boundaries Between Humanity and Monstrosity

Julia Garner in a terrifying scene from Wolf Man

By depicting the transformation of Blake into a werewolf as a slow, degenerative process, Whannell innovatively reshapes the conventional monster narrative. Drawing influence from films like Still Alice, he effectively links the werewolf legend to the emotional and physical ramifications of an illness that gradually erases one’s identity. While the narrative could have benefited from a more robust exploration of Blake’s decline, these intense moments of transformation successfully create a gripping immersive experience that transcends typical body horror.

An Analysis of Whannell’s Vision in Wolf Man

Experiencing Horror from Within

The Wolf Man struggles during his transformation

The werewolf perspective shots in Wolf Man exemplify Leigh Whannell’s bold creative vision, introducing a fresh and visceral element to this iconic monster narrative. By showcasing Blake’s deteriorating humanity through an immersive sensory lens, Whannell delves into themes of transformation and loss that are often overlooked in traditional werewolf stories. Despite facing criticism for its thematic complexity, scenes like these underline Whannell’s skill in utilizing both technical and artistic methods to leave a profound impact on the audience.

For further insights, visit NYT

Source: Screen Rant