Jack Nicholson was better as a wolfman than De Niro was as the Frankenstein monster, but this glossy major release is more like David Cronenberg’s The Fly than other werewolf movies.
Will Randall (Nicholson) is bitten by a wolf after he hits it with his car on his way home one night in upstate New York. Suddenly, Will’s senses start working overtime – he can see better, hear further and smell things that other people can’t. His strength increases also.
He begins to sprout hair and pointy ears and is soon going out on murderous rampages every time the moon is full.
Losing his job as a senior book editor, Will seeks revenge and finds love with Laura Alden (Michelle Pfeiffer), the daughter of billionaire publishing tycoon Raymond Alden (Christopher Plummer) who let Will go.
James Spader is Stewart Swinton – the weasel assistant who gets both Will’s job and his wife, Charlotte (Kate Nelligan).
Rick Baker (American Werewolf in London) did the special effects. Music is by Ennio Morricone.
The 125-minute Columbia release failed to make back its $70-million-plus budget at the box office.
Will Randall
Jack Nicholson
Laura Alden
Michelle Pfeiffer
Stewart Swinton
James Spader
Charlotte Randall
Kate Nelligan
Detective Bridger
Richard Jenkins
Raymond Alden
Christopher Plummer
Mary
Eileen Atkins
Roy
David Hyde Pierce
Dr Vijay Alezais
Om Puri
Doctor
Ron Rifkin
Maude
Prunella Scales
Detective Wade
Brian Markinson
George
Peter Gerety
Keyes
Bradford English
Gary
Stewart J. Zully
Tom
Thomas F. Duffy
Director
Mike Nichols
