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Werewolf of Washington: Classic Horror

Where to Watch Werewolf of Washington: Classic Horror

NR
2016

Werewolf of Washington: Classic Horror stands as one of those rare cult horror gems that perfectly combines political satire, humor and traditional axes of terror. This zany, 1970s flick, directed by Milton Moses Ginsberg and starring Dean Stockwell, offers a unique, chilling and at the same time amusing perspective on the political landscape of Washington D.C., with a werewolf twist.

The movie begins with the introduction of its central character, Jack Whittier, played convincingly by the charismatic Dean Stockwell. Whittier, a journalist at heart and a former Pentagon press secretary, is sent to Hungary on an assignment. His stay proves to be remarkably eventful as he soon encounters a werewolf after accidentally hitting the creature with his car on a dark, country road. It's during this encounter where Whittier succumbs to the infamous curse of the Lycanthrope after being bitten by the seemingly dying creature.

Returning back to his profession in Washington D.C., Whittier discovers an invitation for an unforeseen career change. He is appointed to serve as the Press Secretary of the United States by the President himself. As rewarding and prestigious the opportunity sounds, Whittier soon faces the horrific side effects of his cursed encounter with the werewolf. His life starts spiraling into a tale of terror as the effects of the curse begin to show, transforming him into a werewolf during the full moon.

The wind of transformation doesn't blow in his favor, as the emerging werewolf starts displaying his monstrous side, disproportionately, on Washington's elite while leaving a trail of confusion, fear, and uncertainty in his wake. This intriguing twist of a werewolf that terrorizes the political body of Washington forms the movie’s crux. The horror is amplified by the fact that Whittier cannot remember his gruesome deeds and is at his wit's end to understand his predicament.

The chaotic sequence of events is laden with allegorical implications which reflect the film’s keen perspective on Washington's political scene. Amidst the werewolf-induced fear, the movie subtly unfolds the power dynamics and bureaucratic intrigues that are very much part of Washington’s political scene. The unique combination of horror and satire gives the film a distinctive texture, making it much more than just another werewolf movie.

Stockwell’s commendable performance as the panic-stricken Whittier takes the audience through a journey of intrigue, fear, self-doubt, and terror. His transformation into the werewolf is depicted through deft cinematography and special effects, upholding the movie's suspenseful tone. The eerie music score aids in maintaining the suspense and creating an atmosphere of unsettling horror.

Woven together by satirical humor, the script of the movie provides a clever commentary on Washington's political ambiance, which runs parallel to its main horror theme. The director, Ginsberg, exploits the werewolf narrative to satirize the political socio-cultural environment of Washington while injecting the right doses of horror.

While the film on the surface provides the thrills and chills of a classic horror movie, it dives into deeper layers with its underlying socio-political critique. The mix of horror and humor may seem precarious, but Werewolf of Washington pulls it off with skilled direction, entertaining dialogue, solid performances, and an atmospheric score. It might have been created in the 70s, but it still manages to resonate with audiences today with its clever themes and gripping plotline.

Werewolf of Washington: Classic Horror offers a creepy, thrilling and exceptionally entertaining experience - an unforgettable ride for lovers of horror and political satire alike. Its ability to provide heart-stopping scares while not taking itself too seriously, together with its artful and symbolic comment on the political system, helps the film stand out as a unique artifact of its time. Despite its title, this movie is not merely about a werewolf on the loose in D.C., but rather it tackles the idea of the 'beast within' that could exist even in the most refined and powerful echelons of society.

The movie stands as a timeless reminder of the unique blend of horror and satire that the cinematic world can offer. With its unique narrative, compelling performances, and deft direction, Werewolf of Washington: Classic Horror is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of horror, satire, or simply good film-making. It ensures a suspense-filled movie night, full of laughs and gasps, while promising a unique insight into the hidden wolf in Washington’s grand political spectrum.

Werewolf of Washington: Classic Horror is a Horror movie released in 2016. It has a runtime of 76.

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