Oliver Reed was a British actor known for his powerful performances and his wild off-screen lifestyle. One of his most famous roles was that of the werewolf, which he played in the 1961 film "Curse of the Werewolf." Reed's portrayal of the tortured and animalistic character was both haunting and captivating. In "Curse of the Werewolf," Reed played the role of Leon Corledo, a young man who is cursed with lycanthropy, or the ability to transform into a werewolf. The film tells the tragic story of Corledo's life, from his conception under unnatural circumstances to his eventual demise. Reed's performance in the film was praised for its intensity and physicality.
Today the film stands in Hammer’s filmography as a beautifully photographed, nuanced take on the duality of man as seen through the lens of the werewolf mythos. It served as a launching pad for Oliver Reed’s formidable career, it featured one of frequent Hammer effects artists Roy Ashton’s finest designs and carried a stunning, experimental score by Benjamin Frankel. Altogether, the film is a grand example of the artistry thriving in Hammer’s productions at the time.
Portrayed by frequent Terence Fisher collaborator Anthony Dawson , the Marqués flippant disregard for humanity and irrational emotional swings make his handful of minutes onscreen immensely entertaining and memorable. While a fun little curio positing that werewolves derive from the real life manic depressive condition known as lycanthropy, this ultimately feels like loose end edits strung together in an effort to flesh out the special feature list.
Reed's performance in the film was praised for its intensity and physicality. He fully embraced the physicality of the werewolf character, using his imposing stature and raw energy to convey the primal instincts and violence of the creature. His expressive face and piercing eyes added to the overall sense of unease and fear that permeated the film.
Curse of the Werewolf, The (Hammer 1961)
Apart from his physicality, Reed also brought depth and vulnerability to the character of Leon Corledo. He portrayed the inner struggle and torment of the werewolf, highlighting the tragic nature of his existence. Reed's performance humanized the character, making the audience sympathize with his plight rather than fear him solely as a monster. However, it is worth mentioning that Reed's portrayal of the werewolf also mirrored his own personal battles with addiction and alcoholism. He was known for his wild behavior both on and off-screen, often getting into fights and causing disruptions. This added an extra layer of authenticity to his performance as the tortured and wild werewolf, as his own wildness shone through in the portrayal. Overall, Oliver Reed's performance as the werewolf in "Curse of the Werewolf" remains one of the most memorable and iconic in the genre. His intense physicality, emotional depth, and personal demons brought a unique and captivating dimension to the character, making it one of his most celebrated roles..
Reviews for "Oliver Reed and the Werewolf Curse: A Tale of Shadows and Full Moons"
1. Samantha - 2/5 - I found "Oliver Reed: Curse of the Werewolf" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was weak and predictable, offering nothing new or exciting for the werewolf genre. The acting was subpar, with Oliver Reed lacking the intensity and menace necessary for a convincing werewolf character. The special effects were also dated and unimpressive, failing to create a sense of fear or suspense. Overall, I regretted wasting my time on this lackluster film.
2. Michael - 1/5 - I can't believe I sat through the entirety of "Oliver Reed: Curse of the Werewolf." It was an absolute trainwreck from start to finish. The plot was nonsensical and incoherent, jumping from one random scene to the next without proper explanation or development. The dialogue was cringe-worthy, filled with clichés and uninspired lines. The performances were amateurish, with Oliver Reed's portrayal of the werewolf being particularly underwhelming. Save yourself the agony and skip this disaster of a film.
3. Emily - 2/5 - "Oliver Reed: Curse of the Werewolf" had the potential to be a captivating werewolf flick, but unfortunately, it fell short. The pacing was sluggish, dragging on unnecessarily and making the film feel much longer than it actually was. The characters lacked depth and failed to elicit any emotional connection from the audience. The scares were predictable, relying on jump scares and gore rather than building genuine terror. Overall, I was left underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this mediocre attempt at a werewolf movie.
4. David - 2/5 - As a fan of Oliver Reed, I had high hopes for "Curse of the Werewolf," but it proved to be a disappointment. The story felt disjointed and poorly executed, leaving me confused and disengaged. Reed's performance seemed wooden and lacked the charisma he is known for. The make-up and effects were unconvincing, failing to create a realistic or terrifying werewolf transformation. It's a shame that such a talented actor was wasted on a subpar film like this.