I think I'll still prefer GINGER SNAPS which I caught recently at SXSW for a fun filled werewolf experience. Father Geek likes his horror a little MORE serious that this one comes across from this review, (never been a fan of CAMP) but it just may be your cup of tea...
"Wolves of Kromer" (Britain, 2000)
Pros: Camp that knows it's camp. Beautiful scenery, beautiful actors. Cons: No profound message or big special effects.
In this low budget mix of fairy-tale and metaphor from director, Will Gould, one should expect the unusual. In the picturesque English countryside, the quaint village of Kromer is 'invaded' by wolves. They are not real wolves, however, and are not really werewolves either. They are homosexuals.
The symbolism is easy enough to see (almost too easy as the film progresses). The "wolves" are outcasts, set apart from the villagers by their furry coats and attached tails, (Did I say low-budget?) and forced to live in the surrounding woods and hang out at the reservoir. Lee Williams and James Layton are the center of the film, as a gorgeous young wolf-couple, dealing with the younger one's "coming out".
In her review of the film, Manuela Kay summarizes the conflict we all saw coming: "The villagers are, of course, homophobic -- or rather, wolfophobic --, clueless, criminal, and led by a fanatical priest who wants to destroy the wolves." (Siegesaeule, March 2001) Each person (symbolized by a local family) is forced to deal with the presence of the wolves and their significance in his/her private life, from the responsible father, to his teenage daughter and adolescent son.
The real treat of the movie is the delicious murderous sub-plot carried out by two old crones in the village. Complete with humor, irony, and some very creepy scenes, these two are a pair as craven and despicable as the young lovers are beautiful. Both plots come together in the predictable clash between villagers and wolves.
While some might be disappointed with the "wolf" scenes in their lack of special effects (I had been expecting cool werewolves too), I was delighted by Gould's retro-psychadellic take on them. Remember those 60's movies that had that surreal utopia-atmosphere to them, that often took themselves too seriously? Well, obviously Gould remembers them too and he recreates a similar atmosphere with a touch of kitsch that, rather than taking itself too seriously, makes light of itself and its idyllic forerunners. The result is a visually pleasing film that ironizes itself and it's budget. What fun!
If you are expecting graphic love scenes or profound statements about the role of homosexuals in a (non-Hollywood, like most of the world) conservative society, go see "Felix" (France, 1999) , not "Wolves of Kromer." This movie is about fairy-tale weirdness and carves out a niche in it's odd, charming, campy little way. A great Sunday afternoon endeavor!
* 3 / 5 stars*
Kate in Berlin
