Vodstok
10-11-2004, 07:36 AM
Okay, traditional views on Lycanthropes varied everywhere from people who changed completely into wolves because of a curse or infection, to (i believe Loup-garous) men who put on wolf furs, which magically transformed them into wolves. more modern "stylings' have introduced us to Lon Chaney's "Hairy guy with sharp teeth", all the way to human-wolf hybrids aas seen in Dog Soldiers.
Although the old Loup garous were people who actively sought out wolf form, the more modern stereotype usually involves unwilling transformations. There are sometimes cases of outwardly evil people who dont seem to mind changing into a monster and killing , whether it is voluntary or not. however, they usually seem to make the werewolf a tragic innocent, someone who doesnt wish to change into a monster and kill, but does so uncontrollably. (althoughm, theynever commit suicide. i never really understood that)
There also seems to be a bit of a control issue. In movies like Dog Soldiers and American Werewolf in London, the werewolves kill out of hunger or need, and there is very little if any of the "human" personality present while in this form.
In others, Like Full Ecplise, the people appear to maintain at least SOME control over their actions. i personally prefer the "cursed" view of the whole thing. Full Moon equals bloodthirsty monster.
Then there is the "how do you kill them?" question. In some movies, a silver bullet is required (or some silver). Dog soldiers used this, but they also supported the "catastrophic damage" theory. basically, silver or no, blow up a werewolf, and he is done for. not so in Monster Squad. In American wereolf in London, a regular bullet kills the monster. in Dog Soldiers, it obviously doesnt feel very good, but regular bullets cant kill them.
What about fire? regular old fire doesnt seem to be touched on, at least not in any movies i have seen. One intersting theme that is often used is that injuries sustained in wolf form will carry over into human form, as shown in Silver Bullet. there is an awsome old story about a man and his wife that i will post if i come across it that is in this vein. its a damn fine read.
What out of the above does everyone feel to be the "right way"?
Also, let me know if i seem to have missed anything :D
Although the old Loup garous were people who actively sought out wolf form, the more modern stereotype usually involves unwilling transformations. There are sometimes cases of outwardly evil people who dont seem to mind changing into a monster and killing , whether it is voluntary or not. however, they usually seem to make the werewolf a tragic innocent, someone who doesnt wish to change into a monster and kill, but does so uncontrollably. (althoughm, theynever commit suicide. i never really understood that)
There also seems to be a bit of a control issue. In movies like Dog Soldiers and American Werewolf in London, the werewolves kill out of hunger or need, and there is very little if any of the "human" personality present while in this form.
In others, Like Full Ecplise, the people appear to maintain at least SOME control over their actions. i personally prefer the "cursed" view of the whole thing. Full Moon equals bloodthirsty monster.
Then there is the "how do you kill them?" question. In some movies, a silver bullet is required (or some silver). Dog soldiers used this, but they also supported the "catastrophic damage" theory. basically, silver or no, blow up a werewolf, and he is done for. not so in Monster Squad. In American wereolf in London, a regular bullet kills the monster. in Dog Soldiers, it obviously doesnt feel very good, but regular bullets cant kill them.
What about fire? regular old fire doesnt seem to be touched on, at least not in any movies i have seen. One intersting theme that is often used is that injuries sustained in wolf form will carry over into human form, as shown in Silver Bullet. there is an awsome old story about a man and his wife that i will post if i come across it that is in this vein. its a damn fine read.
What out of the above does everyone feel to be the "right way"?
Also, let me know if i seem to have missed anything :D