The Howling: Studies in the Horror Film book review
If the author's name seems familiar, it's probably due to his Blu-ray commentaries for such films as Carrie, Berserk and Homicidal. Those of you who have heard any of Gambin's chat-tracks will be pleased to learn that he brings the exact same enthusiasm, knowledge and passion to his writing.
The book breaks the film down scene-by-scene, with Gambin recapping onscreen events and offering analysis of the themes at play, from the reoccurring topic of duality to satirical critiques of the media and Esalen-style 'healing' communities. The effusive praise for actors Dee Wallace and Belinda Balaski gets a little repetitive, but it hammers home how enthusiastic Gambin is about the film. And he's right: they really do give superb performances.
Interspersed with all of this are brand-new interview extracts from pretty much everybody you'd hope to hear from about making The Howling. This includes director Joe Dante, co-writers John Sayles and Terence H. Winkless, composer Pino Donaggio, cinematographer John Hora and most of the cast – including the late, great Dick Miller, who sadly passed away on the day this review was being written. Together these interviews offer a fascinating, funny, comprehensive and only occasionally contradictory account of the film's production. The book is also illustrated with a wonderful collection of stills, rare behind-the-scenes photos and production art.
All told, it's enough to make you want to watch The Howling again – which is surely the point.
The Howling: Studies in the Horror Film, Lee Gambin, Centipede Press, $35
HCC VERDICT: 4/5
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