Shapeshifters in literature represent change, and since most narratives are stories of change, one could make the argument that all protagonists are Shapeshifters in some way as they change through experience to reach their goals. But I’d like to focus on the Shapeshifter Archetype embodied by more marginal characters. Shapeshifters function to bring about tension or confusion either for the protagonist or for the reader/viewer. In Late Phases, we find an staple embodiment of a horror genre Shapeshifter – the werewolf.
The interesting thing about this werewolf film, and the best thing it has going for it, are the characters. They are very different from the normal protagonists we’ve seen of late from the genre. First, the main character, Ambrose, is a blind retired war vet…not a moody, ab-ripped angst-filled teenager. Ambrose has moved into a retirement community-also not the usual setting. From the beginning we get action as a werewolf kills his seeing-eye dog. Ambrose is far from likeable at first. He’s surly, unfriendly to the welcome wagon ladies, and pretty much carrying a huge chip on his shoulders.
It is the Shapeshifter werewolf that brings a new goal for Ambrose-revenge. There are other archetypes along the way. For example, the always awesome Tom Noonan (Manhunter-the original film version of Thomas Harris’s novel Red Dragon, X-Files, and more recently The Black List) plays a mentor in Father Roger. The werewolf himself is also a trickster figure as Shapeshifters often are.
Right: Tom Noonan as Father Roger
In the Hero’s Journey, Shapeshifters don’t have to be physical transformers. They can also be emotional transformers, such as Ambrose’s son Will. In the horror genre, Shapeshifters dazzle and confuse, they lie and cheat, they serve their own needs first. The obvious avatars we see of the Shapeshifter are werewolves, vampires, zombies, those demon possessed, and good old angels. But a Shapeshifter could just as easily be a supposed friend you find out has been undermining you behind your back.
Late Phases is a good, solid film and an interesting one. It has its flaws – mostly production value…the werewolf suits were a bit less than up to par. But it’s a good story with interesting characters and a solid Shapeshifter that drives the hero to achieve his ultimate goal…a postmortem reconciliation with his son, Will.
This one will be on many people’s top 10 lists for 2014 for sure.
This one will be on many people’s top 10 lists for 2014 for sure.