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| COVER GALLERY |
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· Year: 1973
· Also known as: Anthony Shaffer's "The Wicker Man"
· Director: Robin Hardy
· Writer: Anthony Shaffer
· Cast: Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee
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· This film has been released twice in the United States, once in 1973 (in a cut version--the cuts had been made at the suggestion of Roger Corman) and once in 1978 (in a reedited form, the recovery of which was also thanks to Corman).
· In Shallow Grave, Ewan McGregor's character watches The Wicker Man on a TV.
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Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
· Book: Inside "The Wicker Man" |
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| Synopsis |
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Sergeant Howie is a God-fearing, pious Christian and a no-nonsense police investigator. Both characteristics put him ill at ease when he is called to the pagan Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. Before long, the strange goings-on and even stranger villagers convince Howie that he is on the verge of finding something very disturbing.
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RATING
Out of 100 |
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98
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| COLD ANALYSIS |
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ATMOSPHERE
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GORE
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HUMOR
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SCARES
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TENSION
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I like this film more every time I watch it. Subtle, strange, and with a faultlessly authentic feel, The Wicker Man is an animal unique in the cinematic canon. It's not even a horror movie, really; it is instead the true definition of a cult film (in several senses of the word). Uniqueness alone doesn't qualify this film for greatness, however, but what does is the always interesting directing, the wonderful acting by Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee, the quirky soundtrack (complete with folk songs), and the atmosphere of the film, the kind of which I have never felt before. The Wicker Man is not for everyone, that I will freely admit. But for those looking for something a little different . . . watch this film. If you choose to do so, rent only the 100+ minute print of the film (packaging differs as to whether the length is 102 or 103 minutes. Avoid at all costs the shortest versions of the film, at 87. I haven't seen the 95 minute print, but the eighty-some-minute print provides only the barest hint of what the film is about--watching that might do more harm than good to your opinion of the film.
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RATING
Out of 100 |
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| COLD ANALYSIS |
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ATMOSPHERE
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GORE
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HUMOR
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SCARES
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TENSION
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Christopher Lee gives perhaps the most magnetic performance of his career, while Edward Woodward gives an electrifying portrayal of a very
strongly principled Christian officer with a missionary's zeal. Britt Ekland gives one reason to hit rewind at least a few times, and for those who appreciate the little details of authentic Anglo Pagan lore, this film is rife with it.
Of note to look out for, although the script is placed in Spring, at the time of the May Day celebration on this Pagan Isle, the filming took place in much colder months. To give the impression of Spring, hundreds of thousands of simulated blossoms were hand-placed on the bare limbs of the orchard trees. When the many nude scenes are taken into account along with this floral feat, we can begin to really understand what a major labor of love this must have been. Many locals were used as extras, and the majority of the shooting was done on location. This is a not-to-miss film for anyone with interest in some of the more obscure traditions of Celtic/Anglo Pagan and rural folk. Many real, traditional pub and drinking songs were used, as well as some old harvest tunes and more. A little-known fact is that this film is actually a very popular cult title among many NeoPagan groups in America, as well as being a very popular cult film in Britain. Worth owning, and numerous viewings. A grand and suspensful mystery, with a gothic twist.
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