Beware the Wicker Man

Author's Rating:

Pros: Visually disturbing and convincing

Cons: Occasionally slow

Author's Review
I had the pleasure of renting this movie recently (in anticipation of its eventual DVD release) and instantly remembered why the film was so disturbing as it was the first time I saw it.

It's not scary in the same way that a SCREAM or HALLOWEEN are, The WICKER MAN is more psychological and on this level, the film works brilliantly. The basic plot is the search for a missing girl by a devout Christian police man (Edward Woodward). His search brings him to the island of Summerisle, where he quickly learns that the people there continue to practice ancient pagan rituals to produce an abundant harvest, fertile women and men. They practice and encourage open sexual activities and sing songs that might seem a little silly to modern viewers, but in context, are as disturbing as some of the rituals they perform. There are a few twists and turns, but the best aspect of the film is watching the slow, methodical deterioration of Woodward's character. The ending, though not a total surprise, is eerie in its finality. Were is made today, it may have ended differently.

For classic Horror nuts, like myself, the presence of such luminaries as Christopher Lee, Ingrid Pitt and Britt Ekland make the film all that more exciting.

The film drags occasionally, but there are many moments of visually disturbing beauty. The acting often leaves room for improvement, but it in no way takes away from the sheer terror of the film. Several scenes of provocative nudity and sexual activity might run some off, but it is essential to the film. And how often can you say that.

All in all, it is easily one of the best Horror films out there and it will make you cautious about visiting a small, secluded island. Ignore the claim at the beginning about this film showing true practices. There is no support for these claims, except in the most vague sense. I suspect it was put in to strengthen the anticipation.