The Extraordinary British Chiller THE WICKER MAN: A Must See

Author's Rating:

Pros: Music, atmosphere, acting, story; it's all top of the line

Cons: You really need to track down the original version to get the full effect

The Bottom Line: 
One of the most tightly constructed feature films I've ever seen. This is remarkably good, genuinely haunting movie, and has my highest recommendation.

Author's Review
DIrector Robin Hardy’s 1972 British film THE WICKER MAN deservedly has acquired near legendary status in the genre of horror films, but in actuality, Hardy’s film is more of an ultra suspenseful and unpredictable mystery than a true horror movie. After hearing many good things about the film, I was finally able to track down the original 103 minute version which has become hard to find after years of hideous marketing blunders and release travesties that cut this version down to, in some cases, 85 minutes. In its original form, THE WICKER MAN has a truly unique vision of pagan worship thrust alongside contemporary Christian religion that creates a finished film that above all else, will shock you with its plot twists and an ending that you probably won’t see coming.

The story begins rather ordinarily, but from there takes an excursion into places seldom seen on the big screen. Police sergeant Howie (played by Edward Woodward) is dispatched to Summer Isle, a remote island off the Scottish coast, after a report of a missing girl is sent to him. Upon finding no trace of the girl, or anyone who admits knowing her, Howie is forced to dig a little deeper and discovers bizarre pagan rituals that make up the religious beliefs of the people on the island. These beliefs, which seemingly revolve around open and frank sexuality, have been instilled into the people by their political and spiritual leader, Lord Summerisle played by the great Christopher Lee in one of his best roles. After questioning all the townspeople and doing some research Howie begins to suspect that the missing child is about to be sacrificed to the sun and harvest gods in a May Day celebration and sets out to stop the ceremony.

If THE WICKER MAN succeeds in any way, it definitely creates an atmosphere so different from everyday life in so-called civilized societies and accomplishes its goal to totally alienate and confuse the viewer, along with sergeant Howie, upon discovering the unusual pagan culture that exists on Summer Isle. By doing this, we feel more connected to Howie because we, the viewer, find ourselves in a similar situation, being totally alien to the environment presented to us. Another reason this works so well here is because most viewers of the film would probably have been brought up in a Christian based religion, like sergeant Howie. Throughout the film, Howie is in constant conflict with his religious beliefs that seem to speak exactly the opposite as the beliefs of the islanders he finds during his investigation. This conflict of interests between the practicing Christian Howie and the islanders creates an instantaneous rift between them, a rift that grows ever more distinct as the film progresses. The contrast between the two religions is one of the main, and most fascinating, ideas elaborated on in the excellent script by Anthony Shaffer.

Another element that works to this film’s advantage is the unique way that director Robin Hardy plays out the story. Every couple of minutes, there’s a musical number sung by some of the islanders. This may sound dumb, and in the case of nearly every other film like this, this would be the case. In THE WICKER MAN however, the musical numbers add another level to the story; they offer a further element to the beliefs and religion of the indigenous people of Summer Isle. These people may not be beyond human sacrifice, but at the same time, they are a deeply spiritual people, maybe even more devoted to their cause than sergeant Howie is to theirs. These musical numbers also include a number of memorable tunes; I liked a lot of the songs quite a bit.

Hardy’s visual flair is also instantly noticeable watching this film. A number of scenes stand out, including a number of highly erotic moments. In one instance, Howie witnesses some kind of sexual initiation ceremony at the inn he’s staying at. Lord Summerisle offers a young man to the lovely daughter (Britt Ekland) of the innkeeper. Although we never see the two actually having sex, Hardy gives us the oddly sensual and erotic sight of two snails engaging in mating behavior. This scene is truly unique; it’s so bizarre and exotic that the end result is a highly sexual scene. Another example of the bizarre eroticism to be found here is a scene where a nude Ekland dances around her room singing another of the haunting melodies to be found in the film. She appears to be performing some kind of primitive dance that will seduce Howie, who is staying in the next room over, and succeeds both in seducing Howie and us, the audience. To be honest, this scene has to be one of the most sexually charged scenes I’ve ever seen, much moreso than your average Hollywood mechanical sex scene and its two seconds of female breast exposure. In the scene from THE WICKER MAN, you can almost cut the sexual energy with a knife it’s so evident, and the result is another incredibly sensuous scene.

As the film gathers steam before its memorable, and totally unexpected, climax, Anthony Shaffer’s script throws us so many twists and turns that the final scene, which is the culmination of nearly all the ideas presented in the script, is incredibly powerful. To be honest, I’d have a hard time naming a film and story that is so well developed, constructed and played out as this one. THE WICKER MAN simply is extraordinary film making; a true classic in the annals of film. This one is simply a must see for its exotic atmosphere, top of the line performances, especially Lee who seems to be the personification of evil at times, a script that doesn’t hold anything back, visual prowess that makes all this look so spectacular, and an ending that leaves your typical Hollywood conclusion in the dust.

THE WICKER MAN should be required viewing of any one looking for a very bizarre, but totally literate mystery/ thriller. I can’t even begin to describe how much I enjoyed this film, or not so much enjoyed it as felt every twist and turn of the plot. The movie has my highest recommendation, and has quickly become one of my all time favorites, but this film is definitely not for the children due to intense sexual themes and imagery and decidedly adult feel. For the brave viewer, if you can track down the original version of the film, I’d say you owe it to yourself to see it.