The Wicker Man (1973)

Directed by Robin Hardy [Other horror films: The Wicker Tree (2011)]

Perhaps not just one of the most unique horror films of the 1970’s, but of the genre as a whole, The Wicker Man is a highly entertaining and occasionally disturbing film, especially, I imagine, if you’re of a conservative religious bent. It’s a classic for good reason, and definitely a movie worth looking into.

Luckily, I don’t need to say that. Most horror fans at least know of the film, and while it may not be to everyone’s tastes (an online friend of mine complained about the music that permeated the first half), if you go in without knowing much, I doubt it’s a film that will easily be forgotten.

Personally, I’m a big fan of the story, and while some might not think much of the mystery here (if for no other reason, cultural osmosis), I find the film entertaining, especially on a sociological level. See, the main character, played by Edward Woodward, is a police officer, but more importantly, a devout Catholic, and when he investigates the disappearance of a girl on a small island, is rather turned off by the people’s religious beliefs, which he sees as pagan.

And to be sure, the islanders are of a Celtic pagan brand – they have far different views on love and sexuality, on death and rebirth, on what constitutes serving the gods they believe in. It’s a beautiful culture shock, seeing a very Catholic individual being faced with what he perceives as immodesty and sacrilegious beliefs (he even goes as far as to claim the beliefs of the islanders a “fake religion,” as if Christianity has any more basis in truth).

It’s here that I should state what I’ve likely mentioned before, as it’s relevant in this case. I’m pretty much a life-long atheist. I was raised Catholic in some manners, but the beliefs never stuck, and I’ve been one who thinks far higher of logical thought than words in old books. I definitely don’t care for the worldview of Woodward’s character, and I also don’t care for the worldview of the islanders.

The difference is, aside from some aspects of their worship (such as what is demonstrated during the fantastic finale of the film), I can fully see why the islanders would hold the beliefs they do. Their religious beliefs don’t seem to be oppressive (or anywhere near as oppressive as the Christian faith tends to be), and I appreciate how their society is sexually open, as that seems a far safer way to be than a society that advocates abstinence.

What I’m trying to say is that while I don’t hold to either belief system, I can see the appeal of the islanders, and I can’t fault them for any of their actions. It’s a fascinating topic to see tackled in a film, and it just gives the film such a unique and folksy feel.

Edward Woodward (Incense for the Damned, The Appointment) did amazing here, and I loved his discussions with Christopher Lee’s character. Lee (The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula, Taste of Fear, The Creeping Flesh, The Skull, I, Monster) is of course great in most movies he’s in, but I’ve never seen him have as much fun as he does here. From beginning to end, he seems like he’s having a hoot, and who can blame him? I also enjoyed both Britt Ekland (Demon Rage and Endless Night) and Lindsay Kemp here.

One of the aspects that make The Wicker Man a memorable movie is the consistent use of music. A soft song titled “Corn Rigs” by Paul Giovanni plays a handful of times, which is a peaceful piece. A bawdy barroom song titled “The Landlord’s Daughter” was a hell of a lot of fun, and to celebrate the ever-important May Day, there’s the rather catchy “Maypole Song” (“and on that bed, there was a girl, and on that girl, there was a man”). I love the music here, and while I can imagine it might turn some people off (such as my aforementioned friend), it lends the movie such a quality atmosphere.

As my hombre Ser Bronn said in Game of Thrones, “it’s all about the ending.” Of course, that’s not accurate here, and the whole of the movie is engaging, but it’s the ending that has traumatized and shocked people. Most horror fans, if not most movie fans, probably know the ending even if they’ve not seen the film, but even so, it’s a fantastic finale and it knows what it’s doing.

For an added bonus, while I don’t usually mention other reviews, I did want to take a few moments to point out two other (more comprehensive) reviews for The Wicker Man, one from Mario Lanza, another from 1000 Misspent Hours (a site I often gravitate towards). Both of these reviews are well-worth reading, and they both do this movie justice.

Odd as it may be, The Wicker Man is one of my favorite 70’s horror films. I’ve only seen it twice, now, and I’ve not even seen the uncut version (which apparently runs 99 minutes, according to IMDb), but it’s such a striking and entertaining film that it’s a must-see for fans of the genre, and even if you’re one of the individuals who can’t get into it for some reason or another, at the very least, you have a great conclusion to look forward to.

9/10