Review of The Wicker Man (1973) by Kieran O — 01 Feb 2014

"And what of the TRUE God? Whose glory, churches and monasteries have been built on these islands for generations past? Now sir, what of him?".

To say that The Wicker Man is a horror film isn't one hundred percent correct but not one hundred percent incorrect at the same time. If you're expecting sudden frights or large body counts then you won't find it here. It's a horror movie in the sense that in our society most people have similar moral values and beliefs. But what happens when under your nose lies an ancient beast that never moved on with the rest of the world?

In a manner, The Wicker Man is the devout evangelical christian nightmare. Orgies, Masked Rituals, Naked Dancing, The Wicker Man is an antonym of everything devoutly Christian. Edward Woodward is phenomenal in his performance as the classic catholic archetype Sgt.Howie, who plunges head first into his own personal hell, and watches as every value and lesson he hold's dear is smashed before his own eyes.

Unarguably however, the greatest performance of this film is Sir Christopher Lee. Whenever Lee is playing a villain, he always manages to keep an even balance between appearing absolutely normal to the next minute becoming the most deranged and vigorous psychopath you've ever seen. This can also be seen with Dracula, Star Wars, LOTR etc. But the thing about the character of Lord Summerisle is that nor he or his fellow followers believe their actions are not in the slightest way evil, or at least a necessary evil to protect their well being.

Of all the 1970's British Folk/Occult Horror Films, this is easily the greatest triumph, and if you've never checked it out, I would definitely put it on your to do list. Also, the re-make fucking sucked, fuck Nicholas Cage and fuck Americanisation (not that I hate America) but this is a British (Scottish) film, and only a British Director could direct a film like this. 5/5.