Review of The Wicker Man (1973) by Dean C — 02 Aug 2009

THE WICKER MAN is a very suspenseful and naturally creepy high-brow British horror film that is as tightly written as it is directed, by Robin Hardy. A Peter Snell production, THE WICKER MAN utilizes the themes of old religion vs. Christianity, pagan mysticism, murder, the righteousness of law, and free will compellingly in an earthy tale that is executed with panache and ended with a chilling resolution.

Edward Woodward skillfully plays the part of a Christian officer Sergeant Howie sent to a small island off of Scotland, Summerisle. There has been a complaint about a missing child there, a Rowan Morrison. Upon his arrival, Howie asks for an answer from the villagers about Rowan by showing them her picture. From the docks to the inn, he gets a resounding no. Howie has to dig deep into the island's relgious and educationa beliefs to find the root of the mystery (pun intended) and why Summerisle is such an unusual place.

From here, the mystery and the stakes heightens as Howie finds his way closer to the truth, which is pretty ugly. A notoriously troubled production, THE WICKER MAN also underwent a notorious censoring and distribution process. Due to its disturbing content and shock ending, THE WICKER MAN was completely censored and nearly destroyed as the result of the issue.

In time, THE WICKER MAN garnered a cult status, and the British now consider it a classic of British cinema. Christopher Lee himself says "it's the best film I've ever made." Playing Lord Summerisle, he portrays a leader committed to the Earth he lives in through Pagan beliefs, and is generously open-minded in hearing people's points made. Whatever you do, do not see the dreadful Nicolas Cage remake from 2006. See this for its creepy mysticism and suspensful mystery. All in all, THE WICKER MAN is a very suspenseful and naturally creepy high-brow British horror film that is as tightly written as it is directed, by Robin Hardy. Be ready for more Critiques and Opinions on Every Game and Movie I Can Get My Hands On!