An exciting and interesting option for these cozy autumn nights in, few films have been so memorable for me as The Wicker Man. No, I’m not talking about the re-make with Nicholas Cage, but the original film from 1973 featuring Christopher Lee (a.k.a. Saruman from Lord Of The Rings).
This was a recommendation coming from a Scottish friend, who told me that it was a necessary addition to my cultural baggage. With a slightly dark and mysterious theme set on a remote Scottish Island, The Wicker Man is a thrilling cinematic experience and quickly became a personal favorite of mine.
*If you are in the northern hemisphere, that is!
The Wicker Man (1973)
Director: Robin Hardy
What is it about?
Sergeant Howie is a policeman sent to a remote Island on the west coast of Scotland–accessible only by boat or plane– with the mission of investigating the disappearance of a young girl, after being notified of the fact by an anonymous letter. As soon as he arrives and starts making inquiries in the rather bizarre and outlandish town, it becomes evident that there is something really strange going on and that the eccentric inhabitants are hiding some terrible truth from him.
Having a high sense of duty, Sergeant Howie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. However, his highly indoctrinated religious outlook and ultra-conservative bigotry –that clashes with the Island’s wildly unorthodox customs and beliefs– might be his downfall in this quest.
What makes it special and worth watching?
The Wicker Man is a movie that captivates the imagination on many levels. Following the hunt for the missing girl against the evasive and enigmatic attitude of the community makes for quite an interesting thriller; however, what truly makes this film shine is the extraordinarily unconventional atmosphere that it manages to recreate, inspired by the pagan communities and influence of the old Celtic cultures of Scotland.
Sergeant Howie is constantly startled and outraged by the nature of the rites and traditions kept alive in that unconventional place; however, any curious spirit will find these peculiarities rather interesting and intriguing.
Since the start, the film offers beautiful shots of impressive landscapes of the Scottish Western Isles, with all their idyllic charm and breathtaking views of the sea shore next to rocky cliffs. But the fun part comes when Howie starts exploring the little town and it unfolds before him in all its quirky glory: strange characters, candy shops and pubs full of oddities, pagan teachings in the classrooms and overall unusual happenings everywhere, culminating on Howie’s meeting with the leader of the community: Lord Summerisle.
Lord Summerisle is a free spirit, descendant of a visionary who devised the particular system under which the Island and its people operates and thrives. The character is masterfully played by Christopher Lee with his mighty voice, full of majestic presence.
Howie’s suspicions lead to the ultimate confrontation during the biggest celebration of the Island, Mayday. The scenes comprising the Mayday celebration and the folklore around it are truly memorable and fascinating, with a beautiful natural backdrop to complement their mesmerizing aura.
Like many other great but slightly atypical films, it had limited success at the box office on its original release, and a rather cold reception by critics. However, over time it grew in stature to become a cult classic once it reached the right audience.
It is not a coincidence that Christopher Lee considers The Wicker Man to be his best film. On top of that, The Wicker Man has a wicked soundtrack, with music as folksy and eerie as the overall atmosphere of the story. Here is an example of one of the most interesting songs featured in it, Paul Giovanni’s classic Gently Johnny (you can watch the clip without being spoiled):
My recommendation: Get the director's cut, which includes some lost (and slightly damaged) footage with some great scenes; watch it at dusk as the sun sets and gives way to the night, with a big canister or teapot of spicy tea and some cheese and nuts. Perfect movie time!
PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS SERIES:
Gentlemen Broncos (Jared Hess, 2009)
La Jetée (Chris Marker, 1962)
Under the Skin (Jonathan Glazer, 2014)
I Origins (Mike Cahill, 2014)
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