The Wicker Man (1973): Underrated Films And Hidden Gems *Spoiler-free review*
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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Britt Ekland in those days was like the morning dew, beautiful and exotic like a beautiful rose petal.
Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee always my favourite partnership in acting, those Hammer films were amazing as a kid.
I grew up in the Highlands of Scotland there`s many myth and legend around there. Seeing this film as a kid just added the salt to the soup.
Did you know there aren`t any trees in the Western Isles?
I certainly didn't know that! Well, I learned something new today.
The Scottish Highlands is such a magical place indeed. I have a very special connection with the Highlands, I feel like it's my spiritual home; everything there has such vibrant and pure colors, and a subtle beauty to it that goes straight to your heart. Some of my favorite moments have been spent there, particularly in the Black Isle: foraging for chantarelle mushrooms around the Fairy Glenn, descending through the forest towards Eathie beach to look at the fossils and explore the caves, looking at the dolphins at the Moray Firth, walking through Rosmarkie beach at dawn during the low tide...
I also enjoyed lazy walks soaking up the atmosphere at Inverness and visiting other small places like Nairn (what an amazingly blue sea!).
I love it so much, can't wait to go back. You are lucky to have grown up in such a place :-)
Thanks for commenting, @makkizakki!
I`m delighted you managed to experience the Highlands before.
I was born and raised in Inverness left there in 1996 to move to London. I never really appreciated the beauty up there until I started living in London. Once a year I go back home and realise the Highlands is the hidden beauty of the UK. As a kid you always took things for granted. But I do think it is one of the best places for a kid to experience their childhood.
Beside my council estate we had like Culloden Woods which had a v-shape valley where me made death cable slides and rope swings from the trees. There is also a couple of graveyards in there we used to play around in and Clooty Well. Clooty Well is a well for the sick to get better. Whenever they were sick they would tear a rag from the clothing they wore, then dip it in the water well of Clooty Well and then tie and hang it to the branches of a tree surrounding Clooty Well. The myth was if you dare take a rag from the trees you would be cursed from that sickness the person had at the time before putting it on the tree branch. Also we either walked or cycled up to Culloden Battlefield. Down the back of Culloden Battlefield you have area called Clava. They have the River Nairn there so we used to go swimming a lot there. Beside there you have Clava Cairns like Standing Stones. Once you leave there you head in the direction of the massive tall viaduct. Just passed there you take a right turn on foot into the trees. Where they have like a 30 ft waterfall called Anarchy we used to jump off all the time into the freezing cold waters. Just up from there they have these testing pools you can relax in.
That Kessock Bridge was built sometime in the early 80s. Before that you used to take the ferry over from the Ferry area of Inverness otherwards South Kessock to the North Kessock side. The other way you can go around without using the Kessock Bridge is using the Beauly road.
Growing up in the 1980s Scottish families could not afford to travel abroad. So instead you just went on camping trips with your family around Scotland. I like to think I have seen a great part of Scotland.
The west coast road of Scotland is probably the best scenic route in Scotland. Even in the Western Isles they have a few beaches of the beaten track. So they cannot be seen from the road and the beaches are so beautiful, hardly anyone knows about them, so they feel untouched when you go there.
I always enjoyed Aviemore as a kid as it had Santa Claus Land there. Then in the summertime there you go towards the Cairn Gorm mountains where they have Loch Morlich or Glen More were you went swimming or go out in a canoe.
Nairn I went a lot to as well with the beach and big green field there too. They had adder snakes in the long straw grass by the beach.
The north of Scotland in the waters you have basking shark there but they are totally harmless.
The midgees are a killer in the summertime, tiny wee insect flies that just keep biting at you all day long.
Your very welcome and many thanks too!
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wow, looks kinda freaky... i saw the remake (or other versison) with Nick Cage, that ones was pretty bad.
@clumsysilverdad, That's really unfortunate, indeed... check this one out, it is the real thing–quite an off-kilter piece of cinema! Also, a great performance by Christopher Lee.
Schöne Zusammenfassung. Kenn den Film leider nicht. Aber wenn ich ihn finde werde ich in mir anschauen.
Mein Vorschlag wäre "Wenn die Gondeln Trauer tragen"
Ist das ein deutsches film? Ich werde das später nachschlagen müssen. Danke für den Vorschlag, @flipstar :-)
ne war glaub ich aus England. Aber weiss ich nicht mehr genau
I love this film (ok it helps that I think Christopher Lee is very nice to look at :-D) I especially like scenes, with the masked people with reminds me of older (1920) expressionistic films. And you are right the soundtrack is also absolute great. I originally only wanted to watch the film, because we planned to use (and rehearse) the Gently Johnny song for a play, but I was instantly hooked. Sadly (or more funny) we watched a version of the film, were the scene with the gently Johnny song was cut out (I think it was censored)
Christopher Lee has that something special indeed (also, that voice!).
I am normally not much into folksy music but the music in this film just fits so well, and this song in particular stands out. And I can imagine why the scene was censored, oh well...
Thank you so much for your interesting and thoughtful feedback, @neumannsalva!
Followed you!!!! I saw you are also interested (and accomplished) in martial arts. I practised Capoeira for many years, but had to change recently to somthing less demanding (you here me cry and curse) because of development of athrosis....grrrrrrrrr I think I have bad genes and working a s a dancer for living did not help either. Now I make Chen Tai Chi, which is absolutely not Capoeira, but also very nice :-D
I never considered watching the Wicker Man because... Nicolas Cage! I can't stand this guy in films, his presence ruins even a good film. But your review of the original really made me interested in that older version.
I find the theme of a secluded place that keeps a secret heritage alive very interesting. I first read of such places in Lovecraft novels (Dunwich and Kingsport) but later anything similar attracted me, even the Stepford Wives! (well, Cristopher Walken was in, so I could not resist). Now, I have to look around for a copy of that film, to wrap-up your intriguing review, thanks!
@nyarlathotep, in that case, I think this is one film that you will really enjoy (and it's 100% Nicolas Cage-free!). Lots of interesting details and bizarre but enthralling situations. Also, it is a film that is just beautiful to look at because of the locations. I hope you manage to get to see it!
Great write up. I believe I saw the remake and was not impressed. Glad to see another film buff. Followed.
Did you see my write up of movie pass? You may be interested.
@coldsteem Thanks! I followed back since I spotted other good material and promising reviews in your feed ;-) will definitely go back to check it out later.
Thanks! Getting a follow back fro someone who is diligent about their follows means a lot. I am wary of follow circles. I try to be diligent as well.
Nice Picture
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Thanks a lot, @flipstar!
That is a beautiful meditation! I love the suggestion to record the affirmations because I was wondering. How I could remember to say all of that. Upvoting and following