The Wicker Man

The Wicker Man (1973)

Runtime: I saw the Final Cut that was 94 minutes long

Directed by: Robin Hardy

Starring: Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Diane Cilento, Britt Ekland, Ingrid Pitt

From: British Lion Film Corporation

Watching this on May Day was incredibly apt, especially this year: 

NOTE: As there are several versions of the film out there, I have to specify that I saw The Final Cut; I have watched the film before but this was my first experience with The Final Cut.

I could not think of a better film to watch during the evening of May Day than this one; it was especially appropriate this year as in 1973, May 1 was also on a Tuesday. I say that no matter which version of this movie you see, it's still a 70's horror classic. Note that “this movie” definitely does not include the remake, which I have never viewed but I know is wrong-headed and not just for the now-legendary unintentional comedy and Nicolas Cage being at peak Nicolas Cage.

The producers sought to make a film which was not filled with kills or bloody moments and they succeeded at a horror film which instead is about being creepy and no matter your religious affiliation, being creeped out along with police officer Neil Howie-a devout Christian-as he is “from the mainland” and he goes to a small Scottish isle known as Summerisle to investigate a report of a missing 12 year girl known as Rowan. He is appalled at how the society has reverted to Paganism and that is the big conflict of the picture, the clashes of different beliefs as he tries to figure out why the residents deny Rowan exists... and the beliefs never waver on either side.

The movie is well-made and it has an unforgettable final act, with a tremendous climax. The usage of music is great, as it's shown to be an important aspect of that society; you hear plenty of great old folk tunes as it's the type of genre you'd expect with a bunch of Pagans. The songs also set the right mood, whether it's ironic in being cheerful during certain moments or hauntingly beautiful. While my May Day celebrations did not contain effigies being burned or wild debauchery or the wearing of animal masks, seeing this film last night was a spot-on decision.