The Wicker Man

Rating:
Summary: Much Ado About Nothing
Review: Wow - the "greatest movie ever made?" That is an enormous exaggeration, to say the least.

Finally checked out the Wicker Man to see what all the hype was all about. I have an open mind and wasn't even expecting a lot, much less the greatest movie of all time. But I wasn't particularly impressed.

Let me first say, the movie isn't a stinker. Its got an original, interesting premise, great performance by Edward Woodward, and there's a great twist in the end. The movie is actually quite creepy.

With that said, this movie is also quite hokey. For starters, it comes across as very dated and allowed itself to be way too influenced by the times. Too much tripped-out, wierd camera angle, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, late Sixties "flower power," if you know what I mean.

The song sequences are total cornball. Its like Rosemary's Baby - the musical. I was laughing so hard during the scene with the male teacher doing the song and dance number around the Maypole with his students, I had to stop the movie to wipe the tears from my eyes. Heck, it was so funny I had to rewind and watch the scene over again.

The other thing is, it seems to have a major hang-up with Christianity. Throughout the movie there's this overwhelming message that the pagans on the island are "with it" and wavy gravy, while the Christian - who's really just concerned about finding out what happened to this missing child - is a repressed, uptight twirp, because he doesn't want to have sex with every person he meets. The message isn't subtle. In fact, they beat you over the head with it.

I think the climax would've been more powerful, if they hadn't spent so much of the movie trying to MAKE you DISLIKE the protaganist, while at the same time make you sympathetic to the heathen, child-kidnapping, human-sacrificing cult freaks who live on Swinger's - I mean, SummerIsle - Island.

In conclusion, its worth a look. Its worth checking out just to see Christopher Lee's early Seventies Greg Brady hairstyle. And Britt Eckland is HOT! Its also worth checking out to see that hilarious song and dance scene in the movie I was describing. Heck, its worth seeing just to say you saw it.

But "stunning?" A "powerhouse?" An "absolute must?" Now THAT'S funny!

Rating:
Summary: Nice pagan drama --- and that 6-point star isn't Jewish!
Review: I first heard of this movie when I was speaking at a multi-cultural conference and some heckler made a nasty remark about "barbaric Jews who burn people alive in wicker baskets." WHAT??? Where did THAT come from? The heckler said he saw it in a movie called "The Wicker Man." So, that evening, I rented the film, brought it back to my hotel room, and viewed it with a couple of the other Jewish speakers. Nope, it's not about Jews, even though, at one point, six pagans cross their swords to form a six-pointed star. That must have been what made the heckler think it was "Jewish" -- but the hexagram has been used by many other cultures as well. Jews do not -- I repeat, do NOT -- practice human sacrifice.

However, many European pagans did -- and therein lies the tale here. The "Wicker Man" is about is a village of 20th-century British neo-pagans whose crops fail. They believe they need a human sacrifice for their fertility ceremony, and yes, it does involve placing the sacrificial victim inside a wicker statue. But where are they going to get a virgin in an age of "free love?" (This was filmed in 1974, before the AIDS epidemic.) I won't give away the plot, but I thought the movie was interesting and well done. It's not a horror film, but, rather, a serious drama that portrays the pre-Christian paganism of the British Isles in a non-sensationalist way. No, human sacrifice doesn't make the crops grow. But, after viewing this film, I understand how some pagans came to think that way. I also found myself wondering if the British custom of burning Guy Fox in effigy at bonfires might not be a carryover from pre-Christian times.

Rating:
Summary: A brilliant cinematic gem unlike any other
Review: The Wicker Man is a film that seems to elicit either great reverence or dismissive contempt -- few people have a neutral opinion about this truly remarkable film. I unapologetically count myself among the die-hard fans, although it does not surprise me that there are so many detractors. The Wicker Man is not easily appreciated by those who feel that a movie is only as good as its box-office popularity and appeal to mainstream sensitivities. Robin Hardy and Anthony Shaffer's creation is what film SHOULD be but no longer is - daring, original and well-researched, full of powerful cultural imagery, but not pretentious or overwrought to the point of cinematic torture.

The canned, mindless garbage put out by Hollywood year after year is a reminder that all the money in the world cannot produce a great film if it isn't backed up by vision and talent. But then Hollywood's primary goal is simply to mass-produce easily digestible junk-culture cinema and generate enormous profits, regardless of the dubious quality of its end (commercial) product. The Wicker Man was made on a miniscule budget with little fanfare, but Hardy and his team took a brilliant screenplay and did a fantastic job of making the most of what they had. The result is a riveting tale of mystery and suspense made all the more astonishing by the Celtic music, the beautiful setting of coastal Scotland and the lurid costumes and set-pieces. From erotic dance sequences and ancient Celtic rites to drama, mystery, humor, horror and shock, there is something here for everybody. The film seamlessly unites these varied elements to create a masterpiece of "film fantastique" (as Hardy refers to it).

On the surface, the film may seem overly simple, but it soon becomes apparent that there are many complex undercurrents to the narrative. The interaction between the promiscuous Celtic paganism of the Summerisle natives and the strident beliefs of the devoutly Christian policeman creates wonderful tension and conflict. Edward Woodward as police Sergeant Neil Howie, who is investigating the disappearance of a young girl, delivers a priceless performance that reaches new heights of excellence. Christopher Lee as Lord Summerisle is also terrific, as are the rest of the supporting cast and extras. The justly famous ending is probably the most unforgettable of any film you are likely to see. It has to be seen to be appreciated. Even if you were able to predict it, the film's conclusion is very shocking and unsettling. There is an uncompromising, almost mystical starkness to the unfolding drama that is difficult to describe in words. Perhaps the most unconvincing criticism of The Wicker Man is that the ending is both depressing and dark. Well, yes, this is true to some extent, but it is hardly a basis for making negative claims or dismissing the film outright. Without giving it away, the ending exhibits a hypnotic quality that explodes with religious fury and heartfelt piety, thoughtless barbarism, haunting imagery and thundering music. In a very real sense, The Wicker Man teaches us the importance of fidelity to Christian beliefs in the midst of impending doom. The film does a tremendous job of depicting a conflict between two belief systems -- Celtic Paganism on the one hand and Christianity on the other -- in a contemporary, yet exotic setting. When taken together, these factors account for the enduring appeal of The Wicker Man and make it a unique cinematic experience that you will not soon forget.

Rating:
Summary: Not what I thought
Review: I had been hearing about this movie for years and just recently watched it. At first I thought it was "unique". Followed general pagan beliefs pretty well. But after I saw the whole movie I could not understand why everyone talked about it. I thought it was horrible.

Rating:
Summary: You'll simply never understand the true nature of sacrifice.
Review: The Wicker Man is a classic of Seventies British Cinema. While it is perhaps best viewed as a mystery/thriller, there are enough horrific moments, including the much-vaunted ending, to warrant it's inclusion in any good horror collection. The horror in this case is particularly British in origin, derived not from the "shock and gore" tactics of the American slasher flicks (and people wonder why the American murder statistics are so high), but from a school of psychological thriller more favored by British, Continental and even Japanese audiences to a certain extent - witness the original "Ring" versus the American re-make. The psychological thrills and chills here come from the sheer weirdness of Summerisle; the entire concept that a small section of Britain could've remained untouched by the norms of "civilized Christian society". Remember, this is 1970's Britain we're talking about here - many aspects of life on the island would have been deeply shocking to the general viewing public. The audience at the time I suspect would've felt more strongly motivated to identify with Woodward's police officer than we do now (lack of respect for authority figures hadn't quite taken off to the same extent we feel it now) and he represents onscreen the shock the audience would've felt too - No Church?! Paganism being taught as a religion in School!?! Public nudity!?! Perhaps most shocking of all is the explicit encouragement of the plummy, public school Lord of the Manor (played fantastically by Lee). What is the world coming too if the upper classes are complicit in this depravity!?
The movie is so much more than an extended set-up for the climax. Deep religious themes are explored, although perhaps again they would be more familiar to a British viewer in the 70's than an American viewer now. One cannot help but notice the similarities between the Christianity that Woodward represents and the pagan rituals of the islanders, and we are drawn to Woodward's blindness to the similarities, even as he read them out to us. The film is incredibly atmospheric. The juxtaposition of everyday small town life portrayed on the island with the incredible isolation and impenetrability of the community is particularly chilling. Their lack of respect for the authority represented by the police. Their recent fall from prosperity. These themes would also have struck a chord with Brits in the mid-70s as the country fell into recession, a 3-day working week was introduced, and a country still feeling the economic aftershocks of WW2 was faced with out of control inflation and soaring unemployment. The collapse of civilization was a topic close to everyone's heart, and to have the undercurrents of anarchy so deeply entwined with this movie would have resonated on a deep psychological level. The creepy music also helps create a strange atmosphere - all haunting folk songs and bizarre melodies with nary a Jimmy Page solo in sight would have sounded as foreign in the 70s as it does now.
This movie still holds a cult (or occult...) charm over the British psyche even today. The Mock Turtles not only have a song called "The Wicker Man", they also recorded a note perfect cover version of the haunting "Willow song" from the movie's soundtrack for their 1990 album "Turtle Soup". Pulp had a song on their 2003 "We Love Life" album called "Wickerman". Up and coming British band, The Coral brilliantly recreated large parts of the movie for the video to their 2002 hit "Goodbye". Comedy group "The League of Gentlemen" were quoted as saying "Everything we do is ripped-off "The Wicker Man", and it would be hard to believe that the Monty Python boys never saw it before making "The Holy Grail". It is interesting therefore to question why American viewers are less likely to become addicted to the movie. Perhaps the slow pacing, religious themes and British quirkiness are too much for some people. Perhaps Americans have no concept of what life was like in 70s Britain. I was amused for example, by the reviewer who suggested the movie was unrealistic because "also, the officer arrives without a weapon and then neglects to arm himself during the entire length of the film despite repeated instances of insubordination. an officer who is anticipating a confrontation with a large mob would arm himself...you cannot deny that". Given that to this day British police officers are armed only with a baton and their razor sharp wit, I find it somewhat anachronistic to suggest that Edward Woodward should have arrived "packing heat". Also, remember, (and those who haven't seen the movie should skip a sentence) when he does attempt to return to the mainland for reinforcements, he finds his plane has been sabotaged.
Other issues raised include the personal dilemma that threatens to rip Woodward apart - is he primarily a Christian or a Policeman? I find it hard to see how anyone could find this movie offensive, as the treatments of a personal faith in Jesus and a belief in the goodness of mother nature both get a good hearing, and a more rounded treatment than you'd expect from a film. And I don't think that Britt Ekland's breasts are offensive in anyway, the nudity is essential to the film to show the "loose moral character" of the islanders, and to demonstrate how uptight Woodward is.
On a different note, the "extra minutes" included on the DVD are somewhat un-necessary. They look like someone found them behind a radiator 30 years later, there's been no attempt made to make them fit in and they add pretty much nothing to the plot of the film. Still, it's probably good to watch that version once for completeness' sake. I'd imagine though when you have friends round to watch it (as you inevitably will, this being a movie that you instantly want everyone you know to see) you'll want to show them the regular version, so you won't have to keep apologizing for the terrible image quality every 15 minutes.

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing cat & mouse tale
Review: In THE WICKER MAN, an English police officer visits a Scottish island, to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. The island is home to a fertility-based religious cult. Rampant & picturesque paganism - of the "Old Age," not "New Age" variety - deeply offends the devout Christian police officer.

A lot of viewers react the same way as Sgt. Howie when confronted with seemingly gratuitous nudity and musical interludes. Apparently, people should always wear clothes and only sing on stage, in a studio, or in the shower... not to mention public love-making. Much of what seems silly in THE WICKER MAN is a natural outgrowth of the subject matter. The islanders sing and dance and couple with one another, without shame or modesty. Whereas the viewer can stop the DVD and find something more "serious" to watch, Sgt. Howie must solve his case by dealing with these strangely uncooperative people.

The most interesting character is Lord Summerisle, the cult's leader and heir to the island. As he informs Howie, the Lord's grandfather banished Christianity and resurrected the "old religion" to make the people happy. The present Lord Summerisle speaks as though he knows better than to believe in Grandpa's homespun paganism, but one can not be sure that he does (or doesn't). People raised on small islands, without radio or television, are bound to develop attitudes and lifestyles that we cannot easily explain! Such may be the case on Summerisle.

THE WICKER MAN is a most intriguing film that becomes even more interesting with repeated viewings. It's not a study of paganism, but rather a depiction of the conflict between modern and ancient views of the world. Obviously, we're accustomed to seeing the ancient view defeated - that's why it's not the modern view, after all... which makes THE WICKER MAN all the more disturbing.

This 88-minute version isn't the best one, but it's not incoherent either, and it looks great thanks to Anchor Bay's restoration work. The 100-minute videotape (only available on DVD in the double-disc box set) includes some expository scenes that help to explain Sgt. Howie's motivations, but with the videotape you don't get the extras included with this DVD version.

Rating:
Summary: Throw all available copies onto your next bonfire !
Review: A complete and utter TOTAL bore . English actors with lousy Scottish accents .Any moment I expected Chris lee to come out with "Hello THARE ... anyone for Tennis ?". Sorry, but the whole thing was just too fruity . The attitudes were all wrong . Rural Scotland is a severe environment which spawns a decidely "No Nonsense" outlook on life in those who dwell therein. Willowy lounge lizards from Chelsea wearing pink cravats would hardly fit in. In terms of being an even REMOTELY accurate depiction of Scottish Pagan and ancient mainstream religous practises this movie is purely and simply a bunch of fairytales. Christopher Lee was a fine actor . He did the "Horror Thing" brilliantly and with alot of style AS A GENERAL RULE but he was cut from the wrong cloth to play this role. The only decent performances came from the extras many of whom were locals in Scotland. But , unfortunately , when you've got a bad script and unconvincing lead actors your film is automatically on it's way to the cinematic dump master from the minute the cameras roll on day one. Throw all available copies on to your next bonfire.

Rating:
Summary: The Wicker Man Awaits You!
Review: Few movies from England, with the exception of Hammer Films, have had any profound affect in the United States, especially in the horror genre. This film, however, in spite of its age, (released in 1974 in a shorter version than filmed) is one of the exceptions.

Filmed on location in Scotland, this startling tale begins as an innocent romp through a Celtic forum and quickly proceeds to some startling practices and beliefs in Celtic themes.

A police officer has been notified of a child who has gone missing on Summerisle. He proceeds to investigate this and is given the slip on several occasions, which prompts him to believe there is a
conspiracy surrounding this event. Much to his disbelief, there is.

After witnessing several bizarre events himself, he believes that this missing child may be a part of a pagan sect which will ensure that the coming harvest will be prosperous.

Beautiful photography, music and scenery only enhance this somewhat murder mystery. The ending is only for those who need to see it as it is not what anyone expects at all. Pay attention, however, and you MAY figure it out! Highly recommended viewing, some brief nudity and sexual overtones gave this an R rating and is not recommended for the younger audience. For further pleasure, I suggest the soundtrack as well as it is full of gorgeous Celtic themes, which also attribute to the overall affect of this film.

Rating:
Summary: nostalgia works wonders
Review: i decided to check out this "horror classic" after hearing rave reviews. i am honestly baffled by much of the praise this film has received. greatest film of all time? i began to worry that the wicker man might not be all it's cracked up to be when the locals in the tavern broke out into song near the beginning. i knew beforehand that the wicker man is an atypical horror movie, but i wasn't expecting a film so silly and strange. when it comes right down to it, the events that take place in the movie and their circumstances are nonsense. does that make it a bad film? not necessarily, but the lack of entertainment value does. i didn't get a sense of foreboding as i watched the wicker man. the climax occurs quite abruptly, and little of what happens prior to it is noteworthy. why the officer didn't figure out that the locals weren't going to cooperate with his investigation is beyond me. he is deceived over and over and over and over...see a pattern? he didn't. i can't help but feel that many of the people who rate this film highly aren't first time viewers. nostalgia can truly work wonders

Rating:
Summary: Stunningly disappointing and incredibly dated.
Review: I understand that by submitting this review, I'm only asking to be bombarded by the ire of those that would say I have no taste--but I simply could not, in good conscience, allow another unsuspecting viewer to fall victim to the shockingly inaccurate word of mouth this movie has received over the years.

Words like "brilliant" and "terrifying" have been thrown around. Phrases like "greatest motion picture of all time" abound. And I'm honestly hard-pressed to understand why. It's not like I have some bizarre or twisted perspective on what's good and what's not. I like to think that I have relatively decent taste in movies, but if "The Wicker Man" is the barometer by which all taste (good or bad) will be judged, then let me be found guilty of the latter.

It's not that I'm a member of the shameless and all-too prevalent "instant gratification" club. I enjoy a storyline that takes its time and draws you in, unfolds before you. But the instant I'm confronted with ridiculous musical numbers, I'm a goner.

"The Wicker Man" nearly lost me in the first fifteen minutes as the strains of celtic folk gave way to a lousy lip-synching act from a naked, gyrating Britt Ekland. Now, please understand that I'm no prude (and if you knew me well you'd know what an understatement that is). And the sight of the aforementioned Miss Ekland hopping around her bedroom like a nymphomaniac set loose in a brothel would most likely have instilled in me a sophomoric glee if the motion picture I set out to watch was, in fact, a musical--or a Burlesque flick. But as a rule I disdain choreographed dance sequences in my horror movies. Call me picky, but it just doesn't set the mood right.

Which brings me to the final complaint I will allow myself this day on "The Wicker Man" (for I fear I've spent too much time opining on something that I'd just as soon forget all about). According to everything I have read, this was director Robin Hardy's directorial debut, and it shows in his inability to establish atmosphere, and in his obvious lack of understanding that one of the most useful tools in creating atmosphere is the use of music. Sure, celtic folk sounds right at home in the Scottish isles but if you're shooting for anything above a dated travel guide, it might be a good idea to invest in a soundtrack.

All in all, and for all the wonderful things I have heard about this movie through the years, "The Wicker Man" was just about the most disappointing and frustratingly BAD movie I have seen in years. And I warn anyone who isn't quite sure what to expect to take these words into consideration before spending an hour and a half of precious time finding out for themselves.