NO. Not the crappy Nick Cage version. The best part of that was the bee helmet.
If you've seen the remake from 2006, please do not judge the far superior 1973 version harshly. The original combines folk music, thrills, and a powerful philosophical message about religious cultism into a solid, scary masterpiece of cinema.
Plus, watching someone get burned alive is always fun, even when they're not Nick Cage
One of the best parts of The Wicker Man is its reliance on music to move the story along. The soundtrack is filled with Celtic folk songs, bawdy bar shanties, and elaborate musical numbers that celebrate the vibrant, pagan tradition of the residents of Summerisle. Willow's Song is especially haunting and the beauty of Willow herself makes her siren's hymn one of the most enjoyable moments in the movie.
Seventies boobies also add to the experience
The cast is headed by Christopher Lee, a wonderful actor you may be familiar with. He has been in a terrific number of movies over the years, including many turns as Dracula in several Hammer Horror films. He'll soon be reprising his role as the evil wizard Saruman in Peter Jackson's upcoming The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
But to me, he'll always be Lord Summerisle.
While The Wicker Man is certainly made better by powerful performances and a killer score, it is also truly terrifying. At it's heart is a message about the horror of religious zealotry, yet the movie is ambiguous in its outcome. While the idea of modern day human sacrifice is enough to make the viewer cower in fear, the actions of the investigating officer throughout the film are as heinous in their xenophobia as any sinister plot the modern day pagans could execute.
One of the best part of writing these blogs are the things I learn while doing research for the posts. And from all ya'll who take the time to read them! I had no idea until this very moment that director Robin Hardy released a companion piece entitled The Wicker Tree. Be sure to check it out, dear reader, but watch the original first.
Happy Halloween, everybody.
Happy Halloween, everybody.
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