General_Cromwell Review of The Wicker Man

The Wicker Man (1973)

an unconventional and original piece of work

[10/10 · 3 September 2002]

This film is a true original.An unconventional and magnificent piece of work.The majority of the film isn't scary or frightening,it's odd.As we discover Summerisle's strange populace and their weird customs.*POSSIBLE SPOILERS* The unease builds as Sgt Howie (Edward Woodward),investigates the missing schoolgirl,Rowan Morrison.Coming across a baffling array clues and misinformation.All designed to lead him into a trap of his own free will.Repeated viewing demonstrates just how clever Anthony Schaffer's script is,as it's revealed just how sinister the islanders intentions are.The climax,as the wicker man is revealed,is truely shocking,as the film reaches it's nightmarish and disturbing conclusion.With the final image being strangely beautiful.The performances work well,with the islanders coming across as scarily authentic!Edward Woodward is excellent as the upright police sergeant,but it's Christopher Lee as Lord Summerisle,who dominates the film.His character is charming,yet insanely hellbent on what he believes is right for his religion,and his people.The film says a lot about the hypocrisy of religion.We don't believe for one second,that sacrificing Howie will help the crops.Or believe that Howie has life eternal,and that by the end,he even believes it.Apart from the wonderful photography and locations,The Wicker Man also features some great music by Paul Giovanni,whose songs play an integral part throughout the film.Ranging from baudy pub songs,acoustic ditties,gorgeous ballads,to the final rousing chorus as the wicker man burns.They work marvellously well for the film,so well in fact,that it's almost a musical by and large!This is a challenging and original film,thats well worth checking out if you haven't seen it.One of the best British films ever made.