The Wicker Man (1973) Review

Written by: Alex   

Like "Planet of the Apes" and "Rosemary's Baby" before it, "The Wicker Man" has an ending that will haunt your dreams. And just like those movies, it is a bizarre work of art. Cinemafantasque named it the “Citizen Kane” of horror films. And while I wouldn’t say it was the masterpiece I was hoping for, it most certainly is a small gem. However, those expecting a full blown horror outing will be disappointed. It’s more of a weird detective mystery that resembles something Edgar Allen Poe would’ve written. A cautionary tale dipped in the macabre.

Director Robin Hardy infuses it with strange musical numbers and pornographic-like sensuality. Edward Woodward stars as a no-nonsense Christian cop who arrives in a Scottish island searching for a missing girl. He’s appalled by the things that he sees and discovers it is a place of paganism. Christopher Lee is the proud leader of an ancient cult who supports the policeman's investigation. Nothing is what it seems and soon Woodward finds himself destined for a meeting with The Wicker Man.

The movie was written by Anthony Shaffer, who also scripted "Frenzy", the only "R" rated film Alfred Hitchcock had ever made. Here is a horror picture that has two versions available. I was able to view the American theatrical version which runs only 88 minutes long. The director's cut, however, has a running time of 100 minutes. While the movie is not scary, it is a definite must see for horror fans!