The Wicker Man (1973) Review

Written by: alex1176   

"The Wicker Man", like "Planet of the Apes" and "Rosemary's Baby" before it, has an ending that will chill you to the bone. And just like those movies, it is a very bizarre work of art. The genre magazine ”Cinemafantasque” named it the “Citizen Kane” of horror films and for very good reason. This is a cult classic of great hypnotic power. However, those expecting a full blown horror flick 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 the island 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!