Few films have been so memorable for me as The Wicker Man. No, I’m not talking about the movie with Nicholas Cage, but the original film from 1973 featuring Christopher Lee (a.k.a. Saruman). Of course, this was another recommendation coming from Guitar Güero (he’s Scottish, remember?), who told me that it was a necessary addition to my cultural baggage. With a slightly dark and mysterious theme set on a remote Scottish Island, The Wicker Man is a thrilling cinematic experience and quickly became a personal favorite of mine.
Picturesque landscapes featured in the movie.
What is it about? Sergeant Howie is a policeman sent to a remote Island on the west coast of Scotland –accessible only by boat or plane– with the mission of investigating the disappearance of a young girl, after being notified of the fact by an anonymous letter. As soon as he arrives and starts making enquiries in the rather bizarre and outlandish town, it becomes evident that there is something really strange going on and that its eccentric inhabitants are hiding some terrible truth from him. Having a high sense of duty, Sergeant Howie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, but his highly indoctrinated religious outlook and ultra-conservative bigotry –that clashes with the Island’s wildly unorthodox customs and beliefs– might be his downfall.
A man of faith: Sergeant Howie in The Wicker Man.
What makes it special and worth watching? The Wicker Man is a movie that captivates the imagination on many levels. While following the hunt for the missing girl against the evasive and enigmatic attitude of the community makes for quite an interesting thriller, what truly makes this film shine is the extraordinarily unconventional atmosphere that it manages to recreate, inspired by the pagan communities and influence of the old Celtic cultures of Scotland. Sergeant Howie is constantly startled and outraged by the nature of the rites and traditions kept alive in that unconventional place; however, any curious spirit will find these peculiarities rather interesting and enthralling.
The peculiar sign outside the local Inn.
Chocolate hares and toads, a candy pig and various pagan efigies composing the sweet shop's display in The Wicker Man.
Sleep well, Sergeant Howie...
Lord Summerisle is a free spirit, descendant of a visionary who devised the particular system under which the Island and its people operates and thrive. The character is masterfully played by Christopher Lee and his mighty voice, full of majestic presence. Howie’s suspicions lead to the ultimate confrontation during the biggest celebration of the Island, Mayday. The scenes comprising the Mayday celebration and the folklore around it are truly memorable and fascinating, with a beautiful natural backdrop to complement their mesmerizing aura.
Christopher Lee wearing a kilt, characterized as Lord Summerisle.
Rituals of Mayday.
Like many other great but slightly atypical films, it had limited success at the box office on its original release, and a rather cold reception by critics. However, over time it grew in stature to become a cult classic once it reached the right audience. It’s not a coincidence that Christopher Lee considers The Wicker Man to be his best film! On top of that, The Wicker Man has a wicked soundtrack, with music a folksy and eerie as the overall atmosphere of the story. Here is an example of one of the most interesting songs featured in it, Paul Giovanni’s classic Gently Johnny (fun fact: Guitar Güero performed this song at his best friend’s wedding!):My recommendation: Get the director's cut, which includes some lost (and slighlty damaged) footage with some great scenes; watch it at dusk as the sun sets and gives way to the night, with a big canister or teapot of spicy tea (I like blends with cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and such) and some tasty snack like a platter of winter fruits (pear, apples, berries) and some cheese and nuts. Perfect movie time! After that, in the spirit of the Holidays, you can extend the experience by letting Christopher Lee serenade you with his Heavy Metal Christmas album, A Heavy Metal Christmas:
You can also check his new album, Charlemagne: The Omens of Death, that he released at the tender age of 91. Heavy Metal never dies in the land of Isengard! Let’s Orck! Thank you for reading!
