The Wicker Man (1973)
I was looking for something to watch on May Day that would really encompass the mood… Sommerwater was going to be it until I saw I could get a seven day trial of StudioCanal streaming service and that this was one of the films that was on the service.
Perfect!
Then I fell asleep…
So 2nd of May it is, close enough.
I feel there’s no real need to go into too much depth of the plot of the film.
Isolation, old religions against the new religion, psychological, great soundtrack and the scenery is to die for.
Meeting the landlord’s daughter with the trad-style raunchy song really shows a different world from the order and church that Howie is used to
Edward Woodward really throws himself into this and helps to make it so re-watchable, the innocent yet superior man of god who thinks he knows best and everything.
His slow descent into confusion and rage is a perfect study and that last half hour leading up to the end is perfection.
I love that Christopher Lee seemed to really throw himself into the character of Lord Summerisle, especially that little dance at the first group meeting on May Day.
The great thing is I remember going to the islands in the late 70s and early 80s and I still remember that atmosphere vividly.
This is still such a watchable film, perfectly balanced, full of tension, with the horror creeping up slowly on us as it does with Howie.
The Salmon of Knowledge.
Perfect watch…
7.5
