Kelly WandThe Wicker Man
August 18th 2006 04:50
And what in the name of god was Christopher Lee doing running around in very unappealing drag? If he was expecting to get lucky dressed like that, he would have had to have found a sailor who was not only blind but drunk too.
Ah, well. Times change. Puberty raises consciousness. Deleted scenes are restored. So it goes.
This film now has the reputation of being the best British horror film ever. Well, given the competition, that isn’t saying much. 28 Days Later? Do me a favour, John. Pumping Romero zombies full of amphetamine does not a classic make. “The Wicker Man” isn’t quite a horror film anyway. With the possible exception of “Witchfinder General”, it’s in a genre all of its own.
Well, now we have a wonderful 30th Anniversary restored edition on DVD. Okay, given the source of the restored material (video tape), the physical quality dips a little but a strong story always saves the day. What “The Wicker Man” does do is transport you to another world effortlessly. Its internal logic is perfect where it could have been tired and corny.
The restored footage of Woodward’s life on the mainland shows him as a laughing stock amongst fellow officers. He is an anachronism who can’t even spot the woman flirting with him in church. His manhood is made suspect. He wants a saint’s life in a world with no place for saints. Then, suddenly, he is presented with the opportunity to play hero and off he goes.
Instead of facing a cruel fate, his arrival at Summerisle becomes his journey to a glorious end - no matter how terrible its appearance. Throughout the movie, he is offered his way out. This is not a cruel community. He is told not to come ashore but claims power of the crown. In a truly amazing sequence, Britt Eckland unleashes her siren’s call whilst rhythmically slapping her butt. She calls to her Sergeant Howie in ways few could resist. All Woodward has to do is open the door, make mad passionate love with her and he will be saved. Does he go for it? Does he fuck! Well, no. He doesn’t - literally or figuratively. Finally, even after reading about the symbolism of his action, he dons the garb of the fool and trots up the hill to meet his fate. No matter how much he rails and protests, this is the destiny he has strove for.
The style of the movie is stunningly original. Opening with it’s thanks to the people of Summerisle for the opportunity to film their religious ceremonies, often the film takes on the look and feel of documentary. This effect is highlighted by its use of genuine locals as both extras and in speaking parts. At the same time, it also follows the structures and techniques of old musicals. There are a few minutes of story and then we get another song and, bizarrely, we accept this. Try reconciling those two genres with your average horror film (or any film for that matter).
In another inversion of convention, whilst the stranger does enter the village and find something strange is going on, we find ourselves taking the villagers’ side. They are full of joy and love for each other. Woodward, on the other hand, is cold, closed and full of prejudice. He wears a uniform that has to be at least four sizes to small. And yet still the villagers are giving him his heart’s desire. They searched for him and him alone.
Seldom do you watch a film and feel the desire to watch it again immediately. I watched it three times in a row before watching it again with the commentary. That alone speaks volumes about this film.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD