The Wicker Man
The Wicker Man is a 1973 British folk horror film directed by Robin Hardy and written by Anthony Shaffer.
The Wicker Man is a 1973 British folk horror film directed by Robin Hardy and written by Anthony Shaffer. Set on the fictional Scottish island of Summerisle, the film follows a police sergeant investigating a missing girl and has become a cult classic.
Plot
The plot centres on Sergeant Neil Howie, a devout Christian policeman who arrives on Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. As he explores the island, he finds a community devoted to pagan practices rather than Christianity.
Production
The film was directed by first-time feature filmmaker Robin Hardy and written by Anthony Shaffer, with music by Paul Giovanni. It was adapted loosely from David Pinner's 1967 novel Ritual; Christopher Lee purchased the film rights, which helped lead to the project. Filming took place in 1972 in the Scottish border region of Galloway.
Reception and legacy
The film had mixed or limited initial reception but later gained a strong cult following. It is widely described as a cult British classic and a key work of folk horror. BBC sources describe it as difficult to categorise and influential within folk horror. Its ending and blend of mystery, religion, and pagan ritual have contributed to its lasting reputation.
Themes
The film is known for its focus on faith, sacrifice, sexuality, and the clash between Christianity and pagan ritual. Commentators have also noted its disturbing tone and downbeat ending.
Key facts
- The film is widely described as a cult British classic and a key work of folk horror.
- Its plot centres on Sergeant Neil Howie, a devout Christian policeman investigating a missing child on Summerisle.
- Christopher Lee purchased the film rights to David Pinner's novel Ritual, which helped lead to the project.
- The film was shot in 1972 in the Scottish border region of Galloway.
- Its ending and blend of mystery, religion, and pagan ritual have contributed to its lasting reputation.
The film has been widely circulated and discussed in Canadian film culture as a landmark of folk horror and cult cinema, though it has no specific Canadian setting or production connection in the provided sources.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Wicker Man about?
Who directed The Wicker Man?
Who wrote The Wicker Man?
Who stars in The Wicker Man?
What genre is The Wicker Man?
References
- BBC Culture — https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20231222-the-wicker-man-the-disturbing-cult-british-classic-that-cant-be-definedSupports: Genre, plot, production context, filming location, cult status
- BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2001/12/17/the_wicker_man_1973_review.shtmlSupports: Reception, themes, cult reputation, plot overview
- IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070917/Supports: Plot, cast, core film identification
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wicker_ManSupports: Director, writer, source novel, cast, score, plot, reception
- Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_wicker_man_1973Supports: Release year, director, genre, runtime, basic synopsis