What happens when rival religions meet? Say, the Taliban and Christian soldiers, or Mormons and Mennonites? If history is any judge, it's usually not a pretty picture of tolerance and peace.
In The Wicker Man aka Anthony's Shaffer's The Wicker Man (1973), a devout Scottish Christian cop investigates an apparently missing girl on the offshore western Scottish island of Summerisle, only to find that the whole island population are equally devout followers of a pre-Christian religion. Freaky, but thoughtful, even profound in what it makes the viewer do -- think. Not take the status quo for granted.
The Wicker Man does a nice job in showing "pagan" folks in modern garb. What would the Amish do? Or a Scientologist? Probably run. In this case, Edward Woodward is terrific as the righteous cop. Some may remember him for his outstanding performances in the equally thoughtful Breaker Morant (1980) and the 80s TV series The Equalizer. Britt Eckland is fun, especially dancing around (along with a body double) in the nude. And Christopher Lee, always great, plays Lord Summerisle, the leader of the pagan island (but how did he get that crazy hair?).
What makes this film especially surreal are two elements: the pagan details in a modern context (sort of like Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," only viewed in a much more neutral light) and a lot of breaking into song. It may have been the times. Compare Lindsay Anderson's equally thoughtful, freaky and surreal O Lucky Man!, starring Malcolm McDowell of If . . . (1968), A Clockwork Orange (1971) and Entourage. If you want cognitive dissonance, check these out . . .
Sequels may be on the way all these years later (in addition to the silly 2006 American remake): Cowboys for Christ / The Wicker Tree and Twilight of the Gods. About these, more will be revealed.
5 comments:
Oh how I love that film, Edward Woodward and all. Also like the Sneaker Pimps cover of the seduction song. TL
Even the religions that preach tolerance usually ain't all that tolerant.
i never heard of this film
The Wicker Man's long been on my list (as a former pagan, myself,) but somehow I've still never managed to see it.
Erik, I love Nicholas Cage, but have not seen the movie. To me religion and faith is a personal issue not to be dictated by government. Whew, that's a lot for me!
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