Steven

Payne The Wicker Man (1973) Dir. Robin Hardy

Unit 3 Environment

The Wicker Man is a British horror movie, known for its significant contribution to the reinvention and reestablishment of the horror genre after the age of Hammer-style horror movies of the 50s and 60s. We wanted a story that fitted perhaps into the horror genre, but which was more a film fantastique. (Hardy, Unknown) The Wicker Man is undeniably 70s in its indulgence in exploitation and excessive nudity, but these aspects can be effectively excused as their use to reinforce the existence of an alien society, built on the principles of western European tradition, in a world of which the protagonist, Sergeant Howie, is so familiar. The film escalates the feelings of alienation and unfamiliarity by addressing themes such as religion and human nature, Fig 1. The Wicker Man Film Poster as well as pushing against typical horror movie clichs in order to keep the blatant horror of the plot behind closed doors until the final scenes. A particular aspect of the film that amplifies the terror of Summerisle is the contrast of tradition and modernity. The fear is derived from the application of traditional human nature and applying it to the society in which the observer was previously comfortable. The filmmakers understand the simple principle of human nature, that if you were to place an individual within a situation of unfamiliarity, fear is likely to be instilled. As noted by Adam Smith of EmpireOnline.com, Its power comes not from appeals to the supernatural, but from a deep understanding of our own undeniable human nature. Horror doesnt get more close to home than that. (Smith, 2007) On Summerisle, their way of life is still very much derived from traditional ideas of living, although on the surface they are presented as a reflection of the familiar, rural English countryside. Whilst at first, this seems familiar to Howie, his fear begins to reveal itself when the unfamiliar vastly outweighs the familiar. When the heimlich becomes unheimlich. The inhabitants of Summerisle have been raised in this isolated society where holding a frog in ones mouth is a surefire way of curing a sore throat, whilst Howie comes from a society susceptible to change and advancement, and it has far surpassed the lifestyle displayed on the island. The cheerful nature of the inhabitants only amplifies this unfamiliarity, as, unlike Howie, they are as comfortable in this society as he is in his. Howie expects them to be as fearful as he is, and when their reaction is quite the opposite, his terror only increases. I think Rowan Morrison was murdered under circumstances of Pagan barbarity, which I can scarcely bring myself to believe, as taking place in the 20th century. Sergeant Howie The traditions on Summerisle ultimately push Howies own beliefs as far as they could possibly go. Howie is a devout Christian, a point of which he makes clear at the sight of anything he may deem immoral or unnatural on the island. His faith is what motivates him during his time on Summerisle, being the only thing he would consider pure and true on an island inhabited by heathen individuals and abhorrent tradition. To the inhabitants, Howies standpoint on their beliefs and traditions is seen to be somewhat narrow minded, as said by Steven Graydanus of DecentFilms.com, His religiosity, however sincere, seems as much a matter of conventionality and sanctimoniousness as faith and spirituality. (Greydanus, 2008)

Steven Payne

Unit 3 Environment

Howie appears to justify his disgust of the isles traditions by insisting the only way of living in this world is through the word of the Christian Bible. The combination of his dedication to Christianity and the authority that comes from his position in the Police force appear to provide Howie with a sense of dominion and power over the inhabitants of Summerisle. Of course, the inhabitants only take advantage of Howies forward investigative approach, showing that an offensive approach isnt necessarily the best one. The Wicker Man is as effective in terms of instilling fear in its audience as it was when it was originally released. Even though the outright horror is supressed until the final climax of the film, the chilling tone of Summerisle and its inhabitants is present from the very beginning. The true horror comes from an observation of our own human nature and beliefs, a horror that retains its effectiveness considerably more so than other movies of its time. Bibliography Quotes
Hardy, R. (Unknown) The Wicker Man- Robin Hardy/Christopher Lee Interview. In: youtube.com [online] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVKNSj3TcWA (Accessed on 6/1/12) Smith, A. (2007) Empire Essay: The Wicker Man. In: empireonline.com 24.8.07 [online] http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?DVDID=7892 (Accessed on 6/1/12) Graydanus, S. (2008) The Wicker Man. In: decentfilms.com 20.10.08 [online] http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/wickerman1973.html (Accessed on 6/1/12)

List of Illustrations
Fig. 1. The Wicker Man Film Poster From: The Wicker Man Directed by: Robin Hardy. [film poster] UK: British Lion Films