2. The Wicker Man
Thanks to a
short compilation of Cage-isms, The Wicker Man is now known as a poor horror attempt starring an ever overdramatic Nicolas Cage dressed as a bear (and as someone whos actually sat through the whole film, not just the YouTube video, it is a lot worse than those 2 minutes suggest). However, the now marginalised British original has a lot to still be praised for. Made by late-in-the-day Hammer, its a chilling story of a devout Christian policeman investigating a missing girl on an increasingly paganistic island that endures as a cult classic. The film is noteworthy for its particularly reserved nature, the islanders being reluctant, but never actively hindering Edward Woodwards Sergeant Howie in his investigation. It is only in the final minutes when the film explodes into life; the titular effigy is revealed and Howie gets a little hot under the collar (and everywhere else). Throughout the film we are wondering just what The Wicker Man is and how it ties into the events; it isnt seen until the very end. It acts as a driving force of interest and lack of explanation works to give the audience a sense of unease. This makes the numerous DVD covers that show off the statue a little bit silly, although at least they maintain some level of intrigue. However, the covers that statue burning are another, altogether different matter. These leave no doubt in the audiences mind as to where to plot is heading, loosing the tension that makes the ending so brilliant.
