THE WICKER MAN (1973) Lee is certainly a horror veteran, having played most of his roles, famous or otherwise, within the genre and he has often claimed that The Wicker Man is his favourite by far. Apparently offering to appear in the film without payment (due to the production having such a small budget), Lee was attracted to the role through his association with screenwriter Anthony Shaffer. As the despicable pagan, Lord Summerisle, the actor has never been more menacing. Whereas many of his other horror roles can appear rather comical by todays standards primarily due to the dated special effects and hammy dialogue in most, rather than Lees actual performance his portrayal as Lord Summerisle still strikes fear within audiences despite his relatively brief appearance on screen. Defying its low budget, The Wicker Man generates an extremely tense atmosphere that is only heightened during Lees sinister and sincere sequence.
Lee is certainly a horror veteran, having played most of his roles, famous or otherwise, within the genre and he has often claimed that The Wicker Man is his favourite by far. Apparently offering to appear in the film without payment (due to the production having such a small budget), Lee was attracted to the role through his association with screenwriter Anthony Shaffer. As the despicable pagan, Lord Summerisle, the actor has never been more menacing. Whereas many of his other horror roles can appear rather comical by todays standards primarily due to the dated special effects and hammy dialogue in most, rather than Lees actual performance his portrayal as Lord Summerisle still strikes fear within audiences despite his relatively brief appearance on screen. Defying its low budget, The Wicker Man generates an extremely tense atmosphere that is only heightened during Lees sinister and sincere sequence.