There is just something about this film. I know that's corny and a cop out, but if the Farrelly brothers can get away with it (regarding Mary) then I suppose I can too. There is just something about Sergeant Howie. There's just something seriously weird and addicting about this movie.
The music is odd and light, airy, yet mysterious. My favorite song is, not suprisingly, "Willow's Song". A lovely, slightly melancholy lilt to it. Made more so by Sergeant Howie's torturous few minutes fighting those deepdark urges that momentarily consume him, bringing out a full sweat as he is drawn to the wall opposite Willow's room, where she sings her song and dances in the buff.
Without the consummate acting of Edward Woodward, this movie might not have worked, at least not as well. When he finally realizes he's been duped the whole time, and sees, and I mean, really fucking sees, The Wicker Man-- he exclaims, "Oh Jesus Christ!". It is a really powerful moment. But he only gets that faceless tower of wood stareing blankly down at him, and the uniform gaiety-- a hallmark of all that are blindly and wholly swayed by any religion-- seen on all the dancing faces of the townsfolk during their demented May Day celebration.
Best Hammer Film? Quite possibly.
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