Neil LaBute's THE WICKER MAN stars Nicholas Cage as Edward Malus, a policeman thrust into some dangerous detective work by a series of strange events that begin with a horrific car crash. This incident leaves the cop haunted, with images of the accident replaying in his heavily medicated mind. Edward's hiatus from work is interrupted when he receives a mysterious letter from his ex-fiancé, pleading with him to help find her missing daughter, Rowan. Against his better judgment, Edward travels to the remote, privately owned island of Summerisle, home to a close-knit, secretive community with a clear dislike for outsiders. Considering Edward an intruder, the Sisters of Summerisle offer little information regarding the missing girl. Edward is at a loss, finding even his ex-love Willow to be little help. With vacant eyes and a strange, listless way about her, Willow should be the first of many red flags to send Edward running. But in firm horror-movie tradition, the seasoned cop throws caution to the winds, staying in the place longer than seems smart.
This 2006 remake veers away from the 1973 film in several key ways. For one, it replaces the original's eerily upbeat folk soundtrack with a tasteful Angelo Badalamenti score. With a mild PG-13 rating, the 2006 version is relatively tame compared to the original. While the 1973 film freely mixed pornographic elements with horror themes and musical numbers, the new film confines itself to horror, abandoning that strange mixture of genres that made Anthony Shaffer's film a cult classic. While LaBute's film adds a back-story and romantic interest, it requires equal suspension of disbelief. Despite their differences, both films end in the same disturbing way, leaving an indelible image that may haunt viewers long after the credits roll.
Theatrical Release: September 1, 2006
Blu-ray Features:
Widescreen - 2.40
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English
Subtitles - English, French, Spanish - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Alternate Scene - End Sequence
Commentaries - 1. Neil LaBute - Writer/Director, Leelee Sobieski and Kate Beahan - Stars, Joel Plotch - Editor, Lynette Meyer - Costume Designer
Trailers - 1. Theatrical Trailer
Stars
Nicolas Cage: American Actor
Ellen Burstyn: American actress, ALICE DOESN'T LIVEHERE ANYMORE
Molly Parker: Canadian actress, KISSED, DEADWOOD, SWINGTOWN
Leelee Sobieski: American Film and Television Actress
Frances Conroy: American Actress, SIX FEET UNDER
Kate Beahan: Australian Actress, CHOPPER (2000)
Diane Delano: Actor, JEEPERS CREEPERS 2 (2003)
Michael Wiseman: Actor/"Judgment Night"
Erika-Shaye Gair: Actor, THE WICKER MAN, (2006)
Director
Neil LaBute: American Director; IN THE COMPANY OF MEN (1997)
Producer
Nicolas Cage: American Actor
Randall Emmett: Producer, SPEEDWAY JUNKIE (2001)
Avi Lerner:
Screenwriter
Neil LaBute: American Director; IN THE COMPANY OF MEN (1997)
Composer
Angelo Badalamenti: American Composer
Editor
Joel Plotch: Editor, THE WICKER MAN (2006)
Director of Photography
Paul Sarossy: Director of Photography
Production Designer
Phillip Barker: Production Designer, THE WICKER MAN (2006)
Source Writer
Anthony Shaffer: Playwright/Screenwriter
Costume Designer
Lynette Meyer: Costume Designer, THE WICKER MAN (2006)
Review 1:
"[The film] does exert an eerie power....THE WICKER MAN has just enough enigma and weirdness that it gradually stirs to life."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.54 09/15/2006