Director Robin Hardy talks about the use of music in The Wicker Tree

By Jake Dee

Posted 16 years ago

Last Updated on July 23, 2021

It was only last month that we caught a glimpse of a teaser for Robin Hardy’s near 40 year old companion-piece to THE WICKER MAN, THE WICKER TREE. Much happier I couldn’t have been, as I think the OG WICKER MAN is one of the most bizarre, off-kilter cinematic experiences to be had. Hopefully his sequel of sorts, as late as it comes, will pick up right where he left off. Somewhat addressing that very topic is Hardy himself in a new video clip below. Give it a whirl!

In specific, Hardy speaks of the integral use of music in THE WICKER MAN, and how it spawned a sub-genre of flicks that used music and lyrics to help move the story along. The plan, says hardy, is to reallocate this method in THE WICKER TREE, as evidenced by the second half of the video…where a pianist tickles and croons some story related info.

sponsored content

Keeping with the musical theme, here’s the run down for THE WICKER TREE:

Gospel singer Beth and her cowboy friend Steve, set off from Texas to enlighten the Scottish heathens in the ways of Christ. When they are welcomed with joy and elation to the village of Tressock, the border fiefdom of Sir Lachlan Morrison, they assume their hosts simply want to hear more about Jesus. Beguiled by beautiful, sexy Celtic music, in counterpoint to the bluegrass hymns Beth sings to them, she is elected Queen of the May. Meanwhile an increasingly doubtful Steve becomes her consort, destined to be hunted on horseback by the whole community in a ritual he believes to be an innocent race. Neither of them realize that these honours are being heaped upon them for a purpose that will lead them to a terrifying end…

Graham McTavish, Clive Russell, Honeysuckle Weeks, Henry Garrett, Callum Mitchell, Jacqueline Leonard, Prue Clarke, James Mapes, Keith Warwick, Brittania Nicol, Iain Stuart Robertson, Christopher Leveaux and the great Christopher Lee all assume a role in the flick.

Until we serve a release date, get down with the Official Site for THE WICKER TREE.

Source: Tressock Films

About the Author

Jake Dee

Columnist / Reviewer

5,418 Articles Published

Favorite Movies: Horror: Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Silence of the Lambs, Jaws, Black read more Christmas (1974), Friday the 13th (1980), Return of the Living Dead, Halloween (1978), Last House on the Left (1973), way too many to list (in the horror genre alone, not to mention out of genre film) Non-Horror: Stand By Me, Lonely Are the Brave, Lost in Translation, Rushmore, Blue Velvet, The Elephant Man, Sling Blade, The Usual Suspects, Reservoir Dogs, Caddyshack, Stripes, Ghostbusters, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Harold and Maude, The Treasure of Sierra Madre, There Will Be Blood, Boogie Nights, Fargo, No Country for Old Men, The Big Lebowski, and on and on and on and mothafu*kin on

Likes: Film, Books, Words, Writing, Rhyming, Football (49ers, Lions), Basketball, Wiffle ball, read more Womens Gymnastics, Movies, Music, Underground hip-hop, Reggae, 50s and 60s R&B, Cinema, Alcohol (vodka, rum, whiskey will do), Beer, John Madden football, Scrabble, Clue, Crossword Puzzles and Word Searches, Horror flicks, Saved by the Bell, Married With Children, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, Tales from the Crypt, Motion Pictures, Michelle Pfeiffer, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, Ellen Burstyn, Scorsese, the Brothers Coen, Mexican Food, Italian Food, Cats, The Color Green, The Beach.

The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.

What’s Not Allowed

Abusive language, insults, or harassment toward other users or staff.
Hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Bickering, bullying, personal attacks, or baiting others to argue
Extended off-topic debates, especially those centered on politics or religion rather than the article topic
No AI content or SPAM