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.
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.