Cast
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Nicolas Cage
as Edward Malus
Ellen Burstyn
as Sister Summersisle
Kate Beahan
as Sister Willow
Frances Conroy
as Dr. Moss
Molly Parker
as Sister Rose / Sister Thorn
Leelee Sobieski
as Sister Honey
Diane Delano
as Sister Beech
Michael Wiseman
as Officer Pete
Erika-Shaye Gair
as Rowan Woodward
Christa Campbell
as Truck Stop Waitress
Emily Holmes
as Station Wagon Mom
Zemphira Gosling
as Station Wagon Girl
Matthew Walker
as Sea Plane Pilot
Mary Black
as Sister Oak
Christine Willes
as Sister Violet
Crew
Director
- Neil LaBute
Producer
- Nicolas Cage
- Avi Lerner
- Randall Emmett
- Norman Golightly
- Boaz Davidson
- John Thompson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Wicker Man presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Neil LaBute brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Wicker Man took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $40.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 51 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Wicker Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Contact, which focuses more on action than character development, The Wicker Man offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Shining and Murder She Said explore similar territory, The Wicker Man stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 31, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Budget: $40,000,000
- Revenue: $38,805,380
Where to Watch
