The Wicker Man

One of only three films directed by Robin Hardy, much of what makes The Wicker Man (1973) so special can likely be attributed to recently deceased writer Anthony Shaffer, who also wrote Hitchcock's Frenzy and both the stage and screen versions of Sleuth. This film is unquestionably a definitive cult classic, due largely to its low-budget location shooting in rural Scotland, a perverse pagan premise with a memorable plot twist and a standout performance from Christopher Lee. My illustrious predecessor, Ken Hanke, detested this film, referring to it as "an ugly little picture," and "a vaguely unpleasant movie that’s about as entertaining and exciting as watching water evaporate — maybe less so, since that process might at least yield steam." While I won't disagree that it's a pretty tough film, I would certainly differ with his assertion that it's boring in the least. Thankfully absent are Nic Cage and his bees from the risible 2006 remake. Come see the original on the big screen and decide if you agree with Ken or with me.