When the film was initially released in 1973, it was a failure. However, over time, it gained a cult following and was even hailed by Empire Magazine as "the Best British horror film ever made." A recent re-release of the movie received enthusiastic five-star reviews.
The film marked the directorial debut of Justin's father, Robin Hardy, who candidly stated that it "ruined" his family. The story is set on a fictional Scottish island and revolves around a devout Christian police officer named Edward Woodward, who investigates the disappearance of a local girl. He stumbles upon a community of pagan worshippers led by the charismatic Lord Summerisle, played by Christopher Lee.
The film was designed to unsettle the audience, featuring elements such as phallic sweets, child torture, striking scenery, and a shocking ending. Despite its eventual cult status, the studio that financed the film, British Lion, despised the final product. They considered it one of the worst movies ever made and refused to promote it. Even Christopher Lee, who portrayed Lord Summerisle, personally reached out to critics, urging them to attend screenings and offering to pay for their tickets.
The film initially flopped but later experienced a resurgence. Now, fifty years later, Justin and his brother Dominic are revisiting the reasons behind the film's initial failure and subsequent rise in popularity. Through their documentary, titled "Wickermania!," they aim to shed light on the chaotic and heartbreaking impact the film had on their family.
Before directing The Wicker Man, Robin had a successful career in advertising, and the family lived comfortably in Belgravia with Justin, his sister Arabella, and their mother Caroline. However, following the film's disastrous reception, Caroline, who had invested her money in the project, was burdened with debts, while Robin left for the United States in 1974. It was reported that upon his arrival in New York, the director slept on a bench in Central Park.
Before his departure, Robin visited Justin at school to say goodbye, giving him a Saint Christopher pendant as a symbol of protection during his travels. This departure left Justin with a sense of uncertainty, wondering when he would see his father again. Caroline eventually divorced Robin due to his absence and lack of communication. The family had to sell their London house and move to the Midlands. For the following four years, Justin believed his father was dead.
Justin reflects on this period, stating that it was a sad time for their family. He questions his father's abandonment and the lack of protection he provided, especially considering the burden Caroline faced and her subsequent decline into alcoholism, which led to her death from liver cirrhosis.
Five years after his disappearance, Robin returned to the UK to watch Justin perform in a play. He carried an article highlighting the film's success in San Francisco. Justin recalls the surprise encounter, with Robin introducing himself after Justin had finished his performance. Despite his initial feelings, Justin didn't confront his father but instead wanted to please him and ensure he wouldn't leave again. This dynamic persisted for several years.
Justin discovered that The Wicker Man received a more positive reception among universities and American film festivals, leading to its reevaluation and cult status. However, the damage inflicted on Robin's family was irreversible.
Robin went on to have eight children with six different women, often moving on when financial resources became scarce. One of these children was Dominic, who didn't have a significant relationship with his father until his mother brought him to the UK from Canada in 1969. Dominic recalls the mythic summer of 1970 when he met his half-siblings and spent time with Robin. This experience had a profound impact on him, and he sought out his siblings in adulthood to make up for lost time.
Dominic remembers Robin as a flamboyant, charming, and fascinating individual. However, Robin's health declined when Dominic was eleven due to a heart attack, which nearly took his life. This event marked a significant moment in their family's history. Robin started writing letters to his children, and it was believed that his filmmaking career was over due to the difficulty of obtaining insurance after a heart attack. Remarkably, Robin survived and completed the film, but the incident left a lasting impression on Dominic.
Fifty years later, Dominic and Justin stumbled upon a treasure trove of documents in the attic. Initially hesitant to delve into the past, they eventually decided to explore the contents of the crates. The letters they discovered, including correspondence from Christopher Lee and Peter Shaffer, provided unique insights into the making of an independent film. Despite the significance of this find, it brought about difficult emotions for the Hardy family.
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