MovieChat Forums > Witchfinder General (1968) Discussion > Do you prefer the Witchfinder General or...

Do you prefer the Witchfinder General or the Wicker Man?

posted 21 years ago by Chunky-Monkey
51 replies | jump to latest

OK, I think both films are similar in many ways: in their intelligent treatment of horror as something human; in the way a society can embrace evil as its moral code; and in their psychedelic, fatalistic outlooks. I remember an Empire journo writing that these two films are the ONLY intelligent British horror films. That's perhaps a little hyperbolic, but I would say they are two of my favourites. If I had to choose, I would pick the Wicker Man- the music, acting, and inclusion of humour elevate it for me. So which one does everyone else prefer?

[–] murphyismydog 20 years ago

I would have to say 'The Wicker Man' as I feel that the performances are a little less camp than in Witchfinder and the charachers have a little more complexity and dimension as well. But what makes it essentially superior (even thought I have fondness for both) is because of the wonderful plot twist at the end of it (SPOILER*) when we realise the Edward Woodward character was being baited as the sacrifice all along. For me, that particular revelation makes 'The Wicker Man' a far stronger film and a more memorable experience.

[–] carlin4737 20 years ago

I also prefare the Wickerman, i think "Blood On Satans Claw" is a better choice of a UK to make a choice with Witchfinder General on which if the 2 you think is best

You guys should try and find "Blood On Satans Claw" if you havent seen it allready

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When you have to shoot, shoot, don't talk

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] stars_are_stars 19 years ago

I prefer Witchfinder General, though, Wickerman is likely the best directed and performed.

The Horror, The Horror

[–] moffieboi 19 years ago

Witchfinder General has Price. That's enough for me.

[–] crisso 19 years ago

Well, for me it's Witchfinder General. I saw the Witchfinder for the first time around Christmas 2003. Price is great at Matthew Hopkins (probably his best performance of that era) and I really loved the whole feel of the piece. I've seen The Wicker Mna twice now and although I'll admit it's a great film I find it sooooo hard to watch.

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] avstars 19 years ago

Wicker Man

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] Quest_Shield 19 years ago

The Wicker Man is the superior film for me..its one of my favourite films ever made. The atmosphere, the music, the performances.. A remake should not be attempted, unfortunately as you know its on the way. Hollywood get some new ideas and leave the classics alone! :(

[–] philk-4 19 years ago

Let them remake it if that's all they can think of. In the very unlikely event that it's an improvement on the original we'll all be better off. And if - almost inevitably - it's not a patch on it, the original's still around, and the remake will be forgotten within months. Who remembers the remake of Psycho - or Mr Deeds Goes to Town - or Stagecoach - or Planet of the Apes?

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It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that sting

[–] haymish28 19 years ago

I like Wicker Man and all, but I think with the right director/people it would be fairly easy to improve on. It is a little overrated, and I think the main reasons it survives is because of it's horrific story; the direction was really mediocre. And also, while I think Wicker Man was a slightly better film, I think the music in Witchfinder General was "generally" speaking better, with the exception of "The Highland Widow's Lament", played in the opening sequence in Wicker Man. Vincent Price and Edward Woodward were both great though.

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] mail-1030 18 years ago

the Wicker Man definately, but Witchfinder ain't bad at all, just not as well crafted.... what's another top British Horror of the 60's 70's?

[–] carlin4737 18 years ago

"what's another top British Horror of the 60's 70's?"

Have you seen Peeping Tom or Horrors Of Black Museum?

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When you have to shoot, shoot, don't talk

[–] vincenzo66 18 years ago

I always loved Theatre Of Blood as well. Comparing Price's performances in both films you realise what a superb actor he really could be.

Can anyone picture Donald Pleasance in the role instead? (as originally cast).

[–] plugster 18 years ago

Think I prefer Wicker MAn to Witchfinder General...
And I love Peeping Tom, ever since I first saw it.

:)

[–] kangaroojack1892 18 years ago

I first watched the witchfinder general when I was about 10,thought it was pretty scary at the time. Watched it again last night on t.v and was a bit disapointed,as far as I`m concerned the wickerman is a far superior film. Plus you get to see Britts t!ts enough said.

[–] Freddy_Lives 18 years ago

I prefer the Wickerman. It's always stuck with me for just the sheer strangeness of it. Shocking I guess you could say.

The way all the people of Summer Isle are just dancing while watching Woodward burn without a care in the world.

Great film.