The Wicker Man(1973)

The great Christopher Lee: my introduction to him, and my huge admiration for him, came from his role as Saruman, so my joy in seeing him here no doubt elevated my experience, but suffice to say his talent would have been noticeable without that context anyway. This isn't a very frightening or scary movie, not that it ever tries to be. It's a very well-crafted film that a non-horror fan can really enjoy. Long stretches of the film serve as a documentary on cultural clashes and an exploration of different human moralities. The cinematography, the characters, the dialogue: it's all just so well done and executed with intent. Howie as the puritanical lawman does an exceptional job in his absolute search for justice, and his disdain and disgust for the "charlatan" ways of the community he explores really creates a strong and convincing character. And of course Lee as Lord Summerisle. The instantly recognizable baritone delivery of his backwards way of life almost has you believe how reasonable he and his commune are. It's jarring how wildly the finale turns from the other 90% of the film, and here the horror presented beautifully and stuck with me after the credits rolled. A great movie, with a great last act that unnerves.