Christopher Lee talks about The Wicker Man

[@jedinightwing]

Its amazing how Christopher Lee remembers this movie 100%. Most actors if you ask them about a movie even 5 years after they make it and they say "Oh yes, i remember that film. I've made many films since then...I've almost forgot about it" And here is a true professional who remembers damn near all 270+ movies he's done. True (and humble) gentleman actor. Deserves more accolades than he's been given for sure.

[@sirjedisentinel]

jedinightwing Well he wasn't just in it. He took a very (extremely) active role in the film's production. He, along with the crew (I'm just saying the crew because I don't remember exactly who-- I think it was the writer and the director) in just trying to get it made.

[@nmeyers92]

100% agree... There will never be another Christopher Lee. All around unique and outstanding man and actor who did so many great things in his life!

[@1TakoyakiStore]

jedinightwing Well Lee could speak a half dozen languages fluently so it only makes sense that he is incredibly smart in other areas as well.

[@mandyno5328]

The wickerman is one of legendary horror movie of course he remember

[@julesf.meloborges811]

I always consider that not every actor making films is a film lover, so why should he care?

[@johngage1]

I bumped into Christopher Lee in Harrods. What struck me was how much presence he had, his gaze were magnetic, mesmerizing, very imposing. He also carried himself very well, even at his age his posture was very erect. U can see very clearly why they chose him to play Dracula.

[@pegasus5287]

He was so great in the Dracula movies!

[@Thedeadjoker666]

The crime of The Wicker Man Remake is not being a terrible movie. It is that when anyone hears the word Wicker Man, the only response will be "Not the bees" instead of a recognition of this enchanting, original, one of a kind movie.

[@SarahluvesB]

He's just one of those people, I'd just carefully choose my words to speak with. He is so intelligent it's scary.I wish I could just meet him and get closer to him. One can dream.

[@ColonelFredPuntridge]

Fluent in six languages, trained as an opera singer.

[@ΤόλιςΓραμματόπουλος]

@@ColonelFredPuntridge Also trained to chase Nazis and fought 2 wars (Finland vs Soviet Union and World War 2)

[@candykane8474]

He got an superbolus voice

[@wunderwaffe7998]

@@ΤόλιςΓραμματόπουλος so would he of fought with nazis against the Russians?

[@ΤόλιςΓραμματόπουλος]

@@wunderwaffe7998 basically he fought against both nazis and soviets but not on the same time

[@gailjacquelinemrsgray2507]

Christopher is a true honest actor he speaks the truth, he maybe dead but his films are awesome and will live on.

[@Dorgpoop]

He lives on, reincarnated to fertilise the soils of the Summer isles.

[@cinemascotland]

I actually met this great actor on a trip to Lithuania to watch Scotland play. Everyone was singing on the plane (robert burns songs etc) and the stewardess told us to be quiet. A man stood up and said she should be quiet because he thought 220 people singing burns was wonderful. That man was the legendary Sir Christopher Lee.

[@rKhael53]

One new addition to the collection of Why Christopher Lee was one of the most badass men ever

[@SteVin89]

As a fan of Christopher Lee I came very late to The Wicker Man but it blew my mind. Such a spellbinding film. It immediately shot up to my favourite Lee-film ever.

[@hitchorama]

Mine too.

[@SDChargersFreak]

It is such a bizarre yet awesome movie. I mean, it's a crime mystery, but it's also a musical, and it ends up being a horror film. Lee does a fantastic job as did Edward Woodward.

[@grassmonkeyO5]

What was the point of this comment? It provided nothing to think about. It’s a statement to get likes purely for attention and nothing more..

[@titteryenot4524]

@@grassmonkeyO5What’s the point of the comment on the comment? It provided nothing to think about. That’s called hypocrisy! 👍

[@JoeStunner]

As wonderful as Mr. Lee was in this film, Edward Woodward's performance was totally absorbing - a very underrated gem of acting.

[@SagaciousFrank]

They were both equally excellent in their respective roles, but yes I think Woodward clinches it.

[@sirandrelefaedelinoge]

Oh, here it is, the ubiquitous _"underrated"_ comment that every bastard feels compelled to leave under every You Tube video ever...

[@marksinger2360]

@@sirandrelefaedelinoge In this case, though, I think it was justified. I also think that carping about a 12 year old comment (which it was when you wrote yours) is faintly risible.

[@fjoa123]

this man is awesome.

[@MK-hh1vo]

I absolutely love the original The Wicker Man. Besides the drama, mystery, religious dogma and the horror, it's one of my favorite *musicals* ! I know every song and sing along every time I watch it!

[@MisterKauffman]

1:45 "So I don't know what's going to happen [in regards to a "Wicker Man" remake]..." In retrospect, wouldn't we all like to not know?

[@tyrssen1]

The "remake" was incredible awful, and completely forgettable. The original was, indeed, brilliant. RIP Mr. Lee.

[@mattgieslerrocks]

I'd take Sir Christopher Lee over Nicolas Cage any day.

[@Pigganon]

+Seth Tyrssen It was awful, to be sure. It reached new levels of bad, but forgettable it was not.

[@tyrssen1]

Well, maybe it recurs in nightmares or something ... I've done my best to forget it! ;)

[@spiteful6494]

+Seth Tyrssen I disagree about the remake. It was the fact that it was incredibly awful that makes it completely unforgettable. It's like an unintentional comedy.

[@tyrssen1]

+Spiteful64 I guess it could be seen that way; m'self, I just sort of cringed in agony and went "Eww, Yuck!" throughout the whole thing.

[@swansong007]

Great news as of September 2023 there will be a re-issue with 3 cuts. ( Theatrical cut. Directors cut and the Final Cut which has the lost footage from Lions-gate released version. RIP your wishes has come true Mr Lee.

[@ExitiumD]

I saw this film yesterday, it had snail shots is that the final cut?

[@Raelspark]

R.I.P. great actor Christopher Lee. This is making me feel a bit sad. Christopher Lee --- once the best film Draculas, Italian-British; he actually met J. R. R. Tolkien; played Saruman, Jinnah of Pakistan, The Wicker Man, had a part in "Gormenghast", played Fu Manchu, played Count Dooku in Star Wars saga, Scaramanga in James Bond film, etc; friend of Peter Cushing, sang symphonic metal about Charlemagne; really great guy. Should've been given an honorary Oscar. TCM will do an all day tribute to him, I'm sure.

[@Ultrabalor]

He's also Ian Fleming's cousin.

[@ronwatson6056]

He also knew M R James

[@davidparsons452]

Jinnah was his passion project, and deserves to be ranked up with Attenborough's Gandhi

[@TheGeneralDisarray]

He was also in the first British special forces unit in WWII and spent the tail end of the war hunting down Nazi war criminals who'd escaped trial

[@bpeper1365]

@@TheGeneralDisarray Epic life right there

[@paulamiles9559]

I loved Mr Lee in Wicker Man! That's one of my very favorite movies ever. It was so beautifully done. All the ancient pagan fertility stuff! And I looooove Paul Giovanni 's madrigal like music.

[@TomorrowWeLive]

Here is a man who takes his profession seriously.

[@kaaosaf]

Unlike you with that clownish avatar

[@vadoksam9235]

Love oswald mosley. However Britain has fallen. Which is why meany of the far right here in Scotland want independence now. That Britain is dead.

[@jennyfindlay3151]

Let you know I schizo like Salem's Lot better wraghhhhh🤬🤢🤯

[@aleccaprari8664]

He's wearing the same jacket he wore in the movie!

[@scoutqqq]

I noticed that too! hehe

[@gailjacquelinemrsgray.2518]

Christopher has several Harris tweed jackets.

[@Joey7Z7Horror]

I noticed that as well lol

[@stephenfalken]

Christopher Lee is simply legendary, and The Wicker Man is one of the most remarkable British films ever. Apparently since the budget was so low he agreed to play Lord Summerisle for free, thats how much he loved the script. Surprised he didn't mention that here. Regards

[@greatdelusion7654]

They couldn't make a movie this great today, even with a high budget.

[@bludmop7281]

Why surprised? The man is a Legend, a true actor, and so intelligent, money to him would probably be just paper! He said how much he loved the writing and script so he wanted in, its that simple! Oh and he is a true Gentleman, he would never say he did it for free.. Just my opinion

[@darkprose]

Ten times better? Wow. I've always thought The Wicker Man was unmatched in terms of paranoia, claustrophobia and -- the ending is one of the best ever. Sheer psychological terror without a single drop of gore or image of explicit carnage. It's really perfect. I can't imagine what a restored version would be like.

[@elliottknifton8902]

I think the reason why it's so terrifying is because Howie has no help and he's at the mercy of the locals.

[@XMetalChefX]

They just dont make them like that anymore. Unsettling, unnerving, bizzarre, pure suspense. These movies back then were just so risky and carefree you never knew what was coming.

[@yankernator]

The only modern film that's sort of similar that I also enjoyed was Midsommar....not as good as the wicker man but I enjoyed it.

[@XMetalChefX]

@yankernator It was an incredible movie.

[@cr3916jkd2]

He sure had a good laugh over Nic Cage's Wickerman.

[@jennyfindlay3151]

Obviously he was scarier in Salem's Lot !

[@agent86bryan]

This man truly is a legend. Rest in Peace sir Christopher Lee

[@puzzlingcentaur]

What an amazing person he was! I am so sorry that I haven't met him, but I am also glad that I can see him and hear him on the internet. Lee is one of those people who were really special in many, many ways. No other person will be able to replace Christopher Lee.

[@michaeltownley9144]

Genuinely shocked and sad at the recent passing of Christopher Lee. It was only several months ago that I first watched The Wicker Man, I loved his performance. RIP.

[@Blurbs-mj1ej]

+Michael Townley he was 93, don't feel too bad, most of us can only hope to live that long.

[@michaeltownley9144]

+Blurbs 2015 That's true, I guess. I'd only just recently become a fan of his, which is why it shocked me.

[@jefjefg]

I'll dearly miss seeing Sir Christopher Lee appearing in new films. I grew up watching Hammer and Amicus movies featuring him and Peter Cushing besides the films of Vincent Price. He is the last or the greats to pass and I will celebrate his life by continuing to enjoy his movies over and over again. R.I.P.

[@muaykaliente4386]

Spot on

[@MultiSUPERLATIVO]

I remember the first time I watched it: it was one of those late night movie sessions on TV. I was very sleepy and I promised myself, before every commercial break that I had to turn the TV off and went to bed. I could't do it. It was one of those films that can catch you.

[@KamexKoopa]

I like the way they seemed to think he was joking when he talked about the remake... and we never stopped laughing.

[@55bueller]

This man is so smart, so kind, so humble and so awesome!

[@cha5]

One of my all time favorite horror movies, I just watched my Blu-Ray of 'The Wicker Man, The Final Cut' this Halloween evening, This is a movie that burns itself into your brain especially with it's unforgettable ending and it's easy to see why it's Sir Christopher Lee's favorite film.

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

cha5 I also saw the movie (i have the Blu ray, the steelbook) and i personally do not like it because it's very painful, and i'm a catholic and i do not like the atheist and pagan message against christians and believers. But i've watched all of Christopher's movies and i like him very much. I like more his classic terror movies, because they weren't made against beliefs, they just were classic horror stories made with good taste. RIP.

[@SupaBeluga]

Alfredo Di Stéfano Laulhé I thought the film's intent was simply to point out that Christianity and Paganism are perhaps more similar than they might seem on the surface, not to entirely undermine Christianity, and it's certainly not an aggressively atheist film. Surely the protagonist's crying out of Christ's name as he is ritually sacrificed (basically upon a tree, no less) is not unintentional. It's all just packaged in this horror/thriller genre to make it a more compelling story.

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

Ra's al Cool Well, the pagans burn a christian alive in that movie, it doesn't look to me like a pro christian movie at all, lol.

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

Ra's al Cool I'm a scholar of the roman empire and the christians were persecuted by roman emperors like if they were rats, but it's true that in medieval times, the christians persecuted the pagans too. During the Roman Empire, christians and pagans were two main forces, specially in the days just before the christianity became official with Constantine. They hated each other.

[@sirjedisentinel]

cha5 I just wish the studios treated the film better. I wish the 102 original cut was still available. But, because of the various studios and people so inappropriately handling the film, it's lost to us forever.

[@chrisevans5259]

The Wicker Man is a classic, a mixture of horror, paganism, erotism, with a plot that twists and turns, and unsettles you at times, with a haunting music score full of Celtic folky pagan influenced harmonies, and with brilliant actors Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward putting in great acting performances, its a witty edge of your seat rollercoaster of a film , with arguably the most dramatic and shocking ending to a film in movie history, this timeless cult classic is like a fine wine , gets better and better with age

[@kevman949]

It's amazing that he said it could be better from a lost cut of the film when it is quite arguably one of the best movies ever made.

[@dashcammer4322]

He was right, though. They found and added some lost footage several years after this interview, and it really fleshed out the Howie character nicely.

[@greatdelusion7654]

​@@dashcammer4322 I believe the 'Final Cut' only adds about 5 extra mins?

[@degaulle30]

God I wish people talked like Christopher Lee now.

[@Faeden]

He is so well spoken and articulate, and such an interesting man to listen to, I could listen for days. The Wicker Man is the best movie in all movie history in my opinion, an intelligent movie.

[@timpenfield5]

LEE IS AWESOME

[@hrududu5630]

I love the intro music to this film. It's as if the police officer represents the great suffering inflicted upon them in days past and that dire retribution is in order. Ochon, Ochon, Ochrie!

[@facetina]

Professor Lee, man its such a joy listening to him. The man knows his stuff. And the role in The Wicker Man is unquestionably one of his best performances. The original Wicker Man is a masterpiece.

[@Alex_student101]

“It would have been 10 times as good”. the mind boggleth

[@howardwalton1876]

Original is a classic psychological - sorry Sir Christopher - horror. The first time I saw it I couldn’t get the ending out of my head for a week.

[@legionaireminion397]

Christopher Lee.... one of the last of the real Men.

[@dylanhedgecock4003]

What an artist; we were so lucky to have him in the world!

[@TheRealLagatha]

Love The Wicker Man, love Christopher Lee too ❤

[@TOUGHEYES]

All these years on, and this film remains for me a great lesson, to warn one of being the kind of fool who sets himself up for failure..... Christopher Lee was a great man, and stands amongst the paragons of all time for being the kind of person who never disguised who he was, but never tyrannised others with it either.

[@oscarsalesgirl296]

The good guy is Christian and the bad guys are pagan. Its a Christian film. Suck it. You could also say Jesus “failed” because he was killed in a similar way. But because he stood up for the truth and died for the truth. The truth lived on and became the largest religion in history!

[@Videot01]

God i love this guy's voice.

[@lorddem1659]

In all of Sir Christopher Lee's interview he talks with such intellect and such knowledge and memory for each of his films which is really how a dedicated actor who loves what he is doing should be all about. You see often interviews of other actors not even remembering films they were in 5 years ago. Still Greatly Missed and thank you Christopher Lee for all the amazing movie history in your career!

[@Dlj71]

I would have loved to have met this iconic actor. Despite appearing in hundreds of films, he will probably always be remembered for Count Dracula and of course The Wicker man.

[@edgardner6798]

Christopher Lee had such an incredible life even before he became an iconic actor. He is a true living legend.

[@jimweiss]

Christopher lee is pure magic in front of any camera I would feel intimidated to just be in his presence.

[@cprcars1956]

If anyone would, Edward Woodward would.. Huge thanks to Mr. Lee too.. Brilliant film!! Both gone but not forgotten.

[@MaestroTJS]

Nothing sadder than when great art is lost and never found again, meanwhile there is other crap masquerading as "art" that we can't seem to get rid of!

[@Blissid_Waters]

_Never Lost_ 🌟

[@leftcoaster67]

Thank you Sir Lee.

[@jesusguerra1093]

This man is the meaning of epicness. Period.

[@muaykaliente4386]

Rip one of the greatest actors of all time a true british gem

[@tootstanner]

The Wicker Man was without doubt British Cinema at it's very best; Christopher Lee's performance was flawless and at best for him to defend this fine film from the half-wit critics that didn't understand it's true genius, shows the true mettle and heart of such a talented Man!...Like a fine wine, The Wicker Man simply gets even better with age!!!! Edward Woodward R.I.P

[@NickSBailey]

the remake was unintentionally hilarious, the original is faultless

[@griselame]

you know you're a legend when your aura and reputation even increase after you're dead

[@DCHurlford1]

Shows the mark of this gentleman that he waived his fee to do this all time classic movie. One of the greatest films Britain has ever produced imo.

[@mastrofell]

every time i see this noble and respectable man and actor , comes through my mind all the fantastic movies i have seen and the good moments i enjoyed and i still do , every day i like more and more his films, ....

[@pjgumby]

He looked so hansome in that film.

[@yellowpinko]

The Wickerman soundtrack by Paul Giovanni is perhaps the best soundtrack put to film imo, thought it deserves a mention.

[@craig1538]

Sir Christopher Lee will be 97 this year. What an incredible achievement for such a richly talented actor. You deserve every year, Mr Lee!

[@NoName-sn3fq]

eh. he died 7 june 2015 - 93 year old ... R.I.P

[@DanRudy]

01:13 - that derisive shrug sums it up.

[@HookedOnSonics518]

It's like he knew Universal was going to put out a crappy remake just to make money, instead of making a work of art like the original.

[@ATVmidlands5581]

Richley deserved and long overdue. I was so pleased to see Christopher get this award. Brilliant man and a wonderful career. ATVmidlands UK

[@darkdesires9769]

What a class act!

[@ukdavepianoman]

One of the most extraordinary films ever made. Thought provoking, funny, erotic, sensual, challenging, brilliantly acted, beautifully shot and with truly wonderful music.

[@Blissid_Waters]

What most of you don't innesrtand is the the remake _absolutely did_ its job. For many, it introduced them to the story, which led them to the original.Every. One. plays a part. 🌟

[@tretrioeciii]

This film will never truly receive the respect it deserves, but that is part of the reason I love it so much. The few of us who found this movie on our own, LOVE the fact we found it on our own. The new owners of the studio that produced this film released it with hardly any publicity. Then, to remove any doubts about their idiocy, they released it on a double bill with Roegs Don't Look Now. The new owners were able to not realize they had TWO great films at the same time.

[@ATVmidlands5581]

christopher lee is an absolute legend. the wicker man is a classic British movie. thanks - i enjoyed this atvmidlands

[@BlackenedForLife]

Definitely one of the underrated actors of all time -and quite possibly THE most underrated one. He certainly deserves a lot more credit than he has received. Fortunately he has quite a lot of fans nowadays.

[@druidriley3163]

Sir Christopher Lee was a great man, a great man. RIP

[@primus7776]

Great Man. Mesmerising Actor. RIP Sir.

[@onlyme219]

The whole original movie was just , , , , well dare I say strangely magical. Truth is I don't know how to explain it other than if you haven't watched it, you need to this was something special

[@martynlee7473]

The ever elegant Christopher Lee, what a presence.

[@metal134]

I'm glad that he will finally get the chance to see that footage restored when it re-releases this month.

[@SDChargersFreak]

Dude had the greatest fucking voice in history.

[@titteryenot4524]

Not only that, but he spoke about a billion languages fluently. True Renaissance Man.

[@guillermojose939]

R.I.P Christopher Lee (1922-2015)

[@qcrew2938]

Such an amazing man and actor

[@adamquirke6024]

I can’t imagine anyone talking over Christopher. His voice and articulation is incredible

[@RR-sh6gr]

The music

[@ArmyJames]

“NO NO, NOT THE BEES! ANYTHING BUT THE BEES!”

[@mattbod]

I really miss this man...love his irony.

[@brianjanson3498]

Yes, It is a brilliant film. Unlike any other.

[@pegasus5287]

I havent seen the remake, I cant imagine it would be anywhere near as good as the original, which was so good

[@nowaxtheory]

*Gasp* why does everything he say sound so epic?!

[@stevecook5930]

I would love to see the version Christopher talks of.

[@Baiyu83]

Nowadays it would be received differently. I think so because of some reviews on KZbin.

[@oliverholmes-gunning5372]

There are a number of versions still available. The US Director's Cut, running at around 99 minutes, is the most complete, but very hard to find these days. The Restoration version from about 1979 (running around 96 minutes) is more common, and the one that is usually referred to as the "Director's Cut". The theatrical version that most people have seen (87 minutes) is of course still the most common. However, even with the 99 minute version there is still about 15 minutes of (according to Lee and Hardy) essential footage missing. Although Lee believed that it still existed somewhere, the official narrative is that the negatives were thrown out by the studio and eventually ended up as landfill for the M4 motorway- so it's unlikely that anyone will ever see the completed version ever again, unfortunately. On this subject I greatly recommend the documentary The Wicker Man Enigma, available on youtube. You might also find of interest this in-depth analysis of each available version: www.steve-p.org/wm/

[@saradecapua3264]

You can find it on KZbin.

[@tommethans7827]

Jeez, what an amazing voice on Christopher Lee.

[@jtaylor9562]

What an elegant, commanding and gracious man, Christopher was. He was superb in the Wicker Man and was barely in it!!! It is a film that has stayed with me. A real sense of unease throughout the film to the fantastic climax. But he is right. It's NOT a horror by any means.

[@Turtleproof]

Still miss Chris Lee, amazing person in every way.

[@queerchoreography54]

I just saw it and I’m blown away by this film

[@Fishlip5]

brilliant film

[@kohhna]

Watching this I'm just glad the lost sections of the film turned up and they were able to but it back together to fit Hardy's intentions within Lee's lifetime.

[@GrilloCakes]

such a gentleman, very articulate, and well spoken. They don't make actors like that anymore!

[@TheFluffyDuck]

I saw it for the first time a month ago. Brilliant movie.

[@Ragnarokr]

I can't imagine this movie being better than it is already!

[@WhatHaveIMade]

And as Lee predicted they did find a longer cut of the movie. Not the real full length version, which was apparently sent to the US (to Roger Corman maybe?) and never returned.

[@TensileStrength]

Hearing him talk about the Nicholas Cage version begin planned is like watching Titanic and hearing the captain talk about maintaining full speed through the ocean. You know what's coming but you're powerless to stop it.

[@michellesamuels7558]

Sir Christopher Lee very much nobility.

[@Flamingboy100]

Christopher Lee is and always will be a legend. Great film although its production had a shadow over it. This film was cut to bits and valuable scenes just ripped out and cast aside. No wonder Christopher Lee felt so passionate about it.

[@inaya]

His voice ! *___*

[@ytcarol]

Always rewarding to hear some inside understanding from one of the principles. His version was so much better.

[@Trademarc1977]

@luscaslayer He didn't forget it - this interview is from 2002 and the "director's cut" dvd came out four years later.