Sunday Classics: The Wicker Man (1973)

Image: guardian.com

Keeping up with the horror theme from Trailer Tuesday and yesterday’s Quote of the Day, 

this week’s Sunday Classic is The Wicker Man.

I've also chosen this film to coincide with Friday’s re-release of The Wicker Man – The Final Cut. The 1973 film has been restored with an extended final cut for cinemagoers to enjoy. There have been numerous ‘cuts’ released of The Wicker Man but this one conveniently marks the picture’s 40^th anniversary.

The film is set in rural Scotland on the remote island of Summerisle. Sgt. Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) is investigating the disappearance of a young girl from the island. However, he soon discovers that the people of Summerisle are all devout practicing Pagans with a rather unusual way of life. As Howie tries to solve the mystery, he soon fears for his own life on the island owned by Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee).

Robin Hardy’s movie is definitely one of the top mystery horrors to see, if not, at least for the final scene which I shall not give away. It is a strange and surreal tale which has become a cult classic over the years. If you have not seen it, take the opportunity to watch The Wicker Man on the big screen at your local cinema.

Image: guardian.com

Quote of the Day #3

"I hear the expression 'eats like a bird' it, it's really a fals-fals-fals-falsity. Because birds really eat a tremendous lot. But I -I don’t really know anything about birds. My hobby is stuffing things. You know - taxidermy."

Psycho (1960)

Image: awesomewithasideofsweet.blogspot.com

Trailer Tuesday: Escape from Tomorrow (2013)

Image: radiotimes.com

Trailer Tuesday is here and today I am sharing the rather fascinating Escape from Tomorrow.

Walt Disney World Resort is the setting of this film. Now, I know what you’re thinking...

A film at Disney World? It’s going to be squeaky clean and intensely annoying, full of sugar hyped kids running around with those stupidly annoying tunes like ‘It’s A Small World’ repeatedly circling around in my head. 

Well, no. I think this may be quite different...

Escape from Tomorrow is a fantasy-horror film written and directed by Randy Moore. The film follows the last day of a family’s vacation at the Disney World Resort when things are not quite what they appear to be in the theme park.

The trailer makes me laugh as it is rather ridiculous but I am curious to see the film, particularly as the cast and crew used guerrilla filmmaking techniques to dodge getting permission to film from the big corporate giant that is Disney. The black and white cinematography certainly adds a sinister tone to the film which is perfect for its horror nature.

The movie was shown at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and is out for a limited release on October 11^th 2013 in the US. The UK release date has not been confirmed, so we shall have to keep an eye out. Check out the trailer below and let me know what you think. 

Have you seen any recent trailers that Ticket Stub should check out? 

Tweet @TicketStubBlog

Your Response: Favourite Film Scores of All Time

After my post promoting BBC's Sound of Cinema season last week, I took to Twitter to ask what your favourite film score of all time was. To my surprise, Ticket Stub was retweeted by the wonderful BBC Radio 3 and I had some interesting recommendations.

I thought I would share the replies I received so we can all take a listen and enjoy some new soundtracks:

What do you think of these film scores? 

Do you know any better ones? 

Comment below with your favourite film score of all time...

BBC: Sound of Cinema Season

Image: bbc.co.uk

I saw an advert for this season a few weeks back and immediately got excited about sharing this on Ticket Stub. The BBC is starting a new season: Sound of Cinema. Across radio platforms and TV, the series will look at the composers, songs and film scores which have created some of the most iconic soundtracks. From the piercing strings of Herrmann’s Psycho to the more modern sound of Tarantino’s movies, it looks to be a fascinating insight into how these soundtracks are made and how some of the styles have changed over the years.

I will link the trailer below for you to watch. The first programme starts on BBC4 tonight at 9pm, titled ‘The Big Score’. I’ll definitely be watching but if you cannot see it tonight you’ll be able to catch up on iPlayer. Who knows, maybe we’ll be introduced to some more Soundtrack Saturdays...

Trailer Tuesday: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Image: facebook.com/waltermitty

After a short break, Trailer Tuesday is back! 

This week I’m recommending The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Ben Stiller directs and stars in the movie alongside Bridesmaids (2011) actress Kristen Wiig. The film is based on James Thurber’s short story about a man who lives a mundane existence but finds escape with his heroic fantasies.

The trailer grabbed my attention from the beginning. I love the song and the fact there is no dialogue until the very end. The look of the film and the seamless change from reality to fantasy reminds me of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – though this looks to be on a much larger budget.  

After seeing so many trailers that practically display entire movie plots within a blink of an eye, it is completely refreshing to see this. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is out in the UK on Boxing Day this year.

Got a trailer you think Ticket Stub should check out? Tweet @TicketStubBlog