Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man (2001)

Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man Poster

The cast and main players in the crew come together to discuss the making of cult British horror film The Wicker Man. They discuss the adaptation of the source material, the casting process and the difficult shoot which dealt with everything from a summer film being shot in late autumn and the troubles of the actual wicker man itself.

Introduction
"Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Male" is a 2001 documentary directed by Mark Atkins, based upon the British cult scary film, "The Wicker Guy" (1973). This documentary takes a deep look into the making, the cultural effect and the withstanding legacy of the initial horror film.

The Making of The Wicker Man
"Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man" explores in-depth how the enigmatic and upsetting British horror film "The Wicker Man" was conceived and brought to life. Informative interviews with Director Robin Hardy, author Anthony Shaffer, and a variety of the initial cast members, consisting of stars Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee, supply vivid behind-the-scenes details. The documentary paints a difficult image of the film's production process, revealing stories of on-location stress in Scotland, post-production debates, and struggles for distribution.

The Influence and Impact of The Wicker Man
The documentary further details how "The Wicker Man", in spite of preliminary setbacks, ended up being a renowned horror movie, counting among the greatest in British movie theater. Interviews with various film critics, academics, and artists expose the unique qualities that set it apart, including its powerful mix of horror, secret, and music. "Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man" exposes how the film defied convention and developed an influence well beyond its category, extending to folklore research study, popular culture and even neo-pagan faiths.

The Wicker Man's Legacy
"Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man" does not only cover the film's production and initial reception; it also explores the film's ongoing impact and cult status decades after its release. It demonstrates how the unusual narrative, the distinctive ritualism, the remarkable blending of horror and dark humour, and the unforgettable ending of the movie have actually continued to intrigue audiences for many years.

The Missing Scenes
An appealing part of the documentary focuses on the mystery surrounding the 'missing scenes' - allegedly twelve or more scenes were cut from the initial 99-minute version before its general release. Interviews with those associated with the production expose the conflicting stories and scenarios concerning the excising of these scenes and where they might have ended up. The documentary is filled with anecdotes, speculations, and revelations concerning these 'lost' scenes that add a new layer of depth to this currently captivating conversation.

Conclusion
"Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man" acts as an essential buddy piece to "The Wicker Man", dissecting its conception, production, and legacy with fantastic detail. The documentary is a treat for fans of the initial film and anyone interested in British scary movie theater, shedding light on the creative power of this cult classic that transcends its genre to become an interesting reflection on culture and faith. The story behind the "The Wicker Man" and its enduring appeal are as interesting and strange as the film itself, and it is these stories that make "Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man" a genuinely fascinating watch.

Top Cast

  • Mark Kermode (small)
    Mark Kermode
  • Edward Woodward (small)
    Edward Woodward
    Himself
  • Christopher Lee (small)
    Christopher Lee
  • Britt Ekland (small)
    Britt Ekland
  • Ingrid Pitt (small)
    Ingrid Pitt
  • Roger Corman (small)
    Roger Corman
    Himself
  • Robin Hardy (small)
    Robin Hardy
    Himself
  • Peter Snell
  • Seamus Flannery
  • Anthony Shaffer (small)
    Anthony Shaffer