Quest for the Wicker Man

One of the greatest films ever to be made in Scotland, "The Wicker Man" immediately garnered a cult following on its release for its intense atmosphere and shocking denouement. With contributors including "The Wicker Man" director Robin Hardy, it is a thorough and informative read for all fans of this indispensable horror masterpiece. Filmed in Scotland, The Wicker Man has been voted the greatest cult movie of all time. The themes of pagan ritual and sacrifice in a small island community have provoked much curiosity into the fascinating origins and background of the tale. What were the historical and folkloric sources of the film? What is the true history of the religious practices and rituals protrayed in the film? What is the relationship between the film and its real-life Pagan audience? What are the stories behind the making, casting and distribution of the film? The contributors to this book represent a broad cross-section of experts, academics and film industry professionals who have authoritative knowledge in the areas of archeology, history, literature and paganism. They trace The Wicker Man’s myraid historical and mythological reference points back to their arcane, often surprising, sources, solving the film’s ingenious riddles more successfully than the unhappy Sergeant Howie. One of the greatest films ever to be made in Scotland, The Wicker Man immediately garnered a cult following on its release for its intense atmosphere and shocking denouement. This book explores the roots of this powerful, enduring film. With contributors including The Wicker Man director Robin Hardy, it is a thorough and informative read for all fans of this indispensable horror masterpiece.