Wicker Man

Regular price €25.99
A01=Steve A. Wiggins
Age Group_Uncategorized
Age Group_Uncategorized
Author_Steve A. Wiggins
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Beltane
British horror film
Category1=Non-Fiction
Category=AP
Category=APFA
Category=ATFA
Category=ATMN
Celtic paganism
COP=United Kingdom
Delivery_Delivery within 10-20 working days
eq_art-fashion-photography
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_non-fiction
folk horror
holiday horror
Language_English
May Day
PA=Available
Price_€20 to €50
PS=Active
rural horror
softlaunch
wicker man

Product details

  • ISBN 9781837643882
  • Publication Date: 01 Aug 2023
  • Publisher: Liverpool University Press
  • Publication City/Country: GB
  • Product Form: Paperback
  • Language: English
Delivery/Collection within 10-20 working days

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Many fans of Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man (1973) may know that this classic is considered a fine sample of folk horror. Few will consider that it’s also a prime example of holiday horror. Holiday horror draws its energy from the featured festive day, here May Day. Sergeant Neil Howie (Edward Woodward), a “Christian copper,” is lured to the remote Scottish island Summerisle where, hidden from the eyes of all, a thriving Celtic, pagan religion holds sway. His arrival at the start of the May Day celebration is no accident. The clash between religions, fought on the landscape of the holiday, drives the story to its famous conclusion.

In this Devil’s Advocate, Steve A. Wiggins delineates what holiday horror is and surveys various aspects of “the Citizen Kane of horror movies” that utilize the holiday. Beginning with a brief overview of Beltane and how May Day has been celebrated, this study considers the role of sexuality and fertility in the film. Conflicting with Howie’s Christian principles, this leads to an exploration of his theology as contrasted with that of Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) and his tenants. Such differences in belief make the fiery ending practically inevitable.

Steve A. Wiggins is an independent scholar who has previously held teaching posts at Nashotah House Seminary, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Rutgers University and Montclair State University.