Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man

Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man

Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man

Share

Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man

2001

0h 50m

7.8(4 votes)

Documentary

Overview

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.

Links & Resources

Social & External

The people behind it

Cast & crew

10 featured cast members

Starring

Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode

Edward Woodward

Edward Woodward

Himself

Christopher Lee

Christopher Lee

Britt Ekland

Britt Ekland

Ingrid Pitt

Ingrid Pitt

Roger Corman

Roger Corman

Himself

Robin Hardy

Robin Hardy

Himself

Peter Snell

Peter Snell

Seamus Flannery

Seamus Flannery

Anthony Shaffer

Anthony Shaffer

Creative team

Directed by: Andrew Abbott
Russell Leven
Written by: Mark Kermode

Similar Movies

Variations on How to Farm a City

Variations on How to Farm a City

Sprout. In the vacant lots against the hammering of buildings always under construction, between walls of granite, cement and sheet metal with rust, moss and cats; on the hillside between the train and the river, next to the traffic on the highway, facing the subway, vegetable gardens sprout. In this city, the choreography of ancient gestures of cultivating the land is repeated day after day, without fail. Sowing, digging, harvesting, watering, eating, talking, resting and returning the next day. The longest day of the year brings S. João and nobody goes to bed, but when the sun rises, the discreet gestures of resistance will restart.

The Dunsmore Devil Worshippers

A "documentary" on witchcraft, most notable for depicting a black mass in which a cockerel is sacrificed in order to initiate a newcomer into the coven. Very little information is available online about this film.

Revelation - The Bride, The Beast & Babylon

Revelation - The Bride, The Beast & Babylon

Going to the very heart of the Bible's most challenging Book, this one hour documentary decodes the visions of Revelation 12 and 17 for everyone to understand. Journeying from the birth of Christ through the Christian era, this amazing video pulls aside the veil of hidden history to reveal the rise of Babylon, the persecution of the bride of Christ, and the real-world identity of the beast. Educational and inspiring, Revelation delivers the keys to understanding the epic conflict between Christ and Satan and what it means for your life today.

The Return of the Green Man

The Return of the Green Man

Since ancient times, the Green Man has been one of the most mysterious and menacing of mythical characters. He also has a familiar face as Robin Hood, Jack in the Green and on numerous pub signs. Across the arts from comic strips to classical opera, the Green Man is now making a comeback. Where is he taking us? Writer Sir Kingsley Amis, film director John Boorman, composer Sir Harrison Birtwistle and other leading artists offer their interpretations of the mystery in this Omnibus documentary film from 16th November, 1990.

The Occult Experience

The Occult Experience

An examination of occultism as practiced in different parts of the world.

Here We Come A-Wassailing

Here We Come A-Wassailing

A documentary on the surviving syncretic pagan midwinter customs of the British Isles, focusing on nine ritual celebrations ranging from the Moray Firth in the north, the Somerset Levels in the south, Humberside in the east, and County Kerry in the west. Featuring music by the Albion Band and narration by John Tams.

The Immortal City

The Immortal City

From the legendary times of Romulus and Remus to the present day, the compelling story of the eternal city's twenty-five centuries of civilization traces the rise of Christianity over paganism through studies of Vatican art treasures.

Shadows of Light

Shadows of Light

Shadows of Light combines the loud and soft tones of life. The centerpiece is an Austrian mountain pasture where the summer solstice is celebrated with international artists and where tradition and zeitgeist are not contradictory.

Pagans

Pagans

A peek into the lives of a misunderstood community of pagans.

A Father Neptune Ceremony on Brighton Beach

A Father Neptune Ceremony on Brighton Beach

It's fun and frolics with a pagan tinge from Brighton Beach in the 1950s.

Pagan Invasion, Vol. 1: Halloween: Trick or Treat

Pagan Invasion, Vol. 1: Halloween: Trick or Treat

All the seemingly innocent symbolism of Halloween – blackcats, snakes, broomsticks, bonfires, “trick or treat,” jack-o’-lanterns, apple dunking and costumes – has its roots in Sorcery, Witchcraft and Satanism. Parents’ responsibilities are challenged to decide whether to allow their children to participate in celebrations which glorify Pagan Occultism. This highly informative video traces the pagan origins and history of Halloween. The Pagan Occult calendar of Druids, Witches, Pagans and Satanists marks Halloween as one of their highest “holy days.” This video uncovers the mystic Druidic rites and ceremonies with which “Samhain” (Halloween) was originally observed 4,000 years ago. The occult rituals seen in this video are real and not re-enactments.

Inside America's last whites-only church

"In rural Minnesota, a fringe Heathen group known as the Asatru Folk Assembly has purchased a local church – and membership is strictly whites-only. "They worship Nordic, pre-Christian gods and they call themselves a 'folk religion' that only accepts those with northern European ancestry. Their racially exclusive ideology is protected by the first amendment. "Amudalat Ajasa visits the church to understand how it is gaining influence across the country and to meet the anti-racist Heathens fighting back to reclaim their religion."

Revival of Evil

Revival of Evil

Is today's Revival Of Evil setting the stage for the antichrist? Join David Hunt in this fascinating journey into the world of the occult. See candid shots inside Anton LaVey's First Church of Satan, hypnotic regression to "prior lives", and psychic "revelations" from UFOs. Occultism also masquerades as the latest in science, education, parlor games & movies. Through candid interviews learn the truth about witchcraft in famous rock groups, psychic powers and seances among teenagers, demonic possession through yoga, and the true power behind Ouija boards as told by those who are still involved and others who have been triumphantly delivered through Jesus Christ.

Black Sun

Black Sun

A historical analysis of how groups such as the Nazi’s may use language, symbols, and religious connotation in order to come to power. It raises questions that deserve in depth analysis and consideration. Questions include: Where do legends expand our thinking and where do they bury it? When does spiritual pursuit suddenly turn into fanaticism and violence? Last, have we as a society learned from our past, and if so have forgotten the lessons of the 20th Century? Are we now embarking on a new level only to learn the same old lessons about humanity again? In addressing these questions we are taken into the back drop of the history of Germany beginning in the late 1800’s through the late 20th Century at the eve of the 21st. “A society that does not take archetypes, myths, and symbols seriously will possibly be jumped by them from behind.”

Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror

Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror

An exploration of the cinematic history of the folk horror, from its beginnings in the UK in the late sixties; through its proliferation on British television in the seventies and its many manifestations, culturally specific, in other countries; to its resurgence in the last decade.

The Pharmacratic Inquisition

The Pharmacratic Inquisition isn’t a documentary—it’s conspiracy pseudoscholarship masquerading as revelation. This Gnostic Media film by Jan Irvin claims Jesus’ story, Christian symbols, and traditions are just recycled astrology (12 disciples = zodiac) and shamanic drug rituals, not historical truth or divine revelation. It cherry-picks ancient myths, mushroom theories (à la John Allegro), and fertility symbols to “prove” Christianity is pagan sun worship with hidden entheogens. No balance—just a sensational sales pitch for their book Astrotheology & Shamanism, covering ~25% of its content with flashy images but zero rigorous sources. The problem? It ignores centuries of textual criticism, archaeology, and historiography affirming Jesus’ historicity while reducing faith to tripped-out paganism. It’s not eye-opening; it’s agenda-driven myth-making for the “ancient aliens” crowd, shaming believers as dupes. Watch if you must, but know it’s propaganda, not scholarship.

Legend of the Witches

Legend of the Witches

A visual exploration into the origins of witchcraft in the UK and in particular the demystification of symbolism still embedded today within many modern religious artefacts and rituals. X-rated upon its original release, this documentary looks in detail at previously hidden magic rites and rituals. Sharing the secrets of initiation into a coven, divination through animal sacrifice, ritual scrying, the casting of a 'death spell', and the chilling intimacy of a Black Mass.

Pagan Invasion, Vol. 2: Invasion of the Godmen

Chuck Smith and Caryl Matrisciana report on the mushrooming god-consciousness movement sweeping across the world. During the sixties the Beatles made their famous pilgrimage to India, and in the process, they inspired a flower-powered, drug-induced generation to seek pagan enlightenment from Indian holy men. Today thousands of self-proclaimed godmen continue to invade our western culture. Incredible film footage from mystical India highlights this shocking expose.I am God! I Am God! Actress Shirley MacLaineI am God. My power is divine. Indian Guru Sai BabaGod wants you to become God. Chri Chinmoy Indian Guru to the United States"And ye shall be as gods" Satan in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3.

The Unwrapping of Christmas

This exciting video explores the history of many traditions surrounding the Christmas holiday and examines their connections to paganism. Viewers will discover the real story of Christmas and be challenged to take advantage of "the holiday season" to proclaim the truth. Find out the truth about: why we decorate the Christmas tree, put up lights around the house, Santa Claus and his magical reindeer Was December 25th really Jesus's birthday? Discover answers to these and much, much more...

Hors-jeux

A summer landscape in the south of France. Eleven boys seek pleasure through performing pagan rituals.

Recommended Movies

Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20

An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.

Avatar: Creating the World of Pandora

The Making-of James Cameron's Avatar. It shows interesting parts of the work on the set.

Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin

Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin

Brilliant, long in-the-works story of the life and art of the world's greatest comedian and the cinema's first genius, Charlie Chaplin. Produced, written and directed by renowned film critic Richard Schickel.

Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition

Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition

With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band’s rise from the pubs of East London to the world’s biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all-new animated sequences of the band's legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden’s uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans.

Looking for Richard

Looking for Richard

Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."

For the Love of Spock

For the Love of Spock

The life of Mr. Spock, as well as that of Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played him for almost fifty years, written and directed by his son: Adam.

Harmontown

Harmontown

A comedic, brutally honest documentary following self-destructive TV writer Dan Harmon as he takes his live podcast on a national tour.

My Mom Jayne

My Mom Jayne

Through deeply personal interviews with her siblings and an examination of the photographs, letters, and belongings left behind, Mariska assembles a new portrait of her mother Jayne Mansfield, an extraordinary and complex woman.

No Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad

No Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad

A documentary about the making of season five of the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad.

35 Up

35 Up

Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a 7 year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye

Join the likes of Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Florence Pugh, and Vincent D’Onofrio as they reveal how Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye” was conceived and created. Witness firsthand what it took to pull off the show’s pulse-pounding action set pieces, and discover how iconic characters from the pages of Marvel Comics such as Kate Bishop were adapted and brought to life for the six-episode series.

Sidney

Sidney

This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.

McQueen

McQueen

Alexander McQueen's rags-to-riches story is a modern-day fairy tale, laced with the gothic. Mirroring the savage beauty, boldness and vivacity of his design, this documentary is an intimate revelation of McQueen's own world, both tortured and inspired, which celebrates a radical and mesmerizing genius of profound influence.

Marvel's Behind the Mask

Marvel's Behind the Mask

A documentary special that explores the power of identity behind the iconic superheroes we know and love today. These legendary Marvel creations and stories have not only reflected the world outside our window – they have become a reflection of our own identities and who we truly are.

A Toxic Love Story

A Toxic Love Story

A string of threatening emails escalates into a revenge plot involving a newly married US marshal and his ex-girlfriend.

The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground

Experience the iconic rock band's legacy in the first major documentary to tell their story. Directed with the era’s avant-garde spirit by Todd Haynes, this kaleidoscopic oral history combines exclusive interviews with dazzling archival footage.

The Irishman: In Conversation

The Irishman: In Conversation

Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino in conversation about The Irishman.

Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return

Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return

This special explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen, as well as Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their classic roles. Director Deborah Chow leads the cast and crew as they create new heroes and villains that live alongside new incarnations of beloved Star Wars characters, and an epic story that dramatically bridges the saga films.

Making The Witcher

Making The Witcher

Journey into the extraordinary world of "The Witcher" — from casting the roles to Jaskier's catchy song — in this behind-the-scenes look at the series.

Gilbert

Gilbert

The life and career of one of comedy's most inimitable modern voices, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried.