The Guardian takes a look at the lasting influence and appeal of classic film “The Wicker Man” amongst modern British folk artists. The article took the form of a panel discussion amongst modern folk-inspired British musicians and people involved with the original film. Included in the panel were Robin Hardy director of the orginal film, Johnny Trunk founder of Trunk Records, Mike Lindsay of the band Tunng, singer-songwriter Adem, and Steve Cracknell of electronic-folk band The Memory Band.

At one point Robin Hardy talks about modern Pagan reactions to The Wicker Man.

“The Guardian: Are you surprised at the continued influence of and interest in the film?

Hardy: They arrived en masse, claiming I had defamed them. It was quite frightening.”

Is seems some of my co-religionists need to lighten up a bit and appreciate this classic film. I have yet to see a film that builds on religious tensions (and mutual prejudices) between Pagans and Christians as well as “The Wicker Man” does.

Getting back to music, it isn’t only folk-minded groups that have mined the film for its musical gold. Several bands from diverse genres have covered songs from the film including Faith and The Muse, The Mediaeval Baebes, Nature and Organization, The Sneaker Pimps, and Anna Oxygen. Adem says in the panel that The Wicker Man soundtrack has prefigured (and influenced) a whole new generation of artists.

“You can’t avoid it, really. It’s a fairly obvious reference point for a lot of the new music being made. Somehow it has become electronica plus folk equals The Wicker Man, and all kinds of disparate things have been joined together by this film. By mentioning The Wicker Man you evoke a traditional influence from a modern perspective. We look with modern eyes at these old traditions; we are observing from the outside. That’s what the film does.”

In my humble opinion it really is one of the best soundtracks created. But don’t take my word for it, why not pick up your own copy?

Tags: Paganism