The Witch Movie Project Ep 1 - 'The Wicker Man (1973)' vs 'Midsommar'

The Witch Movie Project

Welcome to the thrilling debut episode of The Witch Movie Project! Join our fabulous hosts, Courtney Pearl and Just Blane, as they embark on a spine-tingling journey through the eerie world of folk horror. In this episode, they dive deep into two iconic films that have left audiences both fascinated and disturbed: "The Wicker Man" (1973) and "Midsommar" (2019).

Get ready for a wild ride as Courtney and Blane unravel the intricate details, hidden symbolism, and downright creepy scenes that make these movies unforgettable. From bizarre rituals and eerie traditions to powerful commentary on community and belief systems, this episode is a must-listen for horror buffs and film geeks alike. Trust us, you won't want to miss it!

Chapters:

(00:00) Ride the wave and novel daybreak present the witch movie project

(05:14) One of these folk horror movies started this whole thing, right

(08:14) The first movie we're talking about is the Wicker man from 1977

(08:44) Christopher Lee says this is his favorite movie to be in

(10:21) Edward Woodward plays Sergeant Howie on the Scottish island in the movie

(12:15) When Sergeant Howey is interviewing people, he cannot get a straight answer

(16:13) You got the naked dance from her. Interesting. I do think the movie was banned for a little bit

(19:20) Green man is something that's very well known in neo pagan circles

(19:55) A lot of the stuff in this movie is from actual pagan influences

(21:37) Now, now, what other symbology or symbolism did you catch in the movie

(24:44) You see symbols of death and rebirth all through this movie

(27:04) There is this huge clash between religion and culture in this movie

(32:25) No animals were harmed in the making of this movie, however

(33:55) The movie is a powerful commentary on clash of beliefs versus power of community

(35:50) Wicker is sticking to his christian beliefs even to the very end

(37:06) This is a breakup movie. It's tough to watch. I enjoy this movie, but not in a joyful way

(37:57) Pay attention to the mural in the opening sequence and any murals

(43:10) The film doesn't steer away from showing graphic sexual content

(43:41) Florence Pugh gives an incredible performance in Danny

(44:12) Christian makes Danny feel like she does not belong on this trip

(46:04) There's lots of foreshadowing in the beginning of the film

(47:56) So they land in Stockholm and then have a four hour drive to Horga

(51:54) I love how he was the one that was all about, everybody do this

(52:17) The movie talks about making offerings to the sun a lot in this movie

(57:07) The movie opens in a barn where children sleep from zero to 18

(59:51) A test to pa is a ritual of elderly being let go on purpose

(01:01:19) Number nine is really significant in mythology. So the number nine shows up a lot

(01:04:56) This is one of the most disturbing scenes you'll see in a movie ever

(01:08:33) Danny goes from being unwanted, isolated, undrafted to team member

(01:12:22) This is where you get into some of the more inhumane practices

(01:16:00) This is definitely a movie you gotta watch twice. It sticks with you after you watch

(01:20:10) It seemed to me that Danny was just getting pulled along

(01:22:34) You either get a happy ending or you don't, Wickerman says

(01:27:02) Um, the friend that pulls her into the dance is wearing this on her tunic

(01:27:38) These two movies stand out to me as significant examples of folk horror

(01:30:49) Is this real? Is there somewhere doing this kind of stuff

(01:33:51) Lord Summer Isle plays a very hierarchical role in Wicker Man

(01:34:38) This is where the people at home can vote on a movie

Sponsors:

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Folk Horror, The Wicker Man, Midsommar, Paganism, Symbolism In Horror, Horror Movies, Witch Movie Project, Christopher Lee, Florence Pugh, Ari Aster, Rituals In Horror, Community In Horror, Isolation In Horror, Horror Analysis, Movie Breakdown, Horror Genre, Classic Horror Films, Modern Horror Films, Disturbing Scenes, Horror Podcasts