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First of all, let’s get the fangirling out of the way.
I absolutely LOVE the films directed by Robert Eggers. His attention to minute historic details, the atmospheric quality in his films, the intense performances of his cadre of actors and actresses….I am amazed, transfixed, and engaged with every moment in all of his films. The first example of this is in his 2015 film “The Witch“: the use of time period appropriate dialog, the creation of an historically accurate set, the quality of the overall production by hiring those who are experts in their fields, the delving into the folklore surrounding witches of that time period. Particularly impressive is the plot point of the witch who turns into a hare and steals the milk from the neighbor’s cow. This is a detail found in the folklore about witches found in the British Isles and is a part of The Confessions of Isobel Gowdie (a Scottish woman who confessed to witchcraft in 1662). This level of minute detail, in regards to history, folklore, linguistics, costumes and set design, continues in his other films The Lighthouse and The Northman, both of which have high caliber performances from the actors and actresses, as well as his production team. He takes his time to create these films, and I am very much looking forward to seeing his version of Nosferatu, which will be released on Christmas Day this year. (note to future me: write an amazing Victorian Gothic blog about vampires and the original 1922 film Nosferatu. Maybe title it “All I Want for Christmas is my Two Fang Teeth”).
Now that the fangirling is out of the way:
The Folk Horror genre (as detailed in my previous blog) tends to focus on the mythic, the ritualistic, early folk traditions found throughout the world. Often times, these films take place in isolated communities which are still dedicated to following older, more pagan/agrarian based traditions, and can sometimes contain supernatural or paranormal elements. These elements can also be very region specific, for example a lot of Southeast Asian horror movies are firmly based in the folklore of those regions/locations. It’s fascinating to view these movies and see how the supernatural is dealt with throughout the world. Each culture has its’ own mythic tales and spiritual beliefs, and viewing this through film gives us all insight into a much larger world. The best work detailing this genre of horror movies is the documentary “Woodland Dark and Days Bewitched“. It is a lengthy documentary but gives an in depth look at the Folk Horror genre in film. You’ll want to take notes and view all the films mentioned in the documentary!
Folk Horror Movie List:
And now my curated list for the Folk Horror Genre Movies! Enjoy!
Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched
Final Thoughts:
- Unfortunately, San Jose Public Library does not have a copy of one of the essential Folk Horror Genre movies: the 1973 film of The Wicker Man, starring Christopher Lee.
- But a copy of this film may be obtained through Link+.
- The 1973 Christopher Lee version. There is a more recent version of The Wicker Man starring Nicholas Cage which has similar thematic elements and does fall within the Folk Horror genre. It’s best to view both movies on their own merit.
- I can’t wait until Christmas, so I can see Robert Egger’s version of Nosferatu.
- I can’t wait until December, so I can write a Victorian Gothic Vampire themed blog.
- “All I Want for Christmas is my Two Fang Teeth”. LOL.