It is a day of double trouble.
Fans of horror film can welcome summer with a double dose of “The Wicker Man” this May Day. A Williamsburg event space will offer simultaneous screenings of the original 1973 British cult classic and its campy 2006 remake on May 1. The event, presented by Nitehawk Cinema at Villain, will immerse viewers in the world of the film with special drinks, music, and costumes, said its organizer.
“We wanted to present the film in a different way than just in our theater, pushing the envelope of cinema experience,” said Florencia Varela.
The film follows a detective searching for a missing girl in a remote pagan community. The original has been called the “Citizen Kane of horror movies,” while the remake, starring Nicholas Cage and a bunch of bees, has a cult following as an unintentional comedy. The two films will be shown in different rooms so viewers can compare and contrast by walking from one to the other.
In addition to popcorn, viewers can enjoy beers from Bushwick’s Braven Brewing Company, as well as a special cocktail made with honey and gin. There will also be pagan chiller-inspired music played by DJ Devon E. Levins, of the film-score playing band Morricone Youth.
The first few lucky guests will get a handmade mask like the ones worn by cultists in the “The Wicker Man” — though they will not do justice to the beauty of the ones in the film, Varela said.
“They’re inspired by them — the ones in the film are absolutely gorgeous,” she said.
Varela is a big fan of both the films, but appreciates the original for its peculiarity, she said.
“I personally love the 1973 version just because of the strange, surreal world it creates,” Varela said. “It’s just the pinnacle of surrealism and very interesting horror.”
But the immersive show will not feature any fires, said Varela.
“I’m pretty sure that’s a fire code violation,” she laughed.
“Hawks’ Nite Out: Wicker Men” at Villain [50 N. Third St. between Kent and Wythe avenues in Williamsburg, (718) 782-2222, www.villa
