The Strickland Continuum: Uncanny Intertexts in the Film and Media of Peter Strickland

Peter Strickland is one of the most distinctive and idiosyncratic British filmmakers of his generation. His highly intertextual work exists on a continuum ranging from genre filmmaking to experimental film. The Strickland Continuum is the first full-length study of his career, exploring his films, radio work, and music with The Sonic Catering Band to reveal a singular artistic vision. This book examines Strickland as a committed outsider, navigating unconventional production contexts while championing neglected genres such as giallo, folk horror, and Eastern European waves. Through close analysis of his five feature films, experimental shorts, and audio projects, John A. Riley demonstrates how Strickland has created an intricate, thematically consistent body of work that defies easy categorization. Drawing on theories of the uncanny, commodity fetishism, and hauntology, this study positions Strickland as an artist deeply engaged with cinema’s past. However, his work is also highly personal and emotional, demonstrating an intense vulnerability that cuts through the various intertextual references. The Strickland Continuum demonstrates that this under-explored director holds a central place in contemporary independent filmmaking.