[60], The critic Michael Medved characterized examples of the "so bad it's good" class of low-budget cult film through books such as The Golden Turkey Awards. Movies. [18], Modern cult films grew from 1960s counterculture and underground films, popular among those who rejected mainstream Hollywood films. That cult films can have opposing qualities – such as good and bad, failure and success, innovative and retro – helps to illustrate that art is subjective and never self-evident. A cult film, also commonly referred to as a cult classic, is a film with a cult following, obscure or unpopular with mainstream audiences, and often revolutionary or ironically enjoyed. A cult film is any film that has a cult following, although the term is not easily defined and can be applied to a wide variety of films. [170], As major Hollywood studios and audiences both become savvy to cult films, productions once limited to cult appeal have instead become popular hits, and cult directors have become hot properties known for more mainstream and accessible films. Fans will occasionally express frustration with dismissive critics and conventional analysis, which they believe marginalizes and misinterprets paracinema. [85] Popular films from previous eras may be reclaimed by genre fans long after they have been forgotten by the original audiences. Warren Ellis Mood Indigo January 2020 [64] Lloyd Kaufman sees his films' political statements as more populist and authentic than the hypocrisy of mainstream films and celebrities. [142] Anime, according to academic Brian Ruh, is not a cult genre, but the lack of individual fandoms inside anime fandom itself lends itself to a bleeding over of cult attention and can help spread works internationally. Despite her immense popularity and cult following, she would rate only a footnote in most histories of European cinema if she was even mentioned. Videos: The Hidden Meaning In Terry Gilliam's Cult Classic Brazil. [13]:38 Academic Mike Chopra‑Gant says that cult films become decontextualized when studied as a group,[14] and Shiel criticizes this recontextualization as cultural commodification. April 2020 [6] This acceptance is not universal, though, and some critics have resisted this mainstreaming of paracinema. [103] Although often described as primarily composed of obsessed fans, cult film fandom can include many newer, less experienced members. Other cult films have since become well-respected or reassessed as classics; there is debate as to whether these popular and accepted films are still cult films. Lost Films Unconcerned with genre distinctions, they drew inspiration equally from the nonconformity of European art cinema and experimental film, the gritty subject matter of Italian neorealism, and the shocking images of 1960s exploitation. February 2017 [61]:131–134 In marketing these films, young men are predominantly targeted. [148] Like "so bad it's good" cult films, old propaganda and government hygiene films may be enjoyed ironically by more modern audiences for the camp value of the outdated themes and outlandish claims made about perceived social threats, such as drug use. [114] Cult film stars known for their camp can inject subtle parody or signal when films should not be taken seriously. ‘It was a cult classic movie that came out in the mid-1980 s when I was in college.’ ‘Notorious at the time for its high level of gore, the film was also distinguished by a keen sense of social satire and political commentary which quickly assured its status of a cult classic.’ Movies Cats Is an Operatically Weird Cult Classic for the Ages The 2019 Movie Club, entry 13. The French film Fantastic Planet (1973) explored ideas beyond the limits of traditional, live-action science fiction films. Cult followings themselves can range from adoration to contempt, and they have little in common except for their celebration of nonconformity – even the bad films ridiculed by fans are artistically nonconformist, albeit unintentionally. Brad Pitt Film censorship can make these films obscure and difficult to find, common criteria used to define cult films. By Rose Moore May 25, 2016. For cinephiles, this abuse of the term typically leads them to conclude that the category has become meaningless and “elastic, (or) a catchall for anything slightly maverick or strange” (Bentley-Baker). [67] Similarly, Jess Franco chafed under fascist censorship in Spain but became influential in Spain's horror boom of the 1960s. Part Two", "BFI to Screen Uncut Versions of Cult Films as British Censor Turns 100", "How 'Battle Royale' Became a Cult Hit and Capitalized on 'The Hunger Games, "Russell's Skills Prove a Hit with Cinema Fans", "The Other Side of Indonesia: New Order's Indonesian Exploitation Cinema as Cult Films", "Sexploitation Cinema and the Rise and Fall of Russ Meyer", "Fandom and Subculture: Cultural Capital and Subcultures", "The Question of Genre in Cult Film and Fandom", "The Amateur Historian and the Electronic Archive: Identity, Power and the Function of Lists, Facts and Memories on "Video Nasty"-Themed Websites", "Still Abiding After 15 Years: The Laid-Back World of 'Big Lebowski' Worship", "Norman Wisdom Mobbed by Albanian Fans on 1995 Trip", "Demogogues in Death and Notes from Way Underground", "Hemp: Could the US Rekindle Its Love Affair? Most definitions also required a strong community aspect, such as obsessed fans or ritualistic behavior. [102], Cult films can create their own subculture. November 2012 Mathijs states that Halloween horror conventions can provide the missing community aspect. [9] Increasing use of the term by mainstream publications has resulted in controversy, as cinephiles argue that the term has become meaningless[10] or "elastic, a catchall for anything slightly maverick or strange". Christian Bale [13]:35–40 Jacinda Read's expansion states that cult films, despite their potential for empowerment of the marginalized, are more often used by politically incorrect males. [109] In francophone culture, "so bad it's good" films, known as nanars [Fr], have given rise to a subculture with dedicated websites such as Nanarland, film festivals and viewings in theaters, as well as various books analyzing the phenomenon. Scific61d272476 [8] This may take the form of elaborate and ritualized audience participation, film festivals, or cosplay. September 2020 May 2018 February 2016 [21] Academic Chuck Kleinhans identifies the Marx Brothers as making other early cult films. Since the late 1970s, cult films have become increasingly popular. [10] Remarking on the popular trend of remaking cult films, Claude Brodesser-Akner of New York magazine states that Hollywood studios have been superstitiously hoping to recreate past successes rather than trading on nostalgia. Although studios expressed skepticism, large audiences were drawn to box office flops, such as Donnie Darko (2001), The Warriors (1979) and Office Space (1999). The rise of the Internet and on-demand films has led critics to question whether "so bad it's good" films have a future now that people have such diverse options in both availability and catalog,[110] though fans eager to experience the worst films ever made can lead to lucrative showings for local theaters[111] and merchandisers. Valhalla Rising ... Cult-classic meaning. These films include financially fruitless and critically scorned films that have become inadvertent comedies to film buffs, such as Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959),[1] The Room (2003),[105] and the Ugandan action-comedy film Who Killed Captain Alex? Tobias criticizes Coscarelli as trying too hard to appeal to cult audiences and sacrificing internal consistency for calculated quirkiness. July 2013 [12] These inherent dichotomies can lead audiences to be split between ironic and earnest fans. [119], According to academic Brigid Cherry, nostalgia "is a strong element of certain kinds of cult appeal. Knowledgeable about feminism and multiculturalism, they seek a refuge from the academic acceptance of these progressive ideals. However, Mathijs says the film must invoke metacommentary for it to be more than simply culturally important. Koven also identifies television shows, such as Twin Peaks, as retaining more traditional cult activities inside popular culture. May 2016 February 2018 [173] Despite this, the Alamo Drafthouse has capitalized on cult films and the surrounding culture through inspiration drawn from Rocky Horror and retro promotional gimmickry. Unlike most exploitation directors, they were not trying to establish a reputation. December 2016 October 2012 "[149] The sponsored film Mr. B Natural became a cult hit when it was broadcast on the satirical television show Mystery Science Theater 3000;[150] cast member Trace Beaulieu cited these educational shorts as his favorite to mock on the show. Cult audiences tend to gravitate toward the strange and different. [15] Cult film fans consider themselves collectors, rather than consumers, as they associate consumers with mainstream, Hollywood audiences. [169] Tarantino's clout led Phil Hoad of The Guardian to call Tarantino the world's most influential director. Other film scholars like Mark Shiel have criticized the term for being a weak concept that is far too reliant on subjectivity. Child Actors Overbroad usage of the term has resulted in controversy, as purists state it has become a meaningless descriptor applied to any film that is the slightest bit weird or unconventional; others accuse Hollywood studios of trying to artificially create cult films or use the term as a marketing tactic. Entertainment Genre The hammy acting by Christopher Lloyd and quotable dialogue draw a cult following, as they mimic traditional cult films. [26] These films were more concerned with cultural significance than the social justice sought by earlier avant-garde films. The constant use of profanity and drugs in otherwise mainstream, Hollywood films, such as The Big Lebowski, can alienate critics and audiences yet lead to a large cult following among more open-minded demographics not often associated with cult films, such as Wall Street bankers and professional soldiers. 0. [60] The films that followed Jess Franco were unique in their rejection of mainstream art. [99] Similarly, films directed by John Hughes have taken hold in midnight movie venues, trading off of nostalgia for the 1980s and an ironic appreciation for their optimism. Although the film topped the charts when it was released, it has developed a nostalgic cult following over the years. Citing misuse of the term, Mikel J. Koven took a self-described hard-line stance that rejected definitions that use any other criteria. Mathijs criticizes the over-cultified, commercialized nature of Halloween and horror films, which feed into each other so much that Halloween has turned into an image or product with no real community. [13]:42–43, Releases from major studios – such as The Big Lebowski (1998), which was distributed by Universal Studios – can become cult films when they fail at the box office and develop a cult following through reissues, such as midnight movies, festivals, and home video. [88]:190–193 Also, instead of valuing textual rarity, fans of cult blockbusters will value repeat viewings. In the era of classic Hollywood, few films had the opportunity to develop cult followings due to regular turnover at theaters and the lack of subsequent distribution on media like television or home video that would allow audiences to see movies … Organized fandoms may spread and become popular as a way of introducing new people to the film, as well as theatrical screenings being privileged by the media and fandom itself. December 2017 November 2014 March 2020 9 Cult Classic Halloween Movies You Need To Watch. In some cases, reclaimed or rediscovered films have acquired cult followings decades after their original release, occasionally for their camp value. Marc Webb Director [57]:197, According to Mathijs, critical reception is important to a film's perception as cult, through topicality and controversy. [89] Especially when promoted by enthusiastic and knowledgeable programmers, choice of venue can be an important part of expressing individuality. Consumers [48] Sylvia Kristel, after starring in Emmanuelle (1974), found herself highly associated with the film and the sexual liberation of the 1970s. A cult film is one that has a passionate following, but does not appeal to everybody. [15] This ambiguity leads critics of postmodernism to accuse cult films of being beyond criticism, as the emphasis is now on personal interpretation rather than critical analysis or metanarratives. Coming Attractions Let’s first understand the meaning of Cult Classic or Cult Movie. They sell out their shows regularly and have acquired a cult following of their own. While critics may champion revolutionary aspects of filmmaking and political interpretation, Hollywood studios and other corporate interests will instead highlight only the aspects that they wish to legitimize in their own films, such as sensational exploitation. Virtual spaces, such as online forums and fan sites, replace the traditional fanzines and newsletters. [39] Critics can also polarize audiences and lead debates, such as how Joe Bob Briggs and Roger Ebert dueled over I Spit On Your Grave (1978). This can lead to controversy, censorship, and outright bans; less transgressive films may attract similar amounts of controversy when critics call them frivolous or incompetent. [15] Although a mainstream epic, Star Wars has provided its fans with a spirituality and culture outside of the mainstream. Theatrical Posters By requiring repeated viewings and extensive knowledge of details, auteur theory naturally appealed to cult film fans. November 2017 In the Italian cult classic Eight and a Half (81/2), the legendary director of La Dolce Vita (winner of the Palme d'Or in 1960) portrays his fears of inspiration running out. They may also watch films idiosyncratically: sped up, slowed down, frequently paused, or at odd hours. These films, ritually watched every season, give a sense of community and shared nostalgia to viewers. Michel Gondry [108] Alamo Drafthouse programmer Zack Carlson has further said that any film which succeeds in entertaining an audience is good, regardless of irony. Eventually, the rise of home video would marginalize midnight movies once again, after which many directors joined the burgeoning independent film scene or went back underground. As more artistic films emerged, New Zealand was perceived as a legitimate competitor to Hollywood, which mirrored Jackson's career trajectory. Cult classic ... Cult movie; Cult of Angels; Cult of Apollo; Cult of Apollo; Cult of Apollo; Cult of Cod; Cult of Deckard Cain; Cult of Hermes; Cult of Hermes; [49] Similarly, Chloë Sevigny has struggled with her reputation as a cult independent film star famous for her daring roles in transgressive films. [158] Cult films can also drive tourism,[159] even when it is unwanted. [40]:164 In extreme cases, cult films can lead to the creation of religions, such as Dudeism. It usually is an odd movie or obscure film it's self. [83], Cult films can be used to help define or create groups as a form of subcultural capital; knowledge of cult films proves that one is "authentic" or "non-mainstream". [55] The reverse – when films based on cult properties lose their transgressive edge – can result in derision and rejection by fans. Comments [127], Although seemingly at odds with each other, art and exploitation films are frequently treated as equal and interchangeable in cult fandom, listed alongside each other and described in similar terms: their ability to provoke a response. April 2015 June 2012 They maintain a sense of exclusivity by offending mainstream audiences with misogyny, gore, and racism. [166] The rise of home video would have a mainstreaming effect on cult films and cultish behavior, though some collectors would be unlikely to self-identify as cult film fans. [15] Writing for NPR, Scott Tobias states that Don Coscarelli, whose previous films effortlessly attracted cult followings, has drifted into this realm. Director Jean Rollin worked within cinéma fantastique, an unpopular genre in modern France. Anime, which is frequently presented as a series (with movies either rising from existing series, or spinning off series based on the film), provides its fans with alternative fictional canons and points of view that can drive fan activity. ... meaning he has a good perspective on what has and hasn't worked in the past. Leonard Kastle, who directed The Honeymoon Killers (1969), never directed another film again. Casual readers and non-fans will thus be left out of discussions and debates, as they lack enough information to meaningfully contribute. Young Filmmakers Filters A work ... With weekly viewings in movie theaters running continuously for over thirty years, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a major cult classic despite having since become known to the general public. [97] Films which appeal to stereotypical male activities, such as sports, can easily gain strong male cult followings. [98] Academic Emma Pett identifies Back to the Future (1985) as another example of a cult blockbuster. Examples include Harold and Maude, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Queen of Hearts and many others. Video Of The Day cult classic phrase. This film holds some of the most quoted lines in movie history. In the 1980s, filmmaker Nick Zedd identified this movement as the Cinema of Transgression and later wrote a manifesto. [16], Writing in Defining Cult Movies, Jancovich et al. [60] Audiences can also ironically latch on to offensive themes, such as misogyny,[62] using these films as catharsis for the things that they hate most in life. Life Of Pi Many members of its nostalgic cult following are too young to have been alive during those periods, which Emma Pett interprets as fondness for retro aesthetics, nostalgia for when they saw the film rather than when it was released, and looking to the past to find a better time period. quote academic Jeffrey Sconce, who defines cult films in terms of paracinema, marginal films that exist outside critical and cultural acceptance: everything from exploitation to beach party musicals to softcore pornography. Political Film Uniquely, its cult following preceded the film's release and included speculative parodies of what fans imagined the film might be. [175] The rise of social media has been a boon to cult films. [180], I. Q. Films such as Rocky Horror can be misinterpreted as "weird for weirdness' sake" by people unfamiliar with the cult films that it parodies. [15] As these cult films become more popular, they can bring varied responses from fans that depend on different interpretations, such as camp, irony, genuine affection, or combinations thereof. 42 [74] Although opposed to censorship, director Ruggero Deodato would later agree with cuts made by the BBFC which removed unsimulated animal killings, which limited the film's distribution. [124], Author Tomas Crowder-Taraborrelli describes midnight movies as a reaction against the political and cultural conservatism in America,[125]:27 and Joan Hawkins identifies the movement as running the gamut from anarchist to libertarian, united in their anti-establishment attitude and punk aesthetic. Cult films and directors may be celebrated for their transgressive content, daring, and independence, but Tompkins argues that mainstream recognition requires they be palatable to corporate interests who stand to gain much from the mainstreaming of cult film culture. This reached the point of convergence culture when fan speculation began to impact on the film's production. Le mythique réalisateur de La Dolce Vita, Palme d'Or en 1960, évoque au travers de Huit et Demi, film culte du cinéma italien, son angoisse de la panne d'inspiration. Horror films have appropriated the holiday, and many horror films debut on Halloween. [47] Mary Woronov, known for her transgressive roles in cult films, eventually transitioned to mainstream films. [139], Animation can provide wide open vistas for stories. At the same time, other films have acquired massive, quick cult followings, owing to spreading virally through social media. [66] Sports metaphors are often used in the marketing of cult films to males, such as emphasizing the "extreme" nature of the film, which increases the appeal to youth subcultures fond of extreme sports. Mad Max (1979) was an international hit – except in America[35] where it became an obscure cult favorite, ignored by critics and available for years only in a dubbed version though it earned over $100M internationally. Demographics shifted, and more hip and mainstream audiences were drawn to them. [23]:202–203 Mathijs and Sexton state that although cult films are not synonymous with exploitation, as is occasionally assumed, this is a key component; they write that exploitation, which exists on the fringes of the mainstream and deals with taboo subjects, is well-suited for cult followings. For example, in the Star Wars film series, mainstream criticism of Jar Jar Binks focused on racial stereotyping; although cult film fans will use that to bolster their arguments, he is rejected because he represents mainstream appeal and marketing. Club. [78], Academics have written of how transgressive themes in cult films can be regressive. [117] Films such as Myra Breckinridge (1970) and Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970) can experience critical reappraisal later, once their camp excess and avant-garde filmmaking are better accepted,[118] and films that are initially dismissed as frivolous are often reassessed as campy. [27] Home video would give a second life to box office flops, as positive word-of-mouth or excessive replay on cable television led these films to develop an appreciative audience,[28] as well as obsessive replay and study. [19], Cult films have existed since the early days of cinema. [23]:219–220, Mathijs and Sexton state that genre is an important part of cult films; cult films will often mix, mock, or exaggerate the tropes associated with traditional genres. [120] Academic I. Q. Cult films are often known to be eccentric, often do not follow traditional standards of mainstream cinema … Hunter states that "it's much easier to be a cultist now, but it is also rather more inconsequential. His films were reviled by critics, but he retained a cult following drawn by the nudity and eroticism. [40]:157–159 Cult musicals can range from the traditional, such as Singin' in the Rain (1952), which appeal to cult audiences through nostalgia, camp, and spectacle, to the more non-traditional, such as Cry-Baby (1990), which parodies musicals, and Rocky Horror, which uses a rock soundtrack. Likewise, fans who stray from accepted subcultural scripts may experience similar rejection. March 2019 [152], Mark Shiel explains the rising popularity of cult films as an attempt by cinephiles and scholars to escape the oppressive conformity and mainstream appeal of even independent film, as well as a lack of condescension in both critics and the films;[12] Academic Donna de Ville says it is a chance to subvert the dominance of academics and cinephiles. American Hustle Although critics Pauline Kael and Arthur Knight argued against arbitrary divisions into high and low culture, American films settled into rigid genres; European art films continued to push the boundaries of simple definitions, and these exploitative art films and artistic exploitation films would go on to influence American cult films. http://www.theaudiopedia.com What is CULT FILM? September 2017 [125]:27–30 Hawkins states that these films took a rather bleak point of view due to the living conditions of the artists and the economic prospects of the 1970s. A cult film or cult movie, also commonly referred to as a cult classic, is a film that has acquired a cult following. May 2014 [42], Mathijs states that cult films and fandom frequently involve nontraditional elements of time and time management. April 2018 Similarly, James Dean and his brief film career have become icons of alienated youth. ‘It was a cult classic movie that came out in the mid-1980 s when I was in college.’ ‘Notorious at the time for its high level of gore, the film was also distinguished by a keen sense of social satire and political commentary which quickly assured its status of a cult classic.’ December 2018 Cultural topics make the film relevant and can lead to controversy, such as a moral panic, which provides opposition. December 2019 September 2012 Authenticity can also drive fans to decry the mainstream in the form of hostile critics and censors. Previous articles and controversies can also be alluded to without explanation. During the 1970s and early 1980s, a wave of explicit, graphic exploitation films caused controversy. Girls [60], Academic Peter Hutchings, noting the many definitions of a cult film that require transgressive elements, states that cult films are known in part for their excesses. [144] Bakshi recalls that older animators had tired of "kid stuff" and desired edgier work, whereas younger animators hated his work for "destroying the Disney images". [116] Mark Chalon Smith of the Los Angeles Times says technical faults may be forgiven if a film makes up for them in other areas, such as camp or transgressive content. This can be done for authenticity, such as horror fans who seek out now-obscure titles from the 1950s instead of the modern, well-known remakes. ", "Snakes on a Plane and the Prefabricated Cult Film", "Cowboys, Aliens, Snakes and Sharks: In Praise of Literal Movie Titles", "Pass the Kool-Aid: Five Flicks That Aspired To Cult Status", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cult_film&oldid=1000436169, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 15 January 2021, at 02:52. They may also engage in behaviors more traditional for fans of cult television and other serial media, as cult blockbusters are often franchised, preconceived as a film series, or both. They can be used to provoke an outraged response from the mainstream, which further defines the subculture, as only members could possibly tolerate such deviant entertainment. She was expected to recreate the transgressive elements of her cult films within the confines of mainstream cinema. Cult films can both appeal to specific subcultures and form their own subcultures. [23]:202–205 Much like later cult films, these early exploitation films encouraged audience participation, influenced by live theater and vaudeville. Fickle fans on the Internet have latched on to unreleased films only to abandon them later on release. [126] Modern midnight movies retain their popularity and have been strongly diverging from mainstream films shown at midnight. Hunter describes cult films as "New Hollywood in extremis" and a form of nostalgia for that period. Students Abroad Drive The Place Beyond The Pines [76] Home video has allowed cult film fans to import rare or banned films, finally giving them a chance to complete their collection with imports and bootlegs. "[131] "Sick films", the most disturbing and graphically transgressive films, have their own distinct cult following; these films transcend their roots in exploitation, horror, and art films. October 2014 Midnight movies require a night life and an audience willing to invest themselves actively. While referencing previous arguments, critics may attack its choice of genre or its very right to exist. "Moviedrome - Wicker Man - Alex Cox intro", "Film Scene: Lucas offers an odd one-two film punch", "Scholar Devises Equation for Determining a Cult Film", "Kings of Infinite Space: Cult Television Characters and Narrative Possibilities", "Why Call them "Cult Movies"? 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