The Evolution of Cult Classic Films

29 Aug

By Open Book

The quirky, poor box office, offbeat, strange, not tied to any conventions of today are words often attributed to cult classic films. The cult followers are not worried about film critics but are more interested in the film-makers choices. As often with films that achieve cult classic status the rule book is thrown out to explore new ways of expression. This article will attempt to understand the evolution of cult classic films and their impact on films today.

The process of achieving cult classic status can be quite complicated. With little commercial marketing or mainstream appeal what defines a cult film-maker is their style. John Waters, Ed Wood, Quentin Tarantino, The Coen Brothers (to name a few) have left an impression with their individualistic style and perspective.  Cult films follow no rules or patterns and only popular among  certain audiences.  They often don’t catch on until a year after their released. (1)

There are conflicting arguments in regards to what makes a film a cult classic. Some say a cult film can’t be a blockbuster hit while others claim it’s the uniqueness that earns the status. With a controversial plot, odd or quirky alarming characters that appeal to audiences only after a long period of time.(2)  What films today do you think might be considered a cult film?

Please join us for a discussion Tuesday 8/30/2011 @7pE.

 

1). http://www.filmsite.org/cultfilms.html

2). http://doloresmonet.hubpages.com/hub/Cult-MovieClassicsEarlyOffBeatFilms

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58 Responses to “The Evolution of Cult Classic Films”

  1. Four String (@4stringbassgirl) August 29, 2011 at 4:11 PM #

    Office Space, Better Off Dead, Rocky Horror are typical cult classics, IMO. 🙂

    • Littlebells August 29, 2011 at 9:16 PM #

      Yes, 4string! I also like Ghostbusters. 🙂

      • Littlebells August 29, 2011 at 9:17 PM #

        I do have to add I think Burn After Reading definitely fits this category. I can’t tell you how many times I was morbidly and grossly shocked and yet I liked it.

        • ozzie20 August 30, 2011 at 7:51 PM #

          That another one I’ve seen bits of and agree it fits the category.

  2. Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 2:22 AM #

    • comic relief August 30, 2011 at 12:57 PM #

      LB,

      I hate when people dump on Nicholas Cage’s acting. I believe like you, I think Nicholas Cage is the perfect addition to a potential cult classic. So I wholly agree Raising Arizona is a cult classic feature film.

  3. comic relief August 30, 2011 at 1:02 PM #

    Sorry,

    (Edit on last post)

    LB,

    I think Nicholas Cage is the perfect addition to a potential cult classic. So I wholly agree Raising Arizona is a cult classic feature film.

    • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 1:50 PM #

      haha! This is my favorite movie of his! 🙂
      And to think Holly Hunter then goes on to The Piano. Holy cushmolies! Unfortunately I can’t stream this movie online through netflix, so I;ll have to put it in my queue.

  4. Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:01 PM #

    Hello Everyone!

    Would Fright Night ( the original) be considered a cult classic?

    • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:09 PM #

      I would think so. I still have yet to see it (you actually score one movie point there, Paris 😉 ), but maybe I can put it on my queue.

      Who starred in the original? Marcy and Prince Humperdink?

      • Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:10 PM #

        yes marcy and prince humperdink. LOL

        • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:12 PM #

          Sorry I can’t think of their names! 🙂 That’s horrible!!!

          What is the story line of Friday Nights?

          • Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:13 PM #

            Chris sarandon and amanda bearse.

  5. Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:07 PM #

    I’m here!

    Hello!

    • Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:09 PM #

      WHAT UP????????

  6. ozzie20 August 30, 2011 at 7:10 PM #

    Hi all!

    • Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:10 PM #

      Hi Ozzie!

      • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:11 PM #

        Hellooooo!!!! And not much. Just finished a piece of cake at a retirement party and have branched off on my drink of choice today. Diet Dr Pepper

        • Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:12 PM #

          wow.

          • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:16 PM #

            I know. Living on the edge.

            • Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:19 PM #

              don’t scare me. i don’t like have to go out on ledges to pull people back i’m afraid of heights. LOL

              • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:20 PM #

                haha!

  7. Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:10 PM #

    I think Inglorious Basterds will be a cult classic if it isn’t already. That movie was fantastic, with an amazing cast, great script, and great director. I still cover my eyes at parts, but I really love it. And i’m still sticking to Tarantino as a director. 😉

    • Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:11 PM #

      me too! 😉

      • ozzie20 August 30, 2011 at 7:17 PM #

        Yes, I was thinking of that film too!

        • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:19 PM #

          What is it about IB that makes it so phenomenal (my opinion only)? Is it because of Tarantino? The story? The actors? All of the above?

          • Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:20 PM #

            its all of the above.

            • ozzie20 August 30, 2011 at 7:34 PM #

              I’ve not seen it but from what I’ve seen and heard it feels like a cult classic or at least soon be one.

              *goes off to hide over lack of films viewed!*

              • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:39 PM #

                *yeah, you better!!!!* haha! 🙂

  8. Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:15 PM #

    Ok, here is a list of Coen brother movies:

    Burn After Reading
    No Country For Old Men
    Oh, Brother Where art thou?
    Fargo
    Raising Arizona
    The Hudsucker Proxy

    Ok, I really just mentioned the ones I am familiar with. Which of these have you seen? Which ones did you really enjoy?

    • Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:18 PM #

      sorry i have seen none of them.

      • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:20 PM #

        hang on…..I have to go catch my head that rolled away after shaking it so hard….;)

        • Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:20 PM #

          LOL

          • ozzie20 August 30, 2011 at 7:32 PM #

            I don’t think I’ve seen any of those either!

            • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:38 PM #

              OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! Ok, I’m finding the best clips from each….

  9. Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:18 PM #

    *OB, wherever you are I hope you are having a great time!*

  10. Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:30 PM #

    • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:31 PM #

      ARgh!!! Double post!!!

  11. Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:33 PM #

    • ozzie20 August 30, 2011 at 7:44 PM #

      That seems to be one wierd film!

      • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:53 PM #

        It’s actually very good. A lot of caricatures in this film. Over the top. I remember watching it in high school yeeeeears ago.

    • Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:47 PM #

      LOL that was cute.

  12. Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:41 PM #

    Ok, so while I’m on a youtube frenzy, what is it about films that make them cult classics? What do you think it is about films that get such a large following, regardless if the acting, script, directing are great or horrible?

    • ozzie20 August 30, 2011 at 8:04 PM #

      I’m not sure. There seems to be a quirkiness that people respond to. Normally that oddness put people off but if you have the right actors, director, film crew, editors etc, they can pull it off. I’m not sure if I’m making sense here!

  13. Parisienne August 30, 2011 at 7:56 PM #

    Ladies,

    I’m going to go.

    • ozzie20 August 30, 2011 at 7:57 PM #

      Bye Paris!

  14. Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 7:57 PM #

    AHAHAHA weirdest film!!!!

    • ozzie20 August 30, 2011 at 8:04 PM #

      I must get round to seeing this film!

  15. Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 8:02 PM #

    Ok, I guess I will head out as well. Have a good night Ozzie!

    • ozzie20 August 30, 2011 at 8:05 PM #

      Ok, then! Hope you have a good night too! 🙂

      • comic relief August 30, 2011 at 8:16 PM #

        Ozzie,

        Sorry for showing up so late but I keep trying to select posts and I just can’t find an appropriate one.

        In doing research for my article, I have been trying to figure out whether to post a Barberella clip but so far their all pretty strange by contemprorary tastes.

        • comic relief August 30, 2011 at 8:21 PM #

          Well here it is anyway.

          • Littlebells August 30, 2011 at 9:37 PM #

            OH MY GOSH!!! You do not know how much I love you for posting this!!! I saw this in college watching TNTs monster marathon or whatever and I about lost my mind with hysterics watching this!!!!!! The hand sex is what seriously dying!

            • comic relief September 1, 2011 at 1:47 PM #

              LB,

              I’m glad you like this. Until I see the actual movie, I guess I’ll never really understand what this is. 1960’s humor, of this sort, just goes over my head.

              You’ll probably also like the you tube “excessive machine” clip that appears after the one I posted.

              • comic relief September 1, 2011 at 4:43 PM #

                Seems like a lot has changed in regard to what we think is coy sexual humour and what they thought in their time.

              • littlebells September 4, 2011 at 11:49 PM #

                CR,

                I would never have picked this on my own, but honestly I’m glad I watched it with some funny friends. Honestly, you should just watch it for kicks and giggles, but make sure you are with someone who can banter back and forth with you. 😉

  16. comic relief August 30, 2011 at 8:24 PM #

    Well I guess being a entry for this defacto genre, almost guarantees challenging subject matter. I guess that’s why these films have such an unusual and dedicated fanbase.

  17. comic relief August 30, 2011 at 8:32 PM #

    Well I tried to post more clips, but I’m obviously still having trouble posting. Since it appears everyone’s gone I guess I’ll be off.

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