Drama Cult Classics

12 Sep

Drama Cult Classics

 By Ozzie

Continuing our Cult Classic Film series, today we take a look at a few drama classics.

Mildred Pierce

Mildred Pierce is about a woman leaving her unfaithful husband and opens up a successful chain of restraurants while dealing with her spoiled daughter. Made in 1945, it stars Joan Crawford, Jack Carson, Zachary Scott, Eve Arden and Ann Blyth.  It made a $4,185, 000 profit.

Black Narcissus

This film was made in 1947 and stars Deborah Kerr, Flora Robson, Jean Simmons and David Farrar. It centres around five nuns who are sent to create a convent in the Himalayan Mountains. As they set about their work they face battles against the elements, the local people and their own demons.

All About Eve

All About Eve is about a woman who ingratiates her way into the life of a Broadway star and her friends in an attempt to boost her own career as an actress. It stars Bette Davis, Anne Baxter and George Sanders. It was made in 1950.

The Swimmer

The Swimmer was made in 1968 and involves a man who reappears at a friend’s pool after being away for a while. He decided he is going to “jog from pool to pool to swim” his way home. Each swim reveals more and more of his life. Made in 1968, it stars Burt Lancaster, Janet Landgard and Janice Rule.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest

Starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher and Danny DeVito, the plot involves a man who pretends to be insane to get out of prison and is then sent to a mental institution. There he attempts to overthrow a strict nurse with the help of his fellow patients. Made in 1975, the film brought in $107,600,000 profit in the U.S.A. alone.

Mommie Dearest

Mommie Dearest is based on the biography about Joan Crawford’s adopted daughter Christina and chaotic upbringing. It stars Faye Dunaway, Diana Scarwid and Steve Forrest and was made in 1981. It made a $14,032,261 profit in domestic sales even though critics were not fond of it.

Drama cult classic films are rare to find, many have other plot genres (such as, comedy, crime, sci-fi etc.) which over takes the pure dramatic side. What other films do you consider drama cult classics?

Join us to discuss on Tuesday Sept 13th 7pmE

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27 Responses to “Drama Cult Classics”

  1. Open Book September 12, 2011 at 4:17 PM #

    Hi Ozzie-

    Cult Classic Dramas are rare. Why do u think Drama Cult films are a rare breed?

    Films in the last ten years that could be considred a Cult Classic Drama may be ” Alone in the Dark.”

    • ozzie20 September 13, 2011 at 5:14 PM #

      I think they are rare because most now seem to be more focused on Sci Fi, comedy, crime, horror etc, rather than drama. The drama can be over shadowed by those elements.

  2. littlebells September 12, 2011 at 4:35 PM #

    Great movies Ozzie! Can’t wait to discuss them!

  3. littlebells September 13, 2011 at 6:56 PM #

    HI Everyone!

    I’m here! 🙂

    • ozzie20 September 13, 2011 at 6:56 PM #

      Hello LB!

      • littlebells September 13, 2011 at 6:59 PM #

        Hi Ozzie,

        Paris wanted me to tell you she has been really sick since this morning so she won’t be here for the discussion. 😦

        • ozzie20 September 13, 2011 at 7:00 PM #

          Oh no! I wish her a speedy recovery!

  4. littlebells September 13, 2011 at 7:11 PM #

    I’m not familiar with these movies. I will have to watch them. What other drama cult classics are there?

    • ozzie20 September 13, 2011 at 7:22 PM #

      Lol, it’s quite hard! I’m still thinking!

    • comic relief September 14, 2011 at 5:26 PM #

      Ozzie,

      Very cool list. I’m glad you spent so much time in the distant past. Film noir seems to cycle into back into vogue every now and then. I wonder whether “The Killers” released on August 28, 1946 should have made this list.

      Sorry I missed the discussion.

  5. littlebells September 13, 2011 at 7:13 PM #

    Ok, duh, I’m slow right now. I have seen Mommy Dearest and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Excellent films! One of Nicholson’s finest, imo. And Faye Dunaway did a superb job as well.

  6. Francesa September 13, 2011 at 7:31 PM #

    Hello everyone! Long time no discussion for me.

    What about adding Scarface, Clockwork Orange or even Reservior Dogs to the list.

    • littlebells September 13, 2011 at 7:35 PM #

      Hi Francesa!

      I’ve missed you! Great movies, btw. I also love Full Metal Jacket. Along with OFotCN, why do these movies meet “cult classic” status? The subject matter? The acting? Everything?

      • littlebells September 13, 2011 at 7:43 PM #

        I wanted to say that I love Vincent D’Onofrio in FMJ. Watching his character go from this sweet, needy, loveable character to psychotic is so disturbing and yet mesmerizing. Any time I watch it I get so sad and can’t handle the bathroom scene. D’Onofrio does such an incredible job switching personalities and you can see it happen instantaneously!

        *warning–foul language*

      • ozzie20 September 13, 2011 at 7:43 PM #

        Hi Franchesa!

        I would put those under Sci Fi or Crime. I guess it depends on what categories you put them in yourself I guess. I tried to keep it to pure drama.

  7. littlebells September 13, 2011 at 7:33 PM #

    A few great clips:

    I am so impressed with the way each actor portrayed their role. Truly believable and on a topic that is so controversial.

    Why do you think it has remained such a classic through the years?

  8. Francesa September 13, 2011 at 7:44 PM #

    I think that it defined Jack Nicholson as an actor. That he truly embraced that character. Makes one wonder if he really isn’t that person on some level. Even the supporting roles were perfectly cast and the combination is just screen magic. I think we all teter on sanity at times and maybe we can relate?

    • ozzie20 September 13, 2011 at 7:49 PM #

      Yes, I agree!

    • littlebells September 13, 2011 at 7:53 PM #

      I agree with you Francesa, about everything. I think movies that become “cult classics” are relatable. We’ve either been in similar situations or have known people to have been in certain circumstances. They reach into your psyche and draw out emotions that make can leave you raw. These films stick with you and I believe society as a whole.

      I also love Danny Devito in this film as well.

    • Open Book September 14, 2011 at 4:23 PM #

      LOL!! I teter everyday. Great clip of Jack LB.

      Great to see u Francesa never a stranger.

  9. ozzie20 September 13, 2011 at 8:41 PM #

    Ok, I’m calling it a night here. Sorry, it hasn’t been much of a disussion, I’m starting to not feel too well myself. Please feel free to comment at anytime and hopefully I’ll get back to you! 🙂

    Take care all!

  10. Open Book September 14, 2011 at 3:56 PM #

    Hi Ozzie-

    Looks like I missed out. Sorry I missed the discussion everyone.
    Some really great cult classic films mentioned by Francesa and LB. ITA it’s hard to find straight Drama but I think the ones mentioned Reservoir Dogs and Scarface is close to being a cult classic drama to me. Anyway, nice to be back great article Ozzie.

    • ozzie20 September 15, 2011 at 6:54 PM #

      Thank you OB!

  11. littlebells September 14, 2011 at 7:00 PM #

    I have too many movies to watch and no time!!! 🙂

    • ozzie20 September 15, 2011 at 6:56 PM #

      This cult classic series has made my “movies I really need to see” list so long, lol!

  12. Myra Calabro September 21, 2011 at 4:41 PM #

    Wow! Thank you! I permanently needed to write on my blog something like that. Can I include a fragment of your post to my site?

    • ozzie20 September 28, 2011 at 3:16 PM #

      I’m glad you enjoyed our post! Of course you can quote us or refer to our site in your blog! We’ll send you an email with our details.

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