A cult film, or otherwise commonly known as a cult classic, describe certain types of films that are not always too keenly desired by the general population. The film itself produces a strong following, to the point where fans depict the film as a defining moment for art and culture. The fans are actually 100 percent into the film. There are a couple of indicators that perpetuate a cult film. An emotionally attached fanbase, the desire to want multiple viewings that require discussion, quotable dialogue, the participation of the audience, and not having a strong following at the beginning of its release. The dedication of fans always continues to amaze me. A cult film is a whole other Netflix category that should not be taken too lightly. However, all people should embark on a movie spree to watch cult films to understand the logic and reasoning as to why they have a following, and to see what it culturally adds to society.
1. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
Based off the smash Broadway musical of the same name, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" keeps its musical roots and tackles the big screen to add even more weird quirkiness to the mix. The cult movie follows a couple who wanders into a mansion on a cold stormy night, only to find that it holds a creature created by the debatably evil Dr. Frank N. Furter. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" garners a huge fan base because of the audience participation at local theaters. Many fans choose to dress up and attend a showing to repeat the lines, perform, and to sing.
2. "The Big Lebowski"
The Dude, played by Jeff Bridges, is chased around in this hilarious classic all because he shares the same name as a man whose wife owes a lot of money to the wrong people. A Los Angeles burnout that manages to thwart the attacks of his pursuers easily prompts a classic cult film. It hits all of the common marks: quotable dialogue, audience participation, and a strong fanbase. Are you an achiever?
3. "Donnie Darko"
This mysterious and hectic movie that deals with deja vu, suburban teenage angst, and a creepy bunny. The main character, Donnie Darko, begins as the survivor of a crazy accident and follows the psychological journey of what it means to be alive. "Donnie Darko" gains its stripes as a cult film because of the intense fanbase and the dissection of scenes that can be confusing as a first time viewer. But once deciding that not everything is to be taken as face value, a deeper understanding is reached.
4. "Heathers"
The original "Mean Girls." There is Heather, Heather, and another Heather that wreck classic teenage havoc on anyone and everyone. Including non-Heather, Veronica, the integral heroine of the story. This witty satire becomes a cult classic because of the strong fans who enjoy a dark comedy that delves into the high school societal hierarchy.
5. "Fight Club"
A depressed man meets a soap salesman and create the wonderful world of fight club. A secret following that allows for fighting in discreet and hidden locations. There is only a strict amount of rules. The most important being: "You do not talk about fight club." "Fight Club" becomes a cult classic because of the cinematic beauty of the film. The strong performances by Edward Norton and Brad Pitt somehow creates a coming of age film, even when they are both in their 30s. The strong following is also acquired from the controversial undertone for allowing fighting to continue.
6. "Spring Breakers"
Who would have thought of film centered around four college students traveling to Florida for spring break could be counted as a cult film? A lot of people actually. That is what is so special about this movie. The controversy of the abuse of drugs, alcohol, and sex so visually apparent in the film causes quite the talk. The social commentary on how women choose to basically sell themselves for a week trip of fun and adventure is explicitly depicted on screen.
If a lot of people say, "This was nothing like the trailer," or "It's one of the worst movies ever," then there is potential for it to be a cult movie. Not saying that cult movies are all like that, but it appears to be a common motif. However, in this day and age, when a movie comes out, as an audience member, we rely so heavily on trailers and critic reviews to decide if a film is worth seeing. And in both cases, the movie is already spoiled. Cult films challenge the cultural norm to produce art that does more than tell one narrative a lot of movies choose to do. A cult film wants to find a new and special way to speak for itself and its fans. A cult film allows its uniqueness to be explored. Cult films are not for everybody, and that is ok. But, to challenge one movie fan to possibly a potential, watch these films and learn to dissect everything you see. Because remember, there is more than meets the eye.
