"Cult Classics"

What is it about cult classic movies that hold such a prolific space amongst the film community that no other genre has managed to succeed at yet. Other genres most definitely hold fan and success status, but none quite like the movies on this list. None as dedicated or passionate to ensuring that the films they love live on forever.

The cult genre is a hard one to define with barely any pattern of similarity, however, it is generally argued that for something to be cult it must be: popular only to a small group of hardcore devotees; must be transgressive in some way; must be something without mass appeal.

Which suggests, that it is the fans that makes something cult. It is the fans who decide how much love to bestow on something. It is fans who don’t give up on something, fans that embrace something that the mainstream disregard as too weird, too transgressive, too subversive - that is cult. It would be hard to offer a checklist of what makes a movie a cult classic, but they do fall into the cataegory of "you know it when you see it". Media commentator Umberto Eco discussed in 1984 that “the work must be loved, obviously, but that is not enough. It must provide a completely furnished world, so that its fans can quote characters and episodes as if they were part of the beliefs of a sect, a private world of their own, a world about which one can play puzzle games and trivia contests, and whose adepts recognise each other through a common competence” (Eco, 1984). Taking this advice from Eco and my own understanding of what I believe to be a cult classic, I have compiled a list of movies that I love that fall under this genre.

So, here is my checklist for what I define as a cult classic and why these movies are on my list of my all-time favourite cult classics.

1. The film must have had little to no box office success and only found its success later on or 'underground'.

2. The film must be transgressive, it must defy the predictable and shatter convention, rebel or break rules. It must argue against ‘acceptable societal behaviours’ and not be afraid to test moral and ethical values.

3. Fans of the film must be dedicated and passionate. The expectation of this would be repeated viewings, dialogue quoting and audience participation when viewing the movie.

Now we have laid down my cult classic rules, here are 3 of my all time favourite cult classics.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Arguably the most famous cult classic film of all time; it would be blasphemous to not include this iconic movie on the list. Rocky Horror was initially considered a bomb when it was first released, only earning itself $450'000 in its first 6 months. When the movie was released, it was not gaining the packed audience in cinemas that would be hoped or desired by the creators, so the film was switched from showings throughout the day to midnight viewings. Turns out... The Rocky Horror Picture show was THE midnight showing to watch. Its absurdity and ridiculousness turned out to gain the support from queer and liberal communities who took this movie and skyrocketed it into the cult success it has today. The film embraced sexual liberation and androgyny and showcased queer visibility in a proud and glorious way. It defied what we thought gender was, and though the plot may be unconventional and downright wacky - the silliness and insanity lives on today.

The Rocky Horror community is one that encourages audience participation and this all began in 1976 when Louis Fariz, hardcore fan yelled at the screen "Buy an umbrella you cheap bitch" to Janet as she held a newspaper above her head to shield her from the rain. This callout forever changed the way fans interacted with the movie and this interaction only developed as more people became aware of the movie. It is encouraged to dress up as a character within the movie when you go to a screening of the movie. It is encouraged to shout out and vocalise throughout the movie, even evolving into fans throwing props, such as rice, at the screen. And, of course we can't forget the famous Time Warp dance which EVERYONE must participate with.

No matter how you define cult, it cannot be argued that this film secures all elements that are required to be considered part of the cult genre.

A Clockwork Orange

Many films over the years have been banned or protested against for their sexual and violent nature. A Clockwork Orange is no exception to this. Arguably, one of the most well-known and controversial films of all time, this movie is notorious for its graphic depictions of sexual violence. Yet, despite this controversy and the movie actually being banned by Kubrick himself for over 20 years, the film found itself being screened in underground cinemas, being shown secretly in colleges and universities around the world and gaining a cult following for its outrageous yet thought-provoking storylines that battle with human morality and the role in society that government plays. Even when banned, the film was gaining both a positive and negative following of hardcore fans who either wanted to be like Alex and his team of Droogs (worryingly) or fans watched in pure horror of the troubling reality of our society, whilst falling in love with the thought-provoking and pleasing visual aesthetics or with the futuristic and unnerving score. No matter how this film was perceived, there has always been an audience.

The protagonist, Alex DeLarge is a complex and fluid character who is deeply violent and amoral, yet is intelligent and articulate. Alex suffers with violent sexual urges which are responses to the failed and corrupt government that and society that had allowed young boys to escape punishment and be cruel delinquents until society deems them too cruel.

The film questions free will, government control and if movies have the ability to influence violence into our real world. On top of this, the film has an unconventional filming style and often uses unnerving camera shots and music to convey this uncertainty. The movie is now hailed as a commercial success and is often cited amongst the film community with regards to its deeper meanings and symbolism along with its superb acting and visually stunning aesthetics.

Shaun of the Dead

A staple in British society and a rite of passage for any young person who is emerging into the film world, Shaun of the Dead beat all odds and became one of the most celebrated cult classics of our time. Shaun of the Dead is the perfect blend of horror and comedy that continues to captivate audiences all over the world, even 20 years later. With its quick-wit and dry humour as well as the intriguing and captivating camera shots, Shaun of the Dead was a shoo-in to grow into the cult classic that everyone loves and adores.

The film was not always destined for success, with Wright even having to put out a casting call to his fans from his previous show, Spaced, asking them to work as the zombie extras for £1 a day just to save money. But, this gamble paid off and the movie became a huge success amongst the cult film fans. This movie then led on to the incredibly successful 'Cornetto Trilogy' which propelled Edgar Wright's career and solidified his role as a successful British auteur.

Not only is the film incredibly quotable and is part of most British peoples vernacular, but the character of Shaun has become a recognisable halloween costume - with the "you've got red on you" shirt and cricket bat - it would be hard to not find a Brit in their mid-20's or above that could not recognise this look.

I hope you enjoyed reading my deep dive into Cult Films and hearing about a few of my favourites! I would love to hear what are some of your favourite cult classics or any that you would recommend me watching.

Thanks for reading!

Kate x