The most difficult question and the one most often posed. There is no 'one' answer as you will see from the attempted definitions below.There are various factors which can turn movies into cult films. Usually horror, fantasy and sci-fi movies are regarded as 'cult'. They certainly are, but more has to be considered:
CULT MOVIES
- are unusual, unconventional, sometimes controversial films (e.g. splatter movies)
- are rare, hard to find or even out of print (limited availability plays an important part)
- are usually watched over and over again by their admirers
- were initially forgotten and later re-discovered and hailed as masterpieces (e.g. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW). Discovering a film for yourself plays an important role. So the phenomenon usually starts 'small'.Via mouth-to-mouth (or internet) propaganda, insider festivals a.s.o. thefilms become known and cherished.
Some other things to keep in mind:
The term 'cult' can have negative connotations (A religious 'cult', forexample, is sometimes associated with mass suicide). Thus, cult films need not necessarily be 'good' films (consider the FRIDAY THE 13TH series or EdWood's PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE). However, at least a certain group of people will love the movie(s). The followers of a certain (cult) movie usually have strong feelings for their movie, they are somehow in love with the film.
Young (and to some extent rebellious) people are more likely to become followers of a particular film. That's the Against-the-Grain phenomenon.Authorities and older people condemn violent films, so I will love them,etc. Identification with characters, themes, styles can be very important.(consider IF?, THE WANDERERS or QUADROPHENIA).
Remember there are not only cult films, but also cult directors (DarioArgento, David Lynch, Quentin Tarantino, John Waters etc., see my page),cult genres (horror, sci-fi, fantasy), cult actors (John Waters' 'Divine',River Phoenix, James Dean, even Elvis, etc.). Basically everything that hasa following is 'cult'.
This is a pretty wide definition of cult movies. Other film buffs would probably say that only horror films are cult (and European ones at that).I'd say they'd be in serious trouble when discussing PULP FICTION.
轉載自
http://www.cultmovies.info/
