Cultography - The Cult Film Appreciation Thread

[CFE]

As an introduction, cult film is characterized by its active and lively communal following.

Highly committed and rebellious in their appreciation, cult audiences are frequently at odds with cultural conventions – they prefer strange topics and allegorical themes that rub against cultural sensitivities and resist dominant politics.

Cult films transgress common notions of good and bad taste, and they challenge genre conventions and coherent storytelling.

Among the techniques cult films use are intertextual references, gore, loose ends in storylines, or the creation of a sense of nostalgia.

Often, cult films have troublesome production histories, colored by accidents, failures, legends and mysteries that involve their stars and directors.

In spite of often-limited accessibility, they have a continuous market value and a long-lasting public presence.

----

So what are some of your favorite cult films? What is it about your choices that appeal to you? What makes it a cult film for you and why are you proud to count yourself among those who love it so much?

For me, I love several cult films for a number of reasons that vary. Sometimes, it's a matter of appreciating the fallibility of humanity for humorous effect like Tommy Wiseau's notorious 2003 I'm-not-sure-what "The Room."

Another favorite is Ridley Scott's "Legend," which often gets overlooked in favor of other films of his like "Alien," "Blade Runner" and "Gladiator."

 

[jonathancrane]

The Big Lebowski.

One of, if not the biggest cult film of all time. I've seen it close to a hundred times - due to introducing it to friends and family members who have not seen it-and will never grow tired of watching it. Plus, my living philosophy is entrenched in the the Dude's.

The Room.

One of the best [unintended] comedies ever made. I quote the film more than I do "good/great" films. What a story!

 

[gwynplaine]

 

[Blitzkrieg Bop]

I'll say the F13 movies or better yet, the big horror franchises from the 80's; I grew up on Jason, Michael, and Freddy.

 

[Figs]

I'll say the F13 movies or better yet, the big horror franchises from the 80's; I grew up on Jason, Michael, and Freddy.

I'm not so sure those franchises can be considered cult films. I think most moviegoers have seen at least a few films from each series.

 

[jonathancrane]

The Friday the 13th films are generic slashers, bereft of any qualities that make them cult films.

 

[Blitzkrieg Bop]

Well then.

 

[gwynplaine]

Anything directed by Frank Henenlottert:
Big fan of Brain Damage personally.

 

[cabel]

About to watch Toxic Avenger on Netflix.

 

[jonathancrane]

Ah, vintage Lloyd Kaufman.

 

[gwynplaine]

The Big Lebowski.

One of, if not the biggest cult film of all time. I've seen it close to a hundred times - due to introducing it to friends and family members who have not seen it-and will never grow tired of watching it. Plus, my living philosophy is entrenched in the the Dude's.

The Room.

One of the best [unintended] comedies ever made. I quote the film more than I do "good/great" films. What a story!

Never saw The Room in its entirety but I discovered the "best" parts on Youtube and found them pretty hilarious. Looking forward to reading "The Disaster Artist" as well as watching the film adaptation. I think Franco is going to be a great Wiseaut:

_ "Oh, Hi Mark."