Introduction
Cult is openly noted as cult in films. This type of classification often reflected as an attractiveness that is distinctly extraordinary and peculiar. Cult film separates itself from the over-all customary practice of films. Cult film always exudes disputable and sensationally surprising characteristics. However, this type of category is never a genre, yet the films under Cult films can be bracketed to any film classification. They have a large subculture of followers who keep the movie alive over years by repeatedly viewing it, sometimes even hosting the viewings themselves, quoting its dialogues and creating fan clubs.
Origin
The term ‘cult ’ film was coined around the early 1970s to refer to the sub culture of people who were mostly seen around midnight movies and underground films. Cult films do not have a universal appeal to all subcultures. A film that appeals to the members of one cult may not be appealing to those of the other. Cult films are generally those films which are not widely accepted and are severely criticized initially but are made popular by a loyal fan base and word of mouth recommendations. There is no particular definition of what a cult film should have and how it should be made. A film acquires a ‘cult film ’ status when the conventions it breaks are accepted by a section of the society who then become the ‘cult ’ followers that film. The films are more popular based on how the audience reacts to them rather than their content.
The cult films spread across many genres like horror, sci-fi, cult comedy, sexploitation and many others. The 1969 movie Easy Rider and Two lane backdrops in the year 1971 are examples of road films which went on to become cult films later on. Similarly there are other movies as well.
Films of Time
For example the ‘Blade Runner ’ in the year 1982 which is a widely known science fiction cult. Some films which are appealing to the teens are Heathers (1989) and Clueless (1995) which fall under the category chick flick cults.
Several films over the period of time have become popular as cult films. The film Freaks in the year 1932 is one such example. This movie was way ahead of its time considering the theme of extraordinary circus artists also referred to as freaks. The characters were played by real carnival actors. This film was very controversial and it was premiered in Britain after a three decade long ban. It was premiered as an underground film in the sixties and gained a massive counter culture following.
Conclusion
Musicals like The Wall (1982) by Pink Floyd have also gained the ‘cult ’ status; some films have achieved this status due to the stardom of the actors acting in the film. Films like Pirates of the Caribbean or Titanic have a large female fan base due to the presence of actors like Johnny Depp and Leonardo di Caprio. Cult films have been popular ever since the 1970s but they are becoming increasingly popular more due to the effects of social media.
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