Anyone even remotely familiar with movies has to be aware of the concept of the "cult" movie. The idea of a "cult" movie is one that may not necessarily have been financially successful in theaters (in fact, typically not at all), but one that slowly and organically grew it's audience over the years thanks to home video and repeated showings on television. They are typically considered to be films somewhat outside the mainstream, or largely ignored by it, but passionately loved by a smaller group of fans. They tend to be categorized as what many call "genre films" (which is to say, pretty much anything not considered traditional drama but can still be categorized; horror, sci-fi and even action and comedy can be considered genre films.) They can be monster movies from the 50's and 60's, smaller-scale comedies that grew in status by word of mouth ("Office Space" and "Wet Hot American Summer" are great recent examples), or traditional communal experiences that transcend the movie itself, such as recent "bad movie" success "The Room" or arguably the most famous cult movie of all time, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". The common thread is that all of those movies have a deep, passionate community of fans who who support exciting and interesting films despite whether or not they broke box office records.
It has even gotten to where newer films are examined for their potential to attract cults of their own. While this seems to fly in the face of what defines a cult movie--i.e. finding it's audience organically--it is not hard to see when a film has all the right elements to join the ranks. There are two recent examples that stand out, one so recent in fact that much of the US has yet to see it. Still, both films rightfully earn their place in the discussion of what could potentially make a cult film. But we'll start with a film from last summer that seems to hit all the right notes.
"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" (2010)
"Scott Pilgrim" is, at it's very heart, a clever and very well done independent film surrounded by big budget action and special effects. The title character is a young, unemployed bass player (a perfectly cast Michael Cera, slightly against type but flawless in the part) who falls for his literal dream girl, only to find he must defeat her seven increasingly dangerous exes in mortal combat (or should I say "Mortal Kombat", as there is a very heavy video game influence throughout.) Scott's conflicts with his band and a couple of his own exes frame this story of his battle not only for true love, but for confidence, motivation and self-respect.
The film is based on a popular series of graphic novels, and had attracted quite a buzz in certain corners of the Internet months before it was released. It was co-written and directed by Edgar Wright, a cult favorite in his own right who also made "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz". The box office performance didn't live up to the hype, and despite the buzz it failed to make back it's budget and quickly faded from theaters.
Word of mouth has steadily increased since it's release last year, as the film has started to become a favorite at midnight movie houses and summer festivals, not to mention frequent airings on HBO. And it is a film that truly deserves to be loved and noticed. It is a true audio-visual wonder, with bright popping colors, spectacular cinematography and special effects, and sometimes bizarre but brilliantly choreographed fight sequences. None of this takes away from any of the performances, as Cera is evenly matched by Mary Elizabeth Winstead as his sexy, aloof dream girl Ramona Flowers, Kieran Culkin as his scene-stealing snarky gay roommate Wallace, and a top flight supporting cast of friends, band mates, and of course evil exes. It is a unique, exhilarating experience that deserves all of the attention it is finally starting to get, and then some.
Detractors of "Scott Pilgrim" often say that the film seems like a "forced" cult movie. They call it a carefully styled and calculated to fit the accepted stereotypes and appeal to a certain audience, who caught on quickly and allowed the film to deservedly fail. Watching the film, especially if you're lucky enough to do so with an audience, should immediately alleviate those accusations. Despite everything going on in the film, it has a genuine heart and very relatable characters with very realistic reactions to the insane world around them. It is smart, exciting, engaging and funny like few films are. It not only deserves it's place at the table, but also an even bigger audience and a greater share of attention.
Edgar Wright also serves as a producer on a new film with serious cult potential that is slowly making it's way across America now, riding a wave of well-earned buzz. This film is the surprise British hit "Attack the Block".
"Attack the Block" (2011)
"Attack the Block" is set in a place that is pretty bleak to begin with: the slums and housing projects of poor, gloomy South London. It starts with a group of teenagers--obviously tough-acting kids--mugging a pretty young nurse. Soon after they make a startling discovery: a creature unlike any they've ever seen. As they bring their findings home to their building (referred to as "the block"; the thickly-accented characters speak enough South London slang that a translator is nearly necessary), they discover that this creature did not arrive here alone, and that they must unite it save their home from this mysterious menace--even if it means an awkward reunion with the woman they mugged, who it turns out is a neighbor in their own building.
"Attack the Block" deserves every four-star review, rave and accolade thrown at it. It's certainly not a perfect movie, but it is absolutely an exciting and engaging one. The film rises on the strength of it's talented young cast of mostly unknown, led brilliantly by John Boyega as soft-spoken but ultimately charismatic Moses, who steps up and becomes the effective and cool-headed born leader the gang so desperately needed. The creatures, seen primarily and glowing blue fangs against jet black fur, are effectively terrifying, but the very realistic performances elevate the fear and suspense to an even greater level. It is an excellent and exhilarating film that gets right where the similarly themed "Super 8" stumbled, keeping the story and action moving at a fast, measured pace (the film clocks in at just under 90 minutes) while making us care about, and ultimately root for, these scared but resourceful kids. Also, it's just a hell of a lot of fun. Keep an eye on this film as it slowly rolls out across America this summer and fall, as it is one of the year's most satisfying moviegoing experiences to date.
Cult films attract the attention they do because of their ability to connect with a passionate audience. While both of these films have yet to attain the lofty cult status of a "Rocky Horror" or even an "Office Space", they still deserve to be seen. Both are fun, exciting and unique experiences worthy of attracting passionate cults of their own. While you wait for "Attack the Block" to attack your block, give "Scott Pilgrim" a try. Hopefully you too will join the cult.
It has even gotten to where newer films are examined for their potential to attract cults of their own. While this seems to fly in the face of what defines a cult movie--i.e. finding it's audience organically--it is not hard to see when a film has all the right elements to join the ranks. There are two recent examples that stand out, one so recent in fact that much of the US has yet to see it. Still, both films rightfully earn their place in the discussion of what could potentially make a cult film. But we'll start with a film from last summer that seems to hit all the right notes.
"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" (2010)
"Scott Pilgrim" is, at it's very heart, a clever and very well done independent film surrounded by big budget action and special effects. The title character is a young, unemployed bass player (a perfectly cast Michael Cera, slightly against type but flawless in the part) who falls for his literal dream girl, only to find he must defeat her seven increasingly dangerous exes in mortal combat (or should I say "Mortal Kombat", as there is a very heavy video game influence throughout.) Scott's conflicts with his band and a couple of his own exes frame this story of his battle not only for true love, but for confidence, motivation and self-respect.
The film is based on a popular series of graphic novels, and had attracted quite a buzz in certain corners of the Internet months before it was released. It was co-written and directed by Edgar Wright, a cult favorite in his own right who also made "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz". The box office performance didn't live up to the hype, and despite the buzz it failed to make back it's budget and quickly faded from theaters.
Word of mouth has steadily increased since it's release last year, as the film has started to become a favorite at midnight movie houses and summer festivals, not to mention frequent airings on HBO. And it is a film that truly deserves to be loved and noticed. It is a true audio-visual wonder, with bright popping colors, spectacular cinematography and special effects, and sometimes bizarre but brilliantly choreographed fight sequences. None of this takes away from any of the performances, as Cera is evenly matched by Mary Elizabeth Winstead as his sexy, aloof dream girl Ramona Flowers, Kieran Culkin as his scene-stealing snarky gay roommate Wallace, and a top flight supporting cast of friends, band mates, and of course evil exes. It is a unique, exhilarating experience that deserves all of the attention it is finally starting to get, and then some.
Detractors of "Scott Pilgrim" often say that the film seems like a "forced" cult movie. They call it a carefully styled and calculated to fit the accepted stereotypes and appeal to a certain audience, who caught on quickly and allowed the film to deservedly fail. Watching the film, especially if you're lucky enough to do so with an audience, should immediately alleviate those accusations. Despite everything going on in the film, it has a genuine heart and very relatable characters with very realistic reactions to the insane world around them. It is smart, exciting, engaging and funny like few films are. It not only deserves it's place at the table, but also an even bigger audience and a greater share of attention.
Edgar Wright also serves as a producer on a new film with serious cult potential that is slowly making it's way across America now, riding a wave of well-earned buzz. This film is the surprise British hit "Attack the Block".
"Attack the Block" (2011)
"Attack the Block" is set in a place that is pretty bleak to begin with: the slums and housing projects of poor, gloomy South London. It starts with a group of teenagers--obviously tough-acting kids--mugging a pretty young nurse. Soon after they make a startling discovery: a creature unlike any they've ever seen. As they bring their findings home to their building (referred to as "the block"; the thickly-accented characters speak enough South London slang that a translator is nearly necessary), they discover that this creature did not arrive here alone, and that they must unite it save their home from this mysterious menace--even if it means an awkward reunion with the woman they mugged, who it turns out is a neighbor in their own building.
"Attack the Block" deserves every four-star review, rave and accolade thrown at it. It's certainly not a perfect movie, but it is absolutely an exciting and engaging one. The film rises on the strength of it's talented young cast of mostly unknown, led brilliantly by John Boyega as soft-spoken but ultimately charismatic Moses, who steps up and becomes the effective and cool-headed born leader the gang so desperately needed. The creatures, seen primarily and glowing blue fangs against jet black fur, are effectively terrifying, but the very realistic performances elevate the fear and suspense to an even greater level. It is an excellent and exhilarating film that gets right where the similarly themed "Super 8" stumbled, keeping the story and action moving at a fast, measured pace (the film clocks in at just under 90 minutes) while making us care about, and ultimately root for, these scared but resourceful kids. Also, it's just a hell of a lot of fun. Keep an eye on this film as it slowly rolls out across America this summer and fall, as it is one of the year's most satisfying moviegoing experiences to date.
Cult films attract the attention they do because of their ability to connect with a passionate audience. While both of these films have yet to attain the lofty cult status of a "Rocky Horror" or even an "Office Space", they still deserve to be seen. Both are fun, exciting and unique experiences worthy of attracting passionate cults of their own. While you wait for "Attack the Block" to attack your block, give "Scott Pilgrim" a try. Hopefully you too will join the cult.
