Frankly I have a small understanding and knowledge of cult films, I do know I am attracted alternative niches in films that I am ready to explore. The tough part of the first two weeks -and probably will be throughout the entirety of the class- is understanding what makes a film a cult film. From the readings assigned in class and the discussions followed, I gained a brief introduction into the basic of defining cult film.

Some terms and concepts which I see important to understanding CULT FILMS-

The Philosophy- phenomenological approach to critiquing cult films, this approach relies on the shock elements and how the film was received from the audience. Then there’s an ontological approach, relying on the formal elements of the film.

The Elements- Critical elements in most cult films include some basic anatomy lessons; transgression aka their level of crudeness and defiance, how morally bad they are (or strangeness), the level of nostalgia evoked from the viewers, the level of gore, puzzling loose ends, liveliness or the level of celebration from the viewer post release, cultural sensitivity (yikes!), and lastly the politics imbedded in the film.

The start of this Cult Films class we were first shown a cult film classic Maniac, a jaw-dropping disaster. Based off multiple readings we discussed in class, Maniac was highly reactive to the current depressive era and Dwain Espar released this as an “educational film,” to avoid movie codes. Though entertaining, cinematically it is a b-a-d movie with no plot, random cat scenes, and horrible acting. More so a reason it is now considered a cult film, Espar was defiant and taboo in his subject matter.

This week watched a second film, well a documentary on exploration films, which most allude to being named a cult film. American Grindhouse was loaded with content on every type of exploitation film imaginable, and where it all began. The narrators speak upon the hub of exploitation films, 42nd street where showings went on day and night.

Ultimately the Filmmakers were in it to make money, but the movie-goers were their to escape their depressive realities. These were short Adult-Only films without constraints of top dog production companies. Exploitation films surrounded some of these general genres; Sexploitation (ie. porn-o-copias), blaxploitation, gore, baby birthings, bdsm violence, and nazi exploitation.

I found “The Roughies” type of exploitation (sexploitation) films to be the most outrageous. These seedy thriller soft-core films began with the traveling acts of burlesque. Hence the term, Grindhouse, and the term before that “bump and grind” an act familiar in burlesque showings. These short films shown through night, were mostly the for men to use women as an object of their imagination, since actual sex wasn’t allowed to be shown in the grind houses.

I’m quite excited for what this semester has to offer, these next couple movies were about to watch- I have been told- are fantastic! For example Pink Flamingos, The Warriors, and Detroit Rock City.  I can’t wait to have more involved conversations, and get to know other students points of view and opinions about the movies we are going to view. Also candy, I will bring more candy to class, I think that will help me focus.