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Would you be so bold as to consider yourself a movie lover? If so, where do cult films rank in terms of importance to you? These two questions don’t seem to have a big connection with each other, but as it turns out, how you rank cult films may give you some pretty big insight into just how much you really do love movies. The reason? Cult films aren’t your run-of-the-mill movie. Defining what exactly a cult movie is can be hard to do. In essence, you’re talking about a movie that has a pretty fanatical following to the point where screenings can take on lives of their own. Certain protocol is in place for certain scenes and lines, and at times, props being hurled at the screen & sing-a-longs are encouraged if not required. The key to this fanatical following is that the movie in question can’t be too big itself. Usually, you’re taking about a box office bomb that just stunk up the place, leaving only the select few to truly understand, and appreciate, its genius. It’s like a special secret only you and your friends know about. What’s more, a cult film can come from any genre. Comedies, horror, sci-fi, and westerns all are capable of birthing the next bug cult movie. This, however, is up to debate for some movie connoisseurs because each of these categories might be considered “too mainstream”. Again, part of the allure of a cult classic is that it’s an oddball that doesn’t fall into a certain category and that only certain people get. Needless to say, infighting among cult devotees is a pretty common occurrence. Cult films are also unique in that they are best known for pushing boundaries in sometimes uncomfortable ways. Usually, violence and sex are at the forefront, with societal norms being tested for a movie’s entire runtime. These movies choose to take paths that show stark truths about who we are as people. Our everyday struggles are of interest because they are human stories. As such, our penchant for letting our frustrations creep into our dark desires can be tough to watch, at least for a mainstream audience. In recent years, more moviegoers have become more open to the artistic touches of filmmakers, but there is still progress to be made. Finally, there is one thing you must understand as a movie lover when it comes to cult films — you will not like all of these movies. In fact, you may actually grow to hate some of these films. Here’s where the moniker of “movie lover” can be a hard one to rock because it entails, by default, that you appreciate all celluloid offerings. The truth is that not every movie is likable, and when it comes to the off-the-wall fringe films that push boundaries (sometimes just for the sake of trying to be ‘edgy’), you may find yourself turning your nose up to them. Cult films aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but then again, that’s what defines them. Maybe these movies were ahead of their time or just didn’t find the right audience. But like all great art, every great piece finds its place at some point. Visit Flix Brewhouse in Madison for cult films that still bring in audiences year after year.
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