My Cult Classic Collection

 

While designing a tissue paper flower garland, I found myself humming the theme song from the cult movie “You Can't Stop the Music.” Although the words are annoyingly repetitious, there is something about the song and the movie that are irresistible. Between 'take the cold from snow, tell the trees don't grow,' it occurred to me that raw enthusiasm is usually unforgettable. Who cares that The Village People can't act? “YMCA” scene could carry the whole movie.

Cult classics don't have low production values even if it seems so at first glance. “The Wicker Man” started with a half-baked script, but with competent actors and direction, became a parable about a self-righteous man whose prejudices led to his destruction.

And who needs to say anything about “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”?

Some such movies deserve more discussion than they get. I wonder if “Reefer Madness” is sneered at by anyone who has seen people destroyed by drugs.

Usually cult classics are called 'so bad that they're good' but I don't think that really explains why we watch them over and over. When a subject is stripped down to two dimensional narrative, it becomes a blunt instrument. Like watching “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” and having to admit that regular horror shows are just as goofy. Why do I try to scare myself? I learn something about myself from campy movies.

Now, I have to get back to my tissue carnations. Although they have a low production value, they are entertaining.

Nancy Sherer

 

 


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