A lot of writing about film is like disquisitions on the follies of sixteenth-century trinitarianism written by irritable monks. So the five stars are for the fun I had with this book when I first read it – it was published in 1981 and I think I came across it around 1990 which is – help! 23 years ago…let’s not think about that. (Shudders). He has some great choices – Aguirre Wrath of God, Badlands, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (RIP Roger Ebert, co-screenwriter believe it or not), Eraserhead, 42nd Street, Pretty Poison, Targets - I could go on – but he also includes pictures he hates (because they’ve got a cult following) such as La Cage aux Folles, King of Hearts and Plan 9 from Outer Space. What makes a cult film cultish is a matter of opinion – in this book we have total obscurities (Up in Smoke, Where’s Poppa?, The Tall T), famous shockers (Behind the Green Door, Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Freaks) but also big-shot Hollywood material (All About Eve, Singin’ in the Rain, Wizard of Oz). But people do seem to like to call films cult films – and authors and bands too. Captain Beefheart? Cult band (I am in that cult). Bukowski? Cult author. Well, I don’t quite understand the rules, maybe because there aren’t any. I think it's a case of I know a cult movie when I see it.In which case, here are some of my favourite cult movies in strict alphabetical order..The Aviator's WifeBabe – Pig in the CityBeing John MalkovichBreaking the WavesBundyCalvaireCity of Lost ChildrenCluelessThe DescentFunny BonesGhost WorldIn AmericaJapanese StoryKissing Jessica SteinLife in a DayLove ExposureMargaretMy Life as a DogParadise NowPerformanceRun Lola RunYou Can Count on Me
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