Best Cult Classic

[Dave]

2011 Zonie Awards

Nominees for Best Cult Classic

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Blade Runner

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

Donnie Darko

The Truman Show

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

The Big Lebowski

Fight Club

A Clockwork Orange

The Shawshank Redemption

Barton Fink

The Warriors

Clerks

Withnail & I


To hasten this process, voting will now begin immediately with all discussion also taking place henceforth from the moment this thread is posted. Voting will last 7 days.


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[Mac Attack]

I absolutely think this goes to Willy Wonka. I think that it is a very cultish movie and it is my personal favorite movie out of the entire list. This was a very close one for me because the definition of a "cult" can be determined differently. However It to me deserves to be the Cult Classic. The acting was good, and the storyline straight up bizarre. So it gets my vote. Plus I have a nostalgic connection to Willy Wonka it was one of those movies that scared the shit out of me as a child.

 

[Blue Chipper]

I absolutely think this goes to Willy Wonka. I think that it is a very cultish movie and it is my personal favorite movie out of the entire list. This was a very close one for me because the definition of a "cult" can be determined differently. However It to me deserves to be the Cult Classic. The acting was good, and the storyline straight up bizarre. So it gets my vote. Plus I have a nostalgic connection to Willy Wonka it was one of those movies that scared the shit out of me as a child.

I think the definition of a cult film is a movie that initially has a dedicated specific fanbase that may or may not reach other audiences. It's like the original ECW except in this case it didn't grow outside of that niche of fans. In that definition, every movie on the list is a cult film.

The best movie, or my favorite, is the Shawshank Redemption. It had great acting, writing, and atmosphere. It also had a truly inspiring message - that all you need is hope. I remember the slogan fo the movie, "Fear can hold you prisoner, but hope can set you free".

 

[Spidey Revivey]

The Big Lebowski gets my vote. And the main reason I'm giving it my vote is because of this right here:

http://dudeism.com/

Yes, it is a religion, mock-religion, etc. One that I happen to be a member of. Dudeism is a belief that has actually makes since, looking back at Taoism and the like. Now I personally love all of the films on your list, A Clockwork Orange and The Warriors personally owned, but if there ever was a cult movie that deserves a place of honor, it's the one with a cult-following that works on all levels.

But of course that's, like, my opinion man.

 

[LSN80]

Shawshank Redemption, and its not even close fr me here. I wouldnt necessarily consider it to be a "cult classic", but its certainly the best movie on the list, bar none. Without a doubt, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman shine as Andy and Red, but Id argue that the true spectacle of the brilliance in the movie lies in the abundance of amazing supporting actors who are utterly engrossing in their roles. Each of these actors show a true dedication to their character and a focused purpose in their motivations, creating a convincing setting that is at all times completely believable.

With all of the aesthetic touches and attention to cinematic detail, the most beautiful part of the film lies within its thematic material. Its simplicity is brilliantly laid out in depicting basic human desires such like hope and freedom. These themes, which concern things the human spirit undoubtedly yearns for, seem so intricately woven into the plot that it easily draws the viewer into the story, and never lets go. Though the movie is filled with hardened criminals, your heart inevitably goes out to these men as they display the most basic of human emotions, and deliver some of the most quotable lines in a film to date. Like a great novel, this film manages to succeed at greater things than simply entertaining an audience. The story is told masterfully as it illustrates incredible life principles and inspires the audience to think. The end result is a poignant film with a powerful message of hope, and redemption, something we all seek.

The pacing of the film is quite deliberate, but thats not a bad thing. While watching the same actors engage over and again, it's easy to forget that the movie's timeline spans well over 20 years. Such a huge measure of time would pass slowly in reality, and would only be amplified in prison. But the film wastes no scene by creating interest in every moment in the film, with meaning to be foung in every part. The movie has a definitive direction, and it takes its sweet time getting there, only enhancing each character and subplot. What results is a tremendous payoff as the tedium of prison life makes the climax that much more exhilarating. It truly makes for a moment not only to be talked about for some time after viewing, but one that is never forgotten. Im voting Shawshank Redemption, and its not close here.

 

[Dave]

I've given this one to Fight Club but it really could have gone a number of ways.

The Truman Show is still one of the finest displays of acting I have seen from Jim Carrey and when you think about how much he had to lose from taking a non-comedy role, you have to give him credit for the type of performance that he turned in. When you couple that with the Big Brother themes, you really do have a powerful movie. Ever since first viewing of this movie, I have been hooked on it and believe it to be the finest work of his career, comedy movie or not.

My vote almost went to Willy Wonka too. The original Willy Wonka movie was a wonder to behold. Mainly because they had children licking walls in one part of it... Still, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was one of the greatest movies from my childhood and I still don't mind giving it a bash these days. The rags to riches story that it portrays is quite moving actually and I can't get over the sheer spirit of the film. It has everything you could want and more. It was this close to taking my vote.

But when I think about which movie I enjoyed the most and the category we are in, I don't think anything can touch Fight Club. Edward Norton and Brad Pitt are utterly outstanding in this movie and the twist ending that no one sees coming is enough to leave you wanting more. This movie is the exact definition of a cult classic and what every other cult movie is aspiring to be. Wonderfully acted out and exciting throughout, Fight Club is one of the best movies I have ever seen and it's status as the best cult classic movie should be cemented here.

 

[IrishCanadian25]

Folks, this goes to Rocky Horror Picture Show. And to use an annoying cliche, it isn't even close.

Since this film was first aired in the 70's in America, it's become larger than life in many ways. Because it still airs on a limited basis - 35 years after it was initially released - RHPS is the longest running theatrical release in film history. NONE of the other films on this list are regularly still shown in theatres to packed houses.

There is no greater indicator of the cult following this film has than the vision of the audience participation at a showing. I had the unfortunate experience of going to see RHPS with a "cast member" in high school, and I was subsequently "devirginized" as a viewer of RHPS. These people get so into their roles, dressing the part, reciting rebuttals to the lines that are spoken, etc. And a fun fact I dug up:

In 2005, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Want more proof? The cult following of RHPS has its OWN Wikipedia page.

There are many aspects and levels to participating at a showing of this movie. Many people just yell at the screen while others go much deeper. Many people develop over time into die hard fans. During the song "Time Warp" in many theatres nearly everyone stands up and does the dance. Costumes, props, and verbal dialogue are all tools in participating.

Typically, a showing that uses a shadow cast will include a pre-show ritual that involves calling attention to anyone who hasn't seen the film in a theater. Those who haven't experienced Rocky Horror "live" are considered "Virgins". Depending on the theater and shadow cast, Virgins will be called out, mocked, made fun of (usually in a good-natured-but-vulgar way) and encouraged to participate in party tricks and games that might be considered racy or demeaning. It is not uncommon to have rubber balloons (or even inflated condoms) placed between a "virgin's" knees to be popped by cast members. In the 1990s, casts in New York and Virginia would fill a "Virgin's" mouth with whip cream and put a cherry on top, etc. A Nashville-based pre-show includes parading the "Virgins" up and down the aisles of the theater with balloons (referred to as "cherries") held between their knees, while the song The Ecstasy Of Gold from the soundtrack to The Good, The Bad & The Ugly plays throughout the house.

Although the levels and intensity of the preshow hazing varies from cinema to cinema, it is considered to be "in good fun" and rarely pornographic or dangerous.

This film also marked the arrival of one of the great actors of this generation - and possibly the greatest film villain-actor ever in Tim Curry.

 

[Dowdsy McDowds]

I chose Shawshank in another cult thread, and I'm sticking with it.

The film BOMBED in it's cinema run but garnered popularity through it's rental sales and slowly but surely became a "must-see" film on it's home-cinema rebound. Also, and if I'm wrong then please correct me, wasn't this the first film Morgan Freeman narrated (partially mind you)? Nowadays his voice is associated with narration of films and I believe it all started from Shawshank.

It also allowed Frank Darabont to make a name for himself with his confident directing, great use of music and a solid supporting cast who all brought out the emotions of the audience that they were meant to.

Robbins and Freeman have been the two actors that have had the greatest continuity since, but Clancy Brown as Guard Byron Hadley, Bob Gunton as Warden Norton and James Whitmore as Brooks all put in outstanding performances full of character and nuances.

I think Robbins' turn in this film set the groundwork for his character in Mystic River in some respects, and also gave Darabont a good blueprint for how to not only tell a story but develop it at a consistent pace too. Too bad he set the bar a bit too high for himself early on in his career, but what a bar to set.

The Shawshank Redemption

 

[Hollywood Naitch]

I refuse to vote in this due to the fact Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is not on the list. That is a cult classic of the highest standard and I am offended it has not been listed.


But if I had to pick one from that list I would go with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. I love that movie, it is still hilarious to this day. I don't think I have ever seen it without bursting out laughing several times. Jim Carrey was perfect as Ventura, and the cameo for Dan Marino was great.

The reaction of Ace when he realises that Lois Einhorn is a man is absolutely brilliant, the way he ends up whimpering in the bath naked is amazing.

"Einhorn is a man?.....OH MY GOOOOOOD!"

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Oh, and I turned on Fight Club on TV for the 1st time just as Brad Pitt was revealing the twist, it was literally the 1st line I heard....so that was ruined for me straight away. Plus, Meatloaf having tits?.....didnt do it for me, sorry guys!

 

[FitFinlay4Life]

First off, a couple of surprise omissions - the Blues Brothers and Grease. IC rightly talks about the legacy of Rocky Horror, but I doubt he'd underestimate the legacies of Jake & Elwood or the T-Birds & Pink Ladies. Rocky is brilliant, no two ways about it and, unlike Shawshank, it meets every criteria as a cult movie (seriously, has anyone met anybody who doesn't think Redemption is a great movie?).

I am gonna disagree with IC though and go with Clerks. Cheap? Check. Questionable acting? You betcha. Unique look? Yup. Legacy? Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back & Clerks II and then you have shorts, animation and comics (plus cameoing in the Scream franchise)... or, if you will, the View Askewniverse. Maybe it's my age and being in the demographic for Mr Smith but I just have to go with Dante's day from hell.