“The Big Lebowski,” the Coen brothers’ masterpiece, only became a success after it made its initial run in theaters. Some of the success can be attributed to its numerous nationwide midnight screenings. People who see it either don’t understand it or fall in love with it and begin quoting from it incessantly.
Don’t try to follow it as you would a traditional narrative film. It’s the sort of movie that requires repeated viewings. It might even give you the urge to go bowling. I recommend those who can handle movies with a lion’s share of profanity to check it out.
What other movie involves German nihilists, a bowler named Jesus, a brother shamus, a film artist by the name of Knox Harrington, a ringer for a ringer, and a main character by the name of “The Dude” getting driven around in a limo? Such is the appeal of “The Big Lebowski.” I could go on and on about it, but why not discuss other successful cult movies?
One such cult movie features a current Alabama resident. Alexander City resident George Hardy starred in “Troll 2.” The film “Best Worst Movie,” which has been shown at the Bama Theatre, chronicles the history and cast of “Troll 2.”
“Best Worst Movie” is actually quite good, but I’m not sure I can say the same about “Troll 2.” The awesome thing about it is it has absolutely nothing to do with “Troll.” In fact, “Troll” follows a character named Harry Potter, and the film’s creator has accused J. K. Rowling of plagiarism. Meanwhile, “Troll 2” inexplicably contains no trolls.
Probably the champion of the cult movie is “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The movie itself isn’t anything to talk about, but it is kind of fun to see a live performance at a midnight showing.
It used to be that midnight movies were the sole domain of cult movies not profitable enough to play throughout the day, but being able to bring a loyal audience for one showing when the other, more profitable movies had long stopped playing. Recently, that idea changed. Movie theaters got the sensible idea to open the most profitable movies at midnight the day of the movie’s release. Highly anticipated movies play to sold-out audiences who simply can’t wait until afternoon to see the new movie.
The midnight movie phenomenon began to take off in the late 1960s with the counterculture movement. Cult movies reached their peak in the 1970s with many popular titles that still make the midnight rounds, like “Pink Flamingos,” “Harold and Maude” and “Eraserhead.”
“Eraserhead” is a bizarre movie, but what else would you expect from director David Lynch? This was his first movie, and a finely crafted one. The black-and-white cinematography and the sound design are impeccable. The sound is quietly unsettling, much like the movie itself.
So, what makes a great cult movie? It’s hard to pinpoint exactly, but a strong personal vision seems to be the main ingredient. “Troll 2” doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but the movie is certainly unique.
The originality factor is the most distinctive quality of the cult movie. There simply aren’t any movies quite like “Troll 2” or “The Big Lebowski.” I take comfort in knowin’ The Dude is out there takin’ ‘er easy for all us sinners. The Dude abides.
