Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The prevalence of a cult film in modern society has arguably become less and less noticeable over time. To understand what cult means to a modern era, one must investigate into a number of things; what was considered cult, how it is interpreted now, and whether any of these things still resonate in the genre today. Cult is an interesting subject when looking at film, as its even questionable whether it is as predominant as it once was. Films are becoming grittier, pushing the boundaries more than ever before, which used to be the niche of cult film. But now, the power to shock is more widely spread. “Cult films often have niche appeal and therefore tend to be positioned as films that are in some manner against or outside of the mainstream.” (Sexton, J. 2008, para. 47) but with the emphasis being on box-office sales nowadays, is there even such a thing as “being outside of the mainstream”, when new movies just try to please the biggest audience possible? “Cult is “in” the mainstream now; within its terms of reference even if the two labels haven’t fully collapsed together.” (Hills, M. 2008, para. 16) Another argument that will be discussed here, further to the idea of whether cult is still relevant, is whether there can be such a thing as a cult auteur. It will be debated whether it is possible that a director be so unusual that their works are regarded as being cult, but in turn, be so distinctive that they are considered an auteur. By looking at a range of director’s works that are considered auteurs but most specifically Stanley Kubrick’s, one can investigate whether they can be such notion. This dissertation will take an analytical approach towards his films The Shining, A Clockwork Orange and Eyes Wide Shut and argue how they are cult, whilst also distinguishing Kubrick’s traits as an auteur.
Author: West, Amy
Language: English
Topic: Cinema History and Criticism
Subfield: Visual Arts and Performing Arts
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W340501639