The definition is subjective, but some novels that get included in cult classic lists dont belong there. Buckets of books fall into this category, including classics like j. Definitions of cult article about definitions of cult by. Cult definition is a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious. However, in reality, a cult rarely involves such things. Cult books are somehow, intangibly, different from simple bestsellers. Sep 14, 2018 so maybe we cant say definitively what word has the most definitions in the dictionary. Cult films are known for their dedicated, passionate fanbase, an elaborate subculture that engage in repeated viewings, quoting dialogue, and audience participation. An older sense of the word cult is a set of religious devot. In the film talladega nights, sacha baron cohens snooty french. The ultimate guide by gina mckinnon and steve holland available in the link below 4,145 users 38,707 views from.
Reefer madness is the best cult classic, hands down. The oxford english dictionary informs us that cult films should have enduring appeal to a relatively small audience, and be nonmainstream. Occult definition is to shut off from view or exposure. Film poster for plan 9 from outer space plan 9 from outer space is an example of a cult film. Aug 20, 2015 how does a film become a cult classic. It is done slowly, so the victim doesnt realize how much theyve been. In a series of innovative articles by leading film critics and theorists the book deals with aspects of the medium including the cult films definitions, genres, film styles and gender depictions. A cult following comprises a group of fans who are highly dedicated to a piece of artwork in various mediums, often referred to as a cult classic. This group was inspired by an article i found on the telegraph website.
Mar 20, 2015 9 fascinating books about cults and strict fundamentalist movements thatll get you totally swept up in the details. Got a movie you really, really love, that no one else knows about. Synonyms for cult at with free online thesaurus, antonyms, and definitions. Freaks ive met by donald jans, fight club by chuck palahniuk, american psycho by bret easton ellis, fear and loathing in. Think the big lebowski, bottle rocket, and the shawshank redemption. A popular piece of work, generally a movie, which has gained a large following. Oct 06, 20 a cult classic has a small but specific and highly devoted audience. Mar 12, 2016 a cult book may be hard to define but one thing is for sure.
The ultimate guide by gina mckinnon and steve holland available in the link below. This sense of the term is controversial and it has divergent definitions both in popular culture and academia and it has also been an ongoing source of contention among scholars across several fields of study. Mar 25, 2014 of all the genres that are commonly observed in film, there is perhaps none as subjective and intangible as the cult classic. Cult books are somehow, intangibly, different from simple bestsellers though many of them. You would think that that a cult classic film has to be good, and in some cases they really are wellrounded films. It continues in cyberspace with 2 girls, 1 cup, a shorter version of hungry bitches 2007 by marco villanova. Interestingly, it is not the bestsellers but classics and literary books that find place at these counters. Anyone is susceptible to gaslighting, and it is a common technique of abusers, dictators, narcissists, and cult leaders. How a portuguesetoenglish phrasebook became a cult comedy sensation. Information and translations of cult movies in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. What was interesting about the cult files is that it was surprisingly enjoyable. Cult classics are works of fiction that are extremely popular with a select audience but which may or may not have been successful at the time of the works original publications. A cult book may be hard to define but one thing is for sure. Im baffled at some of the cult classics that i think are bona fide classics, no modifier required.
In a separate article tourish says that in his usage. Given this rather loose definition, it is not uncommon for the term to be abused and for some indie films to be marketed as instant cult classics prior to their release, which contradicts the assumption that a cult film must amass a devoted following before earning the right to be described as such. A film, book, musical artist, television series or video game, among other. Alternativefringe an unscientific system of treating disease psychiatry a religious, political, psychotherapeutic, or commercial organization or sect, based on dogma or religious teachings, often with bizarre or unorthodox practices, values, or beliefs that differ from mainstream or accepted thinking, which engenders conflict between the group and society, and uses unethical manipulative. Not one detail is left out no matter how gruesome they may be. Were constantly adding more special guests, artists, vendors, and more for. Jul 07, 2012 italo calvinos 14 definitions of what makes a classic. But search the internet, and you see the cult badge has been applied to a plethora of disparate films. Italo calvinos 14 definitions of what makes a classic the.
The word cult is not a term of abuse, as this paper tries to explain. Join as we count down our picks for the top 10 cult classics category. Book definition, a handwritten or printed work of fiction or nonfiction, usually on sheets of paper fastened or bound together within covers. It seems that everyone has a different definition of what would make a cult book, while some may include best sellers like the lord of the rings, others would consider these as mainstream. A cult following is a term used to refer to a group of fans who are highly dedicated to a specific area of pop. Political cults right and left, dennis tourish and tim wohlforth discuss about a dozen organizations in the united states and great britain that they characterize as cults. Every novel referred to below has shown up on cult classic lists aplenty. How a portuguesetoenglish phrasebook became a cult.
In an article on al qaida published in the times, journalist mary ann sieghart wrote that alqaida resembles a classic cult, commenting. Salingers the catcher in the rye and on the road by jack kerouac. Cult cinema came of age in america with midnight movies and campus showings of films such as david lynchs eraserhead 1976 and rocky horror. Calvino also produces these 14 definitions of a classic. Whats certain is that the cult classic inspires passionate devotion among its fans, who frequently. Whereas most film genres contain predictable traits and conventions that are revealed through specific iconographic cues, the cult film typically has no such indictors. Definitions of cult definition of definitions of cult by. The best articles from christianity today on cults. Lets start with the more obvious aspects of cult lit. A cult film or cult movie, also commonly referred to as a cult classic, is a film that has acquired a. When new books are released, well charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the preorder period.
The word cult is defined as a system or group of people who practice excessive devotion to a figure, object or belief system, typically following a charismatic leader. Ideas and concepts in the book met with vigorous opposition, but today the book is recognized as a classic that was far ahead of its time. There are now annual lebowski conventions in the u. Apr 01, 2011 generally, cult followings normally involve books, movies, etc that originally are not very successful but grow in popularity at a later date eg. This following has most likely been around for at least a few years, except for cases of an instant cult classic, in which a movie gains instant fame which remains for decades to come.
To begin, a cult book should have a passionate following. A work of fiction that is extremely popular with a select audience but may or may not be successful at the time of the works original publication. Inclusive definitions allow for major studio productions, especially box office bombs, while exclusive definitions focus more on obscure, transgressive films shunned by the mainstream. Thank you to everyone that came out and participated, we had a blast. Cultclassic dictionary definition cultclassic defined yourdictionary. Jun 15, 2009 the cult files is everything you would expect from a book with that title. Feb, 2016 11 best cult classics to stream on netflix. But another, underexamined, feature of the cult book is this. Unruly pleasures is the first british volume dedicated to the critical consideration of cult movie making from the margins to the mainstream. A film, book, musical artist, television series or video game, among other things, is said to have a cult following when it has a small but very passionate fanbase. We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. Find all the synonyms and alternative words for cult classic at, the largest free online thesaurus, antonyms, definitions and translations resource on the web.
Youve subscribed to cult classics for the modern cult. A cult film or cult movie, also commonly referred to as a cult classic, is a film that has acquired a cult following. Stanley kubricks a clockwork orange is a cult classic. When people hear the word cult, they often think of a group that worships satan, sacrifices animals, or takes part in evil, bizarre, and pagan rituals. These 10 words have the most definitions in english. In modern english, a cult is a social group that is defined by its unusual religious, spiritual, or philosophical beliefs, or by its common interest in a particular personality, object or goal. Information and translations of cult classic in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web.