Five less common cult flicks, all guaranteed to turn your stomach, confuse or shock. All are available on DVD--getting through some of them can be the challenging part.
What is a "cult" film? It may be something that tons of people love and reference for indie cred, and maybe it hasn't even made it to DVD. These films push the envelope--maybe they're tricky to follow, they're bizarre or they turn your stomach in ways you never knew possible. They are often the very opposite of "family friendly" and they turn convention upside down. Some more common ones might be The Rocky Horror Picture Show or Evil Dead, but for the most part, here are some less common examples.
1. Eraserhead (1977)
Perhaps the most obvious "cult" movie, it wouldn't be included if it didn't continue to be the definition of cult, indie, bizarre, and myterious. David Lynch's first feature-length film still makes for a crazy viewing. For the first third of the film, you may be comfortable you can follow Henry and his discomfort in falling into conventional "family life," but before you know it, he's dreaming of a woman in the radiator and who knows what it all means. It's incredible visually: starkly black and white, its images certainly arrest your attention.
2. Freaks (1932)
This controversial film is a standard narrative set within a circus, starring authentic "circus freaks." The beautiful trapeze artist Cleopatra is Hercules' (the strong man) lover, but she agrees to marry Hans the midget because she has discovered he stands to inherit a considerable sum. She is continually open with her adoration for Hercules at the wedding but the other sideshow performers accept her (leading to the infamous and ever-creepy "One of us! One of us!" chant) until they learn otherwise. And then Hercules and Cleopatra meet a very unfortunate fate (though not as unfortunate as the original ending, which was cut due to audience disgust). Several big-name actors were originally slated to star, all of whom backed out upon learning more. Needless to say, the film has also been banned in several countries throughout its time.
3. Meet the Feebles (1989)
Many Peter Jackson fans are aware that prior to the Lord of the Rings, Jackson was a master of horror and gore. While Feebles is not a horror movie (technically), it is a very unique film of bad taste (no pun intended, Jackson fans)--and very funny. "The Feebles Variety Show" is a muppet show like no other backstage--the film is exclusively muppets (or people in animal costumes), but it's the darkest, most lurid side of showbiz for these muppets. The star of the show, Heidi the Hippo, discovers her husband Bletch the Walrus is cheating on her, sending her further into a spiral of depression. The other cast members are caught up in extortion, love affairs, robbery, and all shown in the grittiest most desperate circumstances. You won't be able to stop watching. Despite the years on it, it's still shocking.
4. Eating Raoul (1982)
The Blands (enough said) are a very conservative Los Angeles couple with plans to open a small restaurant. One night, however, when wife Mary finds a swinging bachelor has wandered into her apartment, she nearly fails to fight him off and her husband Paul has to take a frying pan to the man's head. With the swinger's wallet full of cash, they decide to continue ridding the world of the trashier side of society and pocket the benefits for themselves. It's only when they meet Raoul, a cat burglar, that plans really start to come together and a unique method of disposing the bodies comes into play. As usual, suspicion and paranoia win out for a disastrous ending. The outdoor pool orgy mass execution is still a standout scene.
5. Pink Flamingos (1972)
Another obvious entry, this movie is the final word (and John Waters always will be) in shock. Almost unwatchable, knowing everything is real, almost 40 years later this film is still controversial as the ultimate in cult film. Competing for "Filthiest People Alive," selling heroin to schoolchildren, impregnating female hitckhikers...these are all elements of a plot, but watching the whole film is the true test. "Poor taste" doesn't cut it, it is a spectacle all its own. Just talking about all the atrocious events will never do them justice, least of all why the title-holder of "Filthiest Person Alive" (played by Divine) actually holds the title. Don't ask, just watch it if you can.
