The “cult classic” movies of the nineties and early two
thousands reflect very important aspects of the American culture that all
“literate” people should see. Allow me to talk about movies such as
Clueless, Pulp Fiction, Donnie Darko, and
Forrest Gump, as they explore
different characteristics of American culture revealing the stigmas and beliefs
of the time. Many of these aspects of American culture are revealed through
humor in comedies such as
Clueless
convey the “stereotypical” setting of high school and social dynamics of the
era, setting a reference point for many future movies to either pay homage to
or make reference about. One of my absolute favorite movies –
Pulp Fiction – is a hyper stylized view
into the drug culture incorporating several different stories that are masterfully intertwined in a brilliant composition of 1990's (directed by the one and only Quentin Tarantino -- of course).
 |
| The great Mr. Tarantino himself in Pulp Fiction |
Movies
like
Donnie Darko pioneered new
combinations of horror, thriller, sci-fi, and drama to create a confusing yet
remarkable film that deals with teenage adolescence, mental illness, and of
course, time travel. I really appreciated how these movies really stood out
from each other, because in the modern day, I’m constantly disappointed by
movies that’s seem hollow or pointless. The ever-so-classic movie
Forrest Gump is truly innovative in how
it weaves in both fiction and real-life historical events into one story of a
mentally challenged man with so much motivation. These kinds of culturally
intelligent films are hard to find nowadays. Movies with uneducated and dumb
humor are now made so ubiquitously, and it is a shame to see, as I believe it
may be reflecting the descent of literacy in adults. Many people are suffering
from a laziness that if enforced by the increasing availability of mindless
television. In a time when it seems like companies such as Disney are just
churning out mediocre films one after another for the sheer sake of it, I believe
that these movies from the past few decades must be appreciated by those who
wish to be literate, since they have, in my opinion, better plot lines and
cultural references to begin with.
The “cult classic” movies of the nineties and early two
thousands reflect very important aspects of the American culture that all
“literate” people should see. Allow me to talk about movies such as Clueless, Pulp Fiction, Donnie Darko, and
Forrest Gump, as they explore
different characteristics of American culture revealing the stigmas and beliefs
of the time. Many of these aspects of American culture are revealed through
humor in comedies such as Clueless
convey the “stereotypical” setting of high school and social dynamics of the
era, setting a reference point for many future movies to either pay homage to
or make reference about. One of my absolute favorite movies – Pulp Fiction – is a hyper stylized view
into the drug culture incorporating several different stories that are masterfully intertwined in a brilliant composition of 1990's (directed by the one and only Quentin Tarantino -- of course). 
Movies
like Donnie Darko pioneered new
combinations of horror, thriller, sci-fi, and drama to create a confusing yet
remarkable film that deals with teenage adolescence, mental illness, and of
course, time travel. I really appreciated how these movies really stood out
from each other, because in the modern day, I’m constantly disappointed by
movies that’s seem hollow or pointless. The ever-so-classic movie Forrest Gump is truly innovative in how
it weaves in both fiction and real-life historical events into one story of a
mentally challenged man with so much motivation. These kinds of culturally
intelligent films are hard to find nowadays. Movies with uneducated and dumb
humor are now made so ubiquitously, and it is a shame to see, as I believe it
may be reflecting the descent of literacy in adults. Many people are suffering
from a laziness that if enforced by the increasing availability of mindless
television. In a time when it seems like companies such as Disney are just
churning out mediocre films one after another for the sheer sake of it, I believe
that these movies from the past few decades must be appreciated by those who
wish to be literate, since they have, in my opinion, better plot lines and
cultural references to begin with.
I absolutely agree that cult classics are an extremely important piece of cultural literacy that allow us to understand the stigmas and stereotypes of society. :)
ReplyDeleteThese are dope movies and you should totes read my blog about David Lynch. Donnie Darko basically copied his whole style :)
ReplyDeleteThese are dope movies and you should totes read my blog about David Lynch. Donnie Darko basically copied his whole style :)
ReplyDeleteWatching movies that came out before our generation and all its technology arrived has given me a new insight of the significance of current cultural events,and why my family cannot seem to grasp the even the concept of bookmarking a website! There is an emotionally rich and heart wrenching quality of "cult classic" movies that I haven't been able to find in today's movies either...where are the almost tolerable punch lines and grossly extravagant hairstyles??
ReplyDeleteLove all these movies, and Clara's comment is very much on point. The commonality between movies like The Big Lebowski and cheesey 90's teen high school movies is that they have this weird emotional substance that rarely shows up in movies these days.
ReplyDeleteLove all these movies, and Clara's comment is very much on point. The commonality between movies like The Big Lebowski and cheesey 90's teen high school movies is that they have this weird emotional substance that rarely shows up in movies these days.
ReplyDeleteLove all these movies, and Clara's comment is very much on point. The commonality between movies like The Big Lebowski and cheesey 90's teen high school movies is that they have this weird emotional substance that rarely shows up in movies these days.
ReplyDeleteOMG now I want to go home and watch movies....love, love, love 'em. Pulp Fiction is a biiiiig fave! :-)
ReplyDelete