Cult Films have limited but special appeal. Cult films are usually strange, quirky, offbeat, eccentric, oddball, or surreal, with outrageous and cartoony characters or plots, garish sets and they are often considered controversial. They step outside standard narrative and technical conventions. They elicit a fiery passion in devoted fans, and may cause cultists to enthusiastically champion these films, leading to audience participation and repetitive viewings and showings. Cult movie worshippers persuasively argue with all about the merits of their choices, without regard for standard newspaper or movie reviews. [ ... ]
It has often been said that the relationship between cinema and psychoanalysis is not coincidental, because both emerged around the same time. Although Freud himself didn't consider cinema of any value, [...]
Conspirators of Pleasure (1997) - Jan Svankmajer [1DVD, Amazon US] Imagine Ophuls' 'La Ronde' remade by a Czech Surrealist, with 'professional expertise' (as the end credits state) from Sacher-Masoch, de Sade, Freud, Bunuel, Ernst and Brauk. After an opening credits montage of 18th century erotic prints, scored to a lovely, kitschy waltz, 'Conspirators of Pleasure' follows five fetishists whose narratives interlock in bizarre ways. -- darragh o'donoghue for Amazon.com
Peeping Tom (1962) [1DVD, Amazon US] David Cronenberg is in a class of his own, this particular movie is particularly eerie and stars none other than Deborah Harry (Blondie)
Mr. Hulot's Holiday - Criterion Collection (1954) [1DVD, Amazon US] Although not his finest - which to me still is 'Jours de Fêtes' - all works of Tati, except for maybe his 'circus movie' are must see movies. Beware for the US VHS version of Mr Hulot, it contains added slapstick that is not featured in the Euro version.
Denise Calls Up [1VHS Amazon US] Story of three friends who phone eachother constantly, arrange meeting eachother and never showing up, none of them. Very modern.
Requiem for a Dream [1DVD, Amazon US][more movies] Story of a mother (Ellen Burstyn) and her son. Mother is on uppers to lose weight, son is doing heroin. Starts friendly enough, evolves into a nightmare, excellent movie. Visually stunning. 10/10