Here you'll find answers to questions I am often asked.


Who are you? Who's your crew?
How will the site develop?
Why does it take so long to load the reviews?
How do I read the reviews?
Why do you also review films that are no real cult movies?
Why isn't my favorite film in your database?
Why don't you review more recent films?
What is, what makes a cult movie?
What are the best cult movies?
I have another question!



Who are you? Who's your crew?

My name is Altman, Ron Altman. There is no one else here, I'm the only guy. Let this information suffice for the moment being.


How will the site develop?

Technically, it will get bigger and bigger. Just like the universe. I hope there won't be a big bang one day, though. I will review films and index directors for the rest of my life. So be part of our family.


Why does it take so long to download the reviews?

The largest file you must download from cultmovies.info is slightly bigger than 300k (movies starting with S). At modem speed, this takes approximately one minute. Please be patient. Broadband users should only have to wait a few seconds. Sometimes your cache stores these files and you get quicker access to them. Keep in mind then that you may not be viewing the latest version of the file.
I'm currently chopping up the reviews, so that each capsule gets its page on the site. This makes downloading quicker than snipping with your finger. You can access these reviews directly from the NEWS page.


How do I read the reviews?

The original title of the movie (in bold print) is followed by the year of its release and the production country/countries (in brackets). The running time (in minutes, as it ran in theaters) is mostly preceded by a "C-" (if the film is in color). If the film was shot in widescreen (aspect ratio 2.35:1) I put SCOPE before the rating of the film. Ratings can range from BOMB (you'll see a bomb-symbol) to **** (four stars). Only few films get both these extreme ratings. Good films get three stars, whereas one-and-a-half star movies are bad. After the rating, you'll find the director's name (e.g. D: Dario Argento) and a selective listing of the cast (e.g. Starring David Hemmings, Dario Nicolodi, etc.). This is followed by the actual review, at the end of which there are usually alternative titles of the movie. I also try to list alternative versions and notable contributors such as composer or cinematographer.


Why do you also review films that are no real cult movies?

I review all the movies that I watch (well, almost). Who knows what will be cult movies in 30 or 40 years time?


Why isn't my favorite film in your database?

It isn't? Honestly? Get in touch with me and suggest that I watch it.


Why don't you review more recent films?

The quality of films usually doesn't change over the years. I don't have to see a movie in the cinema. A rental-DVD or tape is just fine for me. And cheaper, too. My favorite decades movie-wise are the 1960 and 1970s, exactly the time when the real cult movies were made. The 1990s, for instance, had RESERVOIR DOGS, PULP FICTION and SCREAM (and a lot of sequels), but not that much more. The 1970s had spaghetti westerns, gialli, disaster movies and some awesome horror films.
Another reason is that new movies are usually easy to get. I consider rare, even obscure films more interesting and I'd rather watch a virtually unknown B-movie than Hollywood's latest blockbuster. That is not saying I don't enjoy recent movies.



What is, what makes a cult movie?

The most difficult question and the one most often posed. There is no 'one' answer as you will see from the attempted definitions below.

There are various factors which can turn movies into cult films. Usually horror, fantasy and sci-fi movies are regarded as 'cult'. They certainly are, but more has to be considered:


CULT MOVIES …

- are unusual, unconventional, sometimes controversial films (e.g. splatter movies)
- are rare, hard to find or even out of print (limited availability plays an important part)
- are usually watched over and over again by their admirers
- were initially forgotten and later re-discovered and hailed as masterpieces (e.g. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW). Discovering a film for yourself plays an important role. So the phenomenon usually starts 'small'. Via mouth-to-mouth (or internet) propaganda, insider festivals a.s.o. the films become known and cherished.

Some other things to keep in mind:

The term 'cult' can have negative connotations (A religious 'cult', for example, is sometimes associated with mass suicide). Thus, cult films need not necessarily be 'good' films (consider the FRIDAY THE 13TH series or Ed Wood's PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE). However, at least a certain group of people will love the movie(s). The followers of a certain (cult) movie usually have strong feelings for their movie, they are somehow in love with the film.

Young (and to some extent rebellious) people are more likely to become followers of a particular film. That's the Against-the-Grain phenomenon. Authorities and older people condemn violent films, so I will love them, etc. Identification with characters, themes, styles can be very important. (consider IF…., THE WANDERERS or QUADROPHENIA).

Remember there are not only cult films, but also cult directors (Dario Argento, David Lynch, Quentin Tarantino, John Waters etc., see my page), cult genres (horror, sci-fi, fantasy), cult actors (John Waters' 'Divine', River Phoenix, James Dean, even Elvis, etc.). Basically everything that has a following is 'cult'.

This is a pretty wide definition of cult movies. Other film buffs would probably say that only horror films are cult (and European ones at that). I'd say they'd be in serious trouble when discussing PULP FICTION. ;-)



What are the best cult movies?

A question very frequently posed. I have compiled a list of the 70 best cult movies. You can find it here > THE TOP 70 LIST OF THE BEST CULT MOVIES


Feeling the need to discuss something? Get in touch!

© Ron Altman