Many actors and actresses have a strong cult following and prioritize this star over all others, in terms of film consumption. Sometimes, such a cult star will influence the popularity of a film by his or her mere presence. We will examine the status of these stars and what their iconicity may do for the film.
As a specific case study we will examine Bruce Lee, who remains one of the most (if not the most) popular martial arts star ever. Because of his mysterious death, his legacy remains an object of interest and investigation, no less after a similar peculiar death of his son Brandon Lee. Is there such a thing as the Lee curse, or is it merely media hysteria and fabrication?
- Other examples of stars we will discuss: Bruce Campbell, Christopher Lee, Bela Lugosi, Vincent Price, and Max Schreck.
- Consider other examples of cult stars.
- What makes a star gather a cult following?
- Why do mysterious deaths attract cult followings?
- Is there a connection between acting ability and the cult status of the star?
Film: Robert Clouse, Enter the Dragon (1973). Screening 23-2, kl 12.15 in room 4.110
Reading: Leon Hunt, “Han’s Island Revisited: Enter the Dragon as Transnational Cult Film.”
Links:
Bruce Lee official site
The Shrine to Bruce Lee
All About Bruce Lee
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