In this class, we will discuss the concepts of reception, reception theory, as well as fandom and other cult formations. We will specifically focus on the cult audience in relation to the films, and what these films do for the audience. We will also discuss the position of the cult audience within society. They are usually defined as a minority, but against which majority?
We will examine fans and their ‘ownership’ of their fantexts, as well as fan-produced texts. We will explicitly deal with Star Trek, Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings as objects of fandom. In addition, we will also look at how fans distinguish themselves from non-fans.
Also, despite the fact that Plan 9 From Outer Space is continually voted as the worst film ever made, it has a very strong following and has been released on dvd, even in a deluxe edition! What attracts an audience to this film? We will examine trash aesthetics and audience response, in addition to the notion of fandom.
- How can reception theory aid us in understanding cult films?
- What is particular about cult reception?
- How does subcultural capital function in relation to cult films?
- What is trash aesthetics and can one speak of such a term?
- How does fandom and reception theory go hand in hand?
- Are there any differences between the fans of Star Trek, Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings?
- Who make up the audience of the ‘midnight movies’?
- How do cult fans differ from the audiences of art films, such as El Topo, Un Chien Andalou, and Eraserhead?
- Are fans the same as cult audiences?
Films:
Ed Wood, Plan 9 From Outer Space (1956), Jim Sharman, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). All Star Trek, Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings films.
Reading:
Timothy Corrigan (1991), “Film and the Culture of Cult” & John Fiske, “The Cultural Economy of Fandom”.
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