A Clockwork Orange

Stanley Kubrick's striking visual interpretation of Anthony Burgess's famous novel is a masterpiece. Malcolm McDowell delivers a clever, tongue-in-cheek performance as Alex, the leader of a group of young hoodlums who spend their nights stealing cars, fighting rival gangs, and breaking into people's homes. While other directors would simply exploit the violent elements of such a film without subtext, Kubrick maintains Burgess's dark, satirical social commentary.

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Pulp Fiction

Pulp Fiction was more than just the follow-up to Quentin Tarantino's impressive first feature (Reservoir Dogs), or the winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival, or the relatively low-budget ($8 million) independent showcase for an ultra hip mixture of established marquee names and rising stars from the indie scene (among them Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, Harvey Keitel, and Christopher Walken). Pulp Fiction was a sensation.

Cult Reading

On the Road, by Jack Keroac

Naked Lunch, by William S. Burroughs

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test

Don't be afraid, you're not going to be recruited into a cult if you read this story. Instead, you'll find out a little more about the movies and books that have brought together people from around the world with their intriguing stories or strange twisting plots. These movies and books are cult classics.

So what is a cult classic? To be a cult classic, a film or book should be less than 30 years old with a story that is either so strange it is entertaining or so true-to-life that its audience instantly relates to it. Read further for some of our favorites.

Films

• The Breakfast Club. This '80s John Hughes' hit brought together the group of actors later known as the "brat pack." What makes it a cult classic is the reality of the film. Every teenager, and even a few adults, can relate to at least one of the characters.

• Animal House. Just as The Breakfast Club is for teenagers, Animal House is to college students and anyone else who loves getting into trouble. The group of buffoons who spend their college days wreaking havoc and partying make this film one of the most popular cult classics yet.

• Rocky Horror Picture Show. More than just a Halloween tradition, Rocky Horror has become a must-see based on its unbelievably odd storyline and unusual characters. Where else can you see Tim Curry (Clue, Congo) in drag and Susan Sarandon (Stepmom, The Client) singing a song called "Toucha-Toucha-Touch Me"?

• Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This flick made millions of teens and adults wish they could call in sick and spend a wild day on the town dodging unsuspecting family members and bosses, while singing Wayne Newton tunes in front of a huge crowd. Need I say more?

Books

• Dune. With revenge, riveting adventures, and a labyrinth of a plot, this science fiction novel holds its audience captive from beginning to end. The excitement and humanity in this story make it a definite cult classic.

• Catcher In The Rye. This tale of a troubled teenage boy's observations about life is amusing, while at the same time a bit disturbing. It has become a cult classic because, despite its absurdity at times, the story is easy for most people to relate to on some level.

• Slaughterhouse Five. In the 1960s, this Kurt Vonnegut novel about a survivor of the Dresden bombing who is forced to relive those moments over and over again became a rallying point for protestors because of its underlying criticism of war.

• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Hunter S. Thompson's introduction to Gonzo journalism is by far the strangest part-fiction story ever told. Thompson's description of his journey to Las Vegas to cover a sporting event takes a wild turn when he and his notorious sidekick, Dr. Gonzo, turn to drugs for amusement. Ether + mescaline + LSD + alcohol = one crazy ride.


Written by Alexis Garcia

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