Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream

Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream is a 2005 documentary that delves into the intricate universe of cult cinema and the transformative era of midnight movies. This film was directed by Stuart Samuels based on his book of the same name. It features notable figures such as John Waters, Ben Barenholtz, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and several others. These icons of the genre offer insider perspectives and personal narratives that enrich the exploration of these cult classics.

The film opens the door to a captivating, unconventional world that, for a long time, existed on the sidelines of mainstream cinema. These midnight movies were usually screened at off-peak times, specifically during post-midnight slots, and gained a cult following from those drawn to their peculiar content. With more experimental, bizarre, or lurid themes, these films were a departure from conventional Hollywood fare. They offered a more eclectic mix of cinema that artistically exploited freedom and creativity, often with a lower budget but colossal imagination.

Featuring six quintessential films that established the midnight movie phenomenon, Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream paints a rich portrait of this cinematic movement. These include "El Topo," "Night of the Living Dead," "The Harder They Come," "Pink Flamingos," "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," and "Eraserhead." The documentary thoroughly examines each of these films, providing audiences with an engaging look behind the scenes.

"El Topo," directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky, is a surreal Mexican Western and philosophical allegory that stands as an example of a film that initially baffled audiences but later became a cult classic. "Night of the Living Dead," directed by George A. Romero and chosen because of its cultural significance, is an exploration of a horrid zombie apocalypse that was considered innovative at the time of its release. "The Harder They Come," directed by Perry Henzell, is an exploration of crime and political corruption in Jamaica.

"Pink Flamingos," directed by John Waters, is perhaps one of the most notorious movies ever made, exploring themes of extreme perversion and departure from social norms. In contrast, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," directed by Jim Sharman, came to define the genre of musical horror comedy and is probably the most famous midnight movie of all time. Finally, the inclusion of "Eraserhead," David Lynch's unnerving work rose to cult status due to its strangeness and deeply psychologically affecting imagery.

Through these six films, Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream demonstrates not only the evolution of the midnight movie phenomenon but also how these films gradually shaped mainstream cinema. They pushed the envelope of artistry, narrative, and subculture, and they showcased that film as a medium could be a vehicle for an array of unconventional dramatic themes and bold visual storytelling.

The film also underlines the significant role of Ben Barenholtz in the establishment of the midnight movies phenomenon. As the inventor of the 'midnight movie' concept, he understood the potential of these films when exhibited in the right scenario. His contribution to showcasing these types of films in his New York City cinema gave a platform for these otherwise marginalized works to gain an audience and their eventual cult status.

Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream offers an insightful examination of cult cinema's unique development, significance, and impact on mainstream movie culture. By focusing on these six key films and engaging with insiders and industry icons, it provides a unique insight into this intriguing segment of movie history.

This documentary is a must-see for film buffs interested in the historical development of cinema, especially the alternative streams that challenged the norms and eventually influenced the mainstream. It provides an interesting education for those unfamiliar with the genre and an informed celebration for those already enthralled by the individualistic charm of midnight movies. In essence, Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream is an enlightening perspective on the subculture of movie-going that pushed the boundaries of cinema, from the margin to the mainstream.