“Titanic” as a Cult Film: Demasculinization of Academic Discourses Surrounding on Cult Cinema in the 21st Century
https://doi.org/10.58186/2782-3660-2023-3-4-100-127
Abstract
In the 21st century, an increasing number of films catering to a female audience have found a place among cult films. Prominent examples include “Titanic” (1997, James Cameron), “Mean Girls” (2004, Mark Waters), “Twilight” (2008, CatherineHardwicke), “Dirty Dancing” (1987, Emile Ardolino), “Fifty Shades of Grey” (2015, Sam Taylor-Johnson), and others. This trend is, on one hand, linked to changes in the consumption and cult status processes of films due to the prevalence of digital technologies. Discussing the ‘mainstreamization’ of cult cinema resulting from Internet development reveals not only the increased accessibility of established cult films but also a diverse array of contemporary cult films, transcending traditionally ‘male’ genres and predominantly targeting a female audience. On the other hand, the discursive nature of the ‘cult cinema’ concept suggests that academic criticism regarding the masculinity of cult cinema, particularly at the turn of the 21st century, has significantly influenced the inclusion of films designed for women within the realm of cult films. Notably, the works of researchers Jacinda Reed and Joan Hollows, published in 2003, played a pivotal role in this process. The aim of this article is to trace how the demasculinization of cult cinema has become a noticeable trend both in academic reception and in modern practices of consuming cult films.
About the Author
N. Sineokaya
National Research University — Higher School of Economics (HSE University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Natalia Sineokaya
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Sineokaya N. “Titanic” as a Cult Film: Demasculinization of Academic Discourses Surrounding on Cult Cinema in the 21st Century. Versus. 2023;3(4):100-127. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.58186/2782-3660-2023-3-4-100-127
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