Japan and Cult

Mon Feb 15 17:50:40 EST 2010

Hi Nathen,

This project smells of Dr. Mathijs, say hi from me.

There is definite proof for Asian Cinema being targeted at the cult market. Fanzines like Asian Cult Cinema in the US and UK distributors should prove good starting points.
Importantly, the films that are treated this way tend to already bear the distinctively cult genre marks  (predominantly SF & Horror)

Best wishes,
Gérard Kraus

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Nathen Clerici 
  To: KineJapan at lists.acs.ohio-state.edu 
  Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 11:03 PM
  Subject: Japan and Cult

  Hello all,

  My name is Nathen Clerici, and this is my first post.  I am really enjoying all the threads on this list.  

  I am starting a research project that will examine how Japanese film travels and the channels by which it comes to be seen outside Japan.  I want to frame the problem by looking at how different forms of distribution and exhibition (e.g. art house cinema, university courses, Internet fan sites, etc.) affect how a particular movie is received.  Within this framework, I am interested in the idea of cult.  It seems that Japanese cinema is often classified as cult cinema, but I am not sure that it could be received any other way.  Even if we consider a particular Japanese film to be highbrow art, it is most likely still confined to a small-but-adoring audience of cinephiles-- or Japanophiles.  Perhaps J-Horror is an exception?

  I am curious, KineJapaners, do you think Japanese films seen outside Japan are cult cinema?  

  I realize the cultural context changes, but I also think that the modes of viewing (e.g. web-based, fan subs, art house) exert a strong influence.  In addition, this is most likely not a question just for Japanese film, but for all film that crosses national/linguistic borders.

  Thanks,

  Nathen Clerici
  University of British Columbia
  PhD Program
  Asian Studies
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