I have never written a formal review for this site and I do not plan on making this a regular feature, but I was compelled by some middle of the night inspiration. Appropriately so, i happen to watch this documentary, Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream, a Starz Original Presentation, at about 3 in the morning, which might have helped make the decision about writing this.

 This documentary I expected to be more about cult and exploitation films in general, surprised me in that was it about the Midnight Movie circuit, its creation to its demise. Focusing on 6 of the most popular midnight films beginning with Jordorowsky's El Topo and its influence on American cinema. 

It began in about 1967 at the Elgin Theater where a small blurb was placed in a newspaper ad stating El Topo would be playing at midnight. Soon would follow mobs of people lining up around the corner to see this new and bizarre film that was a delightful -  visually and expressive throughout. "A Zen Spaghetti Western" as one review called it.  It ran for about 3 years as a midnight show where John Lennon was so inspired by this film that he bought the rights to get it a wider distribution.

A year later in 1968 was George R. Romero's now classic film Night of the Living Dead. A low budget feature originally thought of as an exploitation film, but soon found audiences who saw more as a reflection of the current society with racism, war and revolution. All three seemed to come out through the interpretation of this classic that it soon found its home on the midnight movie circuit.

Films that follow are Pink Flamingos, John Waters tasteless, but absolutely hysterical film about the sickest people in the world. The depravity and filth that audiences reacted to were actually a welcome part of the experience. In that time was The Harder They Come, the Jamaican film starring Jimmy Cliff, which was an entirely new experience in cinema as new lands were being seen which also ushered in new styles of music.

In addition is the Queen of Midnight Movies, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which continues today in various parts of the country playing at midnight. It was considered the first time that the audience not only embraced the film, but took it away from the screen and the audience became the show. 

Lastly is David Lynch's Eraserhead which was embraced by the Elgin Theater and had a run of about 2 years. It was distant in its own way from the previous midnight movie hits due to its isolative atmosphere, however, it maintained professional and audience support throughout.

What made this documentary rise above others is that each film was highlighted with each director present and talking about their experience getting in on the midnight circuit. It was very exciting to hear Lynch, Waters, Jodorowsky and others describe what they did to get the movie made and the reactions they had to the audience response when going to see the films.

 The midnight movie scene is not the same as going to a blockbuster or a regular popular film, but rather there was the audience that made the film. The atmosphere was almost a change in consciousness in itself where the people in the theater would clap, cheer, hoot and holler at the screen throughout the film, optimizing the experience. This is furthered by the fact that these films ran for clips of years rather than months.

The most unfortunate part of this documentary was that there were not other films considered. Others were mentioned very briefly, but it ultimately focused on these 6 films which, seemed to be the staples of the midnight cinematic life. There are no special features or extras, but not sure what they would include in this either.

Overall, running at 86 minutes, its an excellent documentary that gives each film full treatment and consideration and not sidestepping one for another. With some news clips from the era as well as contextual media from the time period of what was happening in the rest of the world rounded this film nicely. It ends of course with the demise of the midnight showings as VHS was ushered in to remove the experience of going out amongst the people. As Roger Ebert states, "There is nothing sadder than seeing The Rocky Horror Picture Show in your own home alone." If you have not seen any of these films, this documentary is a great springboard for inspiration.

 

 You may also purchase these films at these affiliates: