Cult Filmmakers: 50 Movie Mavericks You Need to Know and an Intro' to Indie Film Directors: An Overview

Cult Filmmakers: 50 Movie Mavericks You Need to Know is a recent release from author Ian Haydn Smith and White Lion Publishing. Illustrated by Kristelle Rodeia, the book consists of one hundred and fourty-four pages. Released this past September, this fairly small book covers many of the greatest names in the indie directing world. From French director Gaspar Noe (Enter the Void, 2009) to Korean director Park Chan-Wook (Oldboy, 2003), many of the names in this release will be known by film fans and cinephiles. Never pretentious, Cult Filmmakers does bring a few social justice terms to the table. But, this book is not about progressivism. Instead, this is a good starter book for those venturing into first year film school, or for those looking for an intro' to filmmakers, in general.

At one hundred and fourty-four pages, this is some light reading. The book could be read in a sitting or two as at least half of the book is filled with imagery from Paris based illustrator Rodeia. The images are often light and full of muted colour. Canadian director David Cronenberg (The Fly, 1986) is shown with strange body parts and creatures, appropriate for a filmmaker known for his body horror. Often shown in light greens and greys, the pictures bring something a bit comical to this release.

An Example of the artwork.

On the writing and info, Smith looks at each director with an analytical eye. Smith never goes too deep on any one of these filmmakers and most are covered with just a page or two. So, there is just enough time to introduce readers to each person's work in film, their style and their general approach to filmmaking. As well, terms like "pansexual" are used to describe some of Gregg Araki's work, or "gender provocateur" in reference to Anna Biller (Viva, 2007). These terms are meant to flush out some of the directors. And, this not a book that focuses on social justice. However, terms like "feminist crusader (Lizzie Borden)" and "female representation" does remind the reader that this book is not just about delivering information. It is a book about exploring different ideas in filmmaking.

Cult Filmmakers was recently released through White Lion Publishing. This account is great for those unfamiliar with the indie filmmaking world. For those already doused in this universe, the material can seem a bit on the light side. A great coffee table book, or a great writing to start a conversation on filmmaking, Cult Filmmakers delivers enough on each filmmaker for those interested in starting their own film careers. Never dull, this release will also give insight into other lesser known sub-genres of film: like Blaxploitation or the aforementioned body horror. And, Cult Filmmakers might even introduce readers to filmmakers they have never heard of before.

More on the book at Quarto Knows: Cult Filmmakers Publishing Details

The book is available now at Amazon:




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