There’s a book coming out called 100 Cult Films.

Its authors count mainstream, major-studio products such as It’s a Wonderful Life and The Wizard of Oz among their pantheon of “cult” classics.

And, aside from treating all six Star Wars films as one work, the two authors list nothing made since 2003 (represented by The Room, Tommy Wiseau’s failed domestic drama later re-issued with a “so bad it’s good” angle).

Has nothing of late gained an avid-enough niche audience to be considered “cult”? And if not, why?

One might suggest a few potential reasons:

• Quentin Tarantino’s distillation of the low-budget action film into the now moribund formula of ironic “hip violence.”
• The big studios’ usurption of what had been cult-film subject matter, in search of multiplex- and sequel-friendly “franchises.”
• The proliferation of direct-to-video product marketed AS wink-nudge camp (see The Room as mentioned above; or better yet, don’t see it).

But I would suggest a deeper reason: the collapse of showmanship, of sincere, high-energy entertainment delivered with gusto. That’s all been replaced by rote formulae intended to appeal to demographic targets.

It will take the true independent filmmakers to bring real showmanship back.

To them I advise: Put your heart and soul into your works. And really mean what you say and do. Even, nay especially, when you’re making light comedy.