Skip to content

The worst thing you can do is make a cult movie. That…

“The worst thing you can do is make a cult movie. That means you got three great reviews and nobody went. An art film means it got a lot of good reviews and nobody went. There is no such thing as a counter culture now. What used to be considered that is commercial now.” quote by John Waters
Download Open image
“The worst thing you can do is make a cult movie. That means you got three great reviews and nobody went. An art film means it got a lot of good reviews and nobody went. There is no such thing as a counter culture now. What used to be considered that is commercial now.”

John Waters

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Criticizes low‑budget “cult” movies that attract praise but no audience, noting the shift of counter‑culture to mainstream commercialism

In simple terms: Cult movies get praise but no viewers; counter‑culture is now mainstream

Key Takeaway

Avoid making art solely for critics; aim for genuine audience connection

Themes

art culture commercialism authenticity

Mood

reflective critical

Type

analytical observational

When to use this quote

  • film festivals
  • indie cinema
  • marketing strategies
  • audience engagement

Key Concepts

counter‑culture mainstream audience reception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines a cult film today?
  • How can creators retain authenticity while reaching audiences?
A Different Perspective

Even praised films can fail without audience; balance artistic vision with accessibility

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Waters

Explore all 381 John Waters quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,643 Art quotes