‘B’ Movie Or Independent Film?
Despite Subtle Differences, These Flicks Can Be Enjoyed
September 24, 2019
We have all heard of films like Sharknado, Return of the Living Dead, and The Room. Commonly referred to as B movies, these independent films are produced with smaller budgets and don’t have the help of big Hollywood producers.
Most of the time this results in a terrible movie, but every once in a while, a classic will be born. Remember Napoleon Dynamite? That was an independent film. How about Reservoir Dogs? Guess what, it was also an independent film. These films are at least objectively good and are many peoples’ favorite movies.
This proves filmmakers don’t need a large budget or a cast full of A-list actors to make an amazing film.
What stops it from tipping the other way, though? If it’s not money, then what is it?
As Nic Olson, manager of Sterling Six Cinemas in Iola, an Allen Community College alum and amateur playwright, puts it in the interview above: “It’s a small-budget passion project compared to a small-budget time filler.”
This is a perfect way of explaining the difference between a B-movie and an independent film.
Just because B-movies are bad does not mean they aren’t enjoyable, Olson noted. The cheesiness and bad acting will only help make a terrible plot with terrible writing even more fun to watch, especially with a good group of friends.
The movie Fateful Findings, for example, will be, possibly, the worst movie one will ever watch. It is however, a cult classic. The acting is terrible, the plot makes no sense, and the whole production is just unacceptably bad.
As Olson points out, whether it’s a terrible B-movie or an industry-changing independent film, there is room for all kinds of flicks. With the right people and with the right mindset, viewers can find enjoyment from plenty of movies they would normally pass up or never hear of in their lifetime.
In the accompanying video, Olson discusses his appreciation his appreciation for B movies and gives his real-time take on some selected clips.