Definition:
A "B movie" is a low-budget, commercially-made film, typically produced for the secondary half of a double feature. They are characterized by:
* Low Budget: The most defining feature. Limited funds impact everything from casting to special effects to production quality.
* Short Production Schedule: Time is money, so these movies are often shot very quickly.
* Genre Focus: Often exploit popular genres like science fiction, horror, westerns, action, and exploitation. This is because genre conventions allow for shortcuts and appeal to specific audiences.
* Exploitation Elements: Often feature sex, violence, and sensationalism to attract attention. This can be in the form of blood and gore, nudity, outlandish plots, or controversial topics.
* Lower-Tier Talent (Often): While exceptions exist, B movies often feature actors early in their careers, actors past their prime, or actors known primarily for B movie roles. The same often goes for directors and crew.
* Simple Storytelling: The plot often involves a clear hero and villain, with the focus on delivering action and thrills.
* Marketed to a Niche Audience: They were often targeted at a specific demographic (young people, drive-in movie attendees, etc.).
In essence, B movies were made to fill out movie bills and generate profit without requiring huge investments or elaborate marketing campaigns.
Historical Context:
The term "B movie" originates from the double-feature format prevalent in movie theaters during the Golden Age of Hollywood (roughly the 1930s to the 1950s). The "A movie" was the main attraction, while the "B movie" served as a supporting feature. The advent of television and the decline of the double feature largely phased this system out.
Examples:
Here are some well-known examples, categorized by genre:
* Science Fiction:
* *Plan 9 from Outer Space* (1957): Ed Wood's notoriously bad, yet strangely beloved, sci-fi "classic."
* *Attack of the 50 Foot Woman* (1958): A giantess rampages.
* *The Blob* (1958): A classic of low-budget horror/sci-fi.
* *Robot Monster* (1953): Remembered for its absurd use of a diving suit as the robot costume.
* Horror:
* *Night of the Living Dead* (1968): George A. Romero's groundbreaking zombie film, made on a shoestring budget.
* *Evil Dead* (1981): Sam Raimi's splattery horror-comedy that launched a franchise.
* *Basket Case* (1982): A bizarre and gory film about a man carrying around his deformed conjoined twin brother.
* Exploitation:
* *Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!* (1965): Russ Meyer's hyper-violent and sexually charged exploitation film.
* *I Spit on Your Grave* (1978): A controversial rape-revenge film.
* *Death Race 2000* (1975): A dystopian action film with dark humor.
* Western:
* Many of the low-budget Westerns starring actors like Lash LaRue, Sunset Carson, and Bob Steele fall into this category.
* Action:
* *Miami Connection* (1987): A cult classic martial arts film with an utterly insane plot.
* *They Live* (1988): John Carpenter's sci-fi action film with a strong message about consumerism and social control.
Key Characteristics Often Found in B-Movies:
* Camp: An exaggerated or theatrical style, often unintentionally funny.
* Cheesy Special Effects: Low budgets often mean subpar visual effects.
* Over-the-Top Performances: Actors sometimes compensate for weak material with exaggerated acting.
* Pulp Fiction Influences: Stories and characters often draw heavily from pulp magazines and comic books.
* Atmosphere: The visual style of a B-movie might be quite specific, like dark, foggy, or gritty.
Legacy:
B movies have had a significant and lasting impact on cinema:
* Cult Following: Many B movies have developed dedicated cult followings. Their flaws and eccentricities become part of their appeal.
* Training Ground: B movies have served as a starting point for many filmmakers and actors who went on to achieve mainstream success (e.g., Roger Corman produced and/or directed early films by Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, and others).
* Genre Innovation: B movies often experimented with genres and themes that mainstream Hollywood wouldn't touch. They pushed boundaries and explored taboo subjects.
* Influence on Mainstream Cinema: The visual style and themes of B movies have influenced many mainstream filmmakers (e.g., Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, etc.)
* Appreciation of Low-Budget Filmmaking: B movies demonstrate that creativity and ingenuity can overcome budgetary limitations. They inspire independent filmmakers to make movies with limited resources.
* Platform for Diverse Voices: B-movies sometimes provided opportunities for women and minorities to work in the film industry, which were often limited in the A-movie sector.
In summary:
B movies are more than just cheap films. They are a unique and influential part of film history, representing a certain type of filmmaking where creativity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to take risks are essential. They provide entertainment and a glimpse into the counterculture.