{"id":20887,"date":"2024-04-16T16:14:17","date_gmt":"2024-04-17T00:14:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/westernhowl\/?p=20887"},"modified":"2024-04-16T16:15:02","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T00:15:02","slug":"cult-classic-baby-returns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/westernhowl\/cult-classic-baby-returns\/","title":{"rendered":"Cult classic baby returns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Written by: Lili Minato | Freelancer<\/span><\/p>\n

Black and white scenes, an atmospheric droning soundtrack and beautifully intriguing cinematic designs make the 1977 David Lynch film, \u201cEraserhead,\u201d an instant classic for those interested in arthouse films, and, throughout the years, the movie has gained a cult following of Lynchian fans.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, the fan focus has shifted towards the unusual premature baby that plays a main role in the film. The infant, who is usually referred to as \u201cEraserhead Baby,\u201d but was also lovingly nicknamed \u201cSpike\u201d by the cast and crew of the film, has begun to capture the attention of many younger film buffs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The baby\u2019s abnormal appearance \u2014 which was inspired by a calf fetus \u2014 and his distressing storyline have restructured the hearts of many. These young adults have taken to social media to share their appreciation and maternal instincts for the newly born baby boy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A multitude of videos, posts and art \u2014 all in honor of the Eraserhead baby \u2014 have been shared across platforms such as TikTok and Tumblr. Some of the content includes users yearning to be the baby\u2019s mother, while others question the love that people have for such a monstrous infant.<\/span><\/p>\n

In some drawings and photo edits that were posted, the baby can be seen interacting with famous characters from other fictional shows and movies \u2014 such as Fox Mulder from \u201cThe X-Files,\u201d or Finn the Human from \u201cAdventure Time.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The unconditional love and admiration for the Eraserhead baby represents a wonderful example of the infatuation with the strange and unusual, as well as the fondness and empathy for the underdog character.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While watching \u201cEraserhead,\u201d one may feel disgusted and repulsed by the subject matter, but to others, the film \u2014 and the baby \u2014 may have a larger impact.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One may see themselves in the baby: just a small, weak entity that rarely receives love and compassion. Others may find themselves wanting to take care of the infant, to give it life and meaning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The beauty of \u201cEraserhead,\u201d is that it has an unknown message. The film is up for the viewer\u2019s interpretation. An audience member may see themselves in the movie, while another may not. The film camouflages into different meanings depending on who\u2019s watching it \u2014 this phenomenon also occurs with the Eraserhead baby himself. The baby is up for interpretation just as the movie is, which makes him so accessible to fans. He is a mysterious and intriguing character, which allows for \u201cEraserhead\u201d fans to latch on and become easily attached to him. He could be a malevolent figure or a sweet and innocent one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Either way, the Eraserhead baby has infatuated viewers. Whether it be from the introspective interpretations of the infant or if it\u2019s just his silly look and demeanor, the film \u2014 and the baby \u2014 will continue to have a cult following for years to come.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Contact the author at lminato22@mail.wou.edu.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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