The (Drag) Queen of Cult

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – A Review

Director ~ Jim Sharman

Producer ~ Michael White

Writers ~ Richard O’Brian (original screenplay), Jim Sharman (adapted)

Starring ~ Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O’Brian, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, Jonathan Adams, Peter Hinwood, Meat loaf

This is probably the quintessential cult film; flopped at the box office, insanely devoted fan following, bizarre story and outrageous characters. Based on the musical by Richard O’ Brian, it is one of the strangest films I have ever seen and I loved every minute of it.

The plot follows a young, engaged couple, Brad and Janet, who knock on the door of Frank-N-Furter’s castle when their car breaks down in the pouring rain. They get quickly sucked into the crazed madness of Transylvania, losing their naïve innocence along the way. The film plays homage to old sci-fi and horror B-movies, and is a celebration of the ‘unconventional conventionalists’ of the world. The plot is a jumble most of the time and the acting is over the top but there is something hypnotic in its lack of boundaries and gaudy trashiness. The film’s messages about acceptance, through its very liberal views on sexuality, praises people’s differences in an unpretentious, joyous way and is one reason why this film has such a huge fan base. Tim Curry’s role as Frank-N-Furter has become iconic, and many of its songs, such as ‘Time Warp’ have stood the test of time.

The main reason that this film achieved such a large following was because of the decision to screen it at midnight during the 70s after it had performed so badly upon its initial release. Audience members began dressing up, talking back at the screen and throwing things during performances turning the film into a phenomenon. After years of wanting to go to a live viewing, I finally got the chance for my friend, Tom’s, birthday. Me, him and his boyfriend, Josh, got all dressed up and we took ourselves down to Leicester Square to finally get the full 'Rocky Horror' experience. We went to the Prince Charles Cinema, joining a host of eccentrically clad fanatics to watch the film. 

And it was incredible. The yelling, the singing along, the crazy, crazy costumes, the sheer unadulterated fun, all made it a night that I will never forget. I recommend it to anyone, as whether you are a fan of the film or not, I dare you not to have an amazing time. 

Favourite Quotes ~

Magenta: I'm lucky, he's lucky, we're all lucky! 

Frank: A mental mind fuck can be nice.

Magenta: I ask for nothing! 
Frank: And you shall receive it, IN ABUNDANCE! 

Frank: So come up to the lab and see what's on the slab. I see you shiver with antici...pation. 

Frank: It's not easy having a good time! Even smiling makes my face ache!

Dr. Everett Scott: This sonic transducer, it is I suppose some kind of audio-vibratory-physio-molecular transport device?