Review of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) by Andrew M — 31 Oct 2014

Never in the history of film has a movie had a longer theatrical release than The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Based on the 1973 musical stage production, The Rocky Horror Picture Show still plays in limited theatrical release in cities all across the country. It now has an international cult following and serves as the penultimate midnight movie. All this comes with good reason: The Rocky Horror Picture Show is absolutely campy, crazy, and completely bizarre, but to the point where it is strangely hypnotizing in just how odd it is.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show starts out simple enough: newly engaged couple Janet Weiss and Brad Majors are traveling in the woods on a cold and rainy night when they find themselves lost with a flat tire. In need of a telephone and left with no other choice, Janet and Brad turn back and retrace their steps to a castle they remember passing by moments earlier. Upon entering the castle, Janet and Brad stumble upon a group of strangely dressed individuals celebrating an Annual Transylvanian Convention. The couple soon find themselves swept into a musical cast of characters, led by Dr. Frank N. Furter, a "sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania.".

Written by director Jim Sharman and actor Richard O'Brien (who also wrote the stage play), The Rocky Horror Picture Show is, at its core, an homage to the zany horror and science fiction B-movies that were released between the 1930s and the 1970s. With that goal in the mind, Sharman and O'Brien succeed immensely with the film. Like any other B-movie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show includes all of the elements that make them so beloved: scenes of unintentional humor, schlocky, pompous conversations, bizarre characters, and, in this film's case, wacky musical numbers.

Being an adaptation of a musical, the film features a wide variety of song and dance numbers, all of which are insanely catchy and will be stuck in your head for a good while after viewing (whether it be willingly or not). The songs range everywhere from the introductory "Science Fiction/Double Feature" (featuring the ever recognizable red lips) and the cult-favorite "The Time Warp" to Frank N. Furter's aforementioned "Sweet Transvestite" and the 50s rock and roll-esque "Hot Patootie Bless My Soul." All in all, the soundtrack covers a wide range of genres, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick make for a believable couple as Janet and Brad, respectively, even though they are often overshadowed by the crazy cast of Transylvanians. Among the Transylvanians is Richard O'Brien as Frank N. Furter's handyman Riff Raff and Patricia Quinn as Magenta, both of whom look like they're having loads of fun in their respective roles. Also worth noting is Meat Loaf as Eddie, who makes the most of his limited screen time, and Peter Hinwood as the titular, mostly silent Rocky Horror. But the real star of the show is none other than Tim Curry, who returns from his role in the stage production to play Frank N. Furter once again. Curry absolutely owns the role of the sweet transvestite, going the extra mile in all of his wacky mannerisms, including his outrageous singing voice. Even today, the character still stands as the method actor's finest achievement.

The most notable aspect of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, however, is how the film is no longer just a movie: it's an experience. At the midnight showings every weekend, fans dressed as the onscreen characters participate in all sorts of various shenanigans, including dancing along to The Time Warp and throwing various objects, such as rice and water, at the movie screen during certain scenes. Viewing the film while these dedicated "shadow casts" perform is an experience quite like nothing else. Even when the film is watched at home without the audience participation, the very thought of knowing that so many people are dedicated to the movie makes the experience that much more entertaining.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show clearly isn't for everyone, but for those it does appeal to, it is sure to leave a lasting impression. It may even inspire you to find a nearby showing and dress up for yourself. Even for those it doesn't appeal to, it's the kind of movie that is fun to say you've seen, even if you never watch it again. It's completely bizarre, completely insane, completely zany, completely campy, and completely worth seeing.