Rocky Horror Picture Show

Two classic squares, Brad and Janet, get a flat tire while going to visit an old professor of theirs. Their only refuge is a castle located in the middle of nowhere, populated by an alien transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank-n-Furter, who is about to finish his greatest creation, a Dolph Lundgren-esque man designed specifically "to relieve his tension," and an unforgettable entourage of eccentric characters. Then, just as Brad and Janet as a result of their encounters begin to shun their square ways and find the simple joys of moral decadence, things get really weird...

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Since my site claims to also have reviews of cult films, it never would have been complete without a write-up of this gem. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is arguably the most famous and well-loved cult film in the history of British and American cinema, and it's not hard to see why. A lot of love and energy went toward the making of this. Everyone on screen seems to be having the time of their lives, and that energy should-and most likely will-reach the audience as well.

That's not to say sheer manic energy is this film's only asset (although I will say that it's most likely its best one). The actors make the most of the bizarre surroundings and hammy dialogue, giving the feel of b-grade acting without inducing groans even among the initiated. But it's Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-n-Furter who, from his opening number Sweet Transvestite to Frank-n-Furter's last stand (despite the movie's obvious non-seriousness, that scene actually got to me), who never fails to steal the show. Watching the characters of Brad and Jenet (portrayted by Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon-yes, that Susan Sarandon) interact with Frank-n-Furter with a perfect blend of moral indignation and complete obliviousness are among the film's highlights.

The musical numbers themselves don't make the pinnacle of rock music, but who cares when they are certainly catchy. While the infamous Time Warp will certainly get to you, Meat Loaf's rock-tribute solo Hot Patootie-Blass My Soul and Tim Curry's rendition of I'm Going Home are also worth remembering.

Between cherishing the music or enjoying the actors enjoying themselves, try to count the many references to rock n' roll, comic book culture, "Flash Gordon," and other classic products of American sub-culture. At times the movie itself feels like a guidebook to "the cool" of the Twentieth Century.

Despite all this praise, the middle part of this movie is a bit slow and muddled, compared to the rest of the film, and according to those who've seen the live version (I, unfortunately, still have yet to experience it), this movie doesn't come all that close to recapturing the live version's essence. This is understandable, since one of the most interesting and vital parts of the live Rocky Horror is the elaborate audience participation; an experience that can't be recreated on the silver screen or in the magic box. Still, though, this is a good adaption and a great film in its own right.


Choice Quotes:

"Didn't we pass a castle back a few miles?"

-Brad

"I see you shiver with antici..........pation."

-Dr. Frank-n-Furter

"What diabolical scheme had seized Frank's crazed imagination?"

-The narrator

Scenes To See:

-The notorious Time Warp!

-Frank-n-Furter's classy entrance

-Janet! Dr. Scott! Brad! Rocky!

-Second best way to carve a turkey

--RIff-raff and Magneta's new costumes

Cast Connections:

Tim Curry (Dr. Frank-n-Furter) and Susan Sarandon (Janet) go without saying....although I suggest you go to the IMDB and take a peek at Tim Curry's filmography....its one of the most interesting and diverse I've seen (he was even on "Captain Planet" for God's sake!)

Barry Bostwick (Brad) now plays Mayor Winston in ABC's sitcom "Spin City."

Patricia Quinn (Magneta) played Livilla in BBC's production of Robert Graves' "I, Claudius" and appeared as Mrs. Williams in Monty Python's The Meaning of Life.

Interestingly, Nell Campbell also played a groupie in the video version of "The Wall." She also appeared in a Ken Russel film, Litzsomania! (Sorry, being a rabid Ken Russel fan and all...)

Amazingly, there's another "I, Claudius" connection...one of the party goes, Christopher Biggins, actually played Nero!