The Rocky Horror Picture Show
This past week, I decided to watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I feel like I can confidently say that this is THE cult classic film, as it pretty much coined the term with its cult following that formed after its release. The tradition around the movie started in the 70s- which still exists today- is that it is screened exclusively at midnight, and its viewers shout back at the screen and perform rituals before, during, and after the playing of the film.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show was released in 1975 in a post Stonewall-riot world, where LGBTQ representation was leaning away from trying to fit into the status quo and instead accepting and embellishing the community's differences from society. This movie represents that change in perspective, in which it spoofs classic horror movies, where the two heterosexual, "normal" protagonists, Janet and Brad, wander into a haunted mansion in search of a phone in order to replace their flat tire, where evil aliens from the "Planet Transsexual from Transylvania" reside. And instead of the main "villain" (though he was by far my favorite character and has now become the most iconic figure from the film) wanting to kill the protagonists, he wants to seduce them. The film is satirizing the "gay agenda" and society's perceived dangers of it, playing up the idea of LGBTQ people being "unnatural." This is partly why this movie has become such a cult classic, because it became an important part of LGBTQ spaces starting in the 70s, where individualism and separatism was more emphasized.
In terms of plot-well- it's best to just go with the flow. It doesn't make entire sense? It's definitely a lot of fun, but people aren't watching this movie to pick apart the plot with a fine-tooth comb. But, the basic progression is that Janet and Brad, newly engaged, get lost in a forest with a flat tire and enter a strange mansion for help, where they witness strange people dancing and partying to the "time warp song," meet Riff Raff, Columbia, Magenta, and most importantly, Dr. Frank N Furter, "The Sweet Transvestite from Planet Transsexual Transylvania." (The movie's words, not mine). He invites the couple up to his lab to unveil his creation, which is this muscular man created by putting rainbow colors on a mummy (gay agenda), named "Rocky Horror." Later that night, Dr. Frank N Furter seduces both Janet and Brad separately, and they taste "the forbidden fruit." Also, Janet has sex with Rocky Horror. Frank gets enraged about this and turns Brad, Janet, Rocky, Columbia and this other character that would take too long to explain, into stone. Then there's a "Radio Show" where the people who turned to stone are yassified and dance with Dr. Frank N Furter. Then, Riff Raff and Magenta kill Dr. Frank N Furter, Columbia, and Rocky, as they are fed up with the human world, and they head back to planet Transsexual. Janet and Brad are left crawling on the remains of Earth. Makes perfect sense, right?
Anyway, this movie was a lot of fun. Weird but fun. Also, the budget of the movie was obviously very low, but it honestly added a lot. I would definitely recommend watching this movie! Just a warning: there are sexual themes and some suggestive scenes. Also, it's a musical. That's all for this week!
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