THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW

Transvestites – why do you think they dress up in the way that they do? Is it genetic? Is it something associated with their past? Or yet still, is it just because they like the way they feel draped in flamboyant clothing? Personally speaking, I don’t give a sh*t, just as long as they are happy. And my sentiment is mirrored by Director: Jim Sharman; and Actors: Tim Curry, Richard O’Brian, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick. But only in the year 1975, and for 100 minutes.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

THE STORY:
One dark and stormy night, newly engaged couple, Janet and Robert (Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick), get a puncher on their car, whilst driving to the residence of Roberts Science professor friend, Dr. Everett V. Scott (Jonathan Adams).

In haste, they knock on the door of a gloomy residence nearby, just so that they can ask for assistance. But do they get this? No - afraid not - instead, they are greeting by the butler, Riff Raff, (Richard O'Brien) and the maid, Magenta (Patricia Quinn), before being ushered into the house, and presented to a party hosted by a hedonistic transvestite scientist called Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

Sh*t!

Strangely enough, though, Franks takes an instant liking to both Janet and Robert straight away, and without even acknowledging their plight, he leads them upstairs to his laboratory, and unveils to them his creation, Rocky Horror (Peter Hinwood). Frank is just besotted with Rocky also, and he cannot help but show him off to everyone within view.

But I am afraid to say that their is someone who does not really like this form of exhibitionism? No, not sexy Columbia (Nell Campbell)? But rather her Rock and Roll boyfriend, Eddie (Meat Loaf). Prompting Frank to knock his block off and then retire to his chamber with Rocky for the evening.

Ooops!

Some time later, when all of Frank’s guests go home, and Riff Raff and Magenta are cleaning up after the party, whilst Janet and Robert are sent off to separate bedrooms for a spot of R and R, Frank decides to have some fun. Individually, he is able to worm his way into Janet and Roberts affections, and temps them both into a passionate embrace. However, before he can go too far with this endeavor, Riff Raff tells him that Rocky has escaped from his chamber and interrupts his scheme.

OK, so where is Rocky? Well, he too has also manages to wile his way into the affections of Janet, but this fact isn't revealed until Roberts professor friend – Dr. Scott – show’s up, to confront Frank about his subversive ways. Worst still, is that next – over dinner – it is also revealed that Rock and Roll Eddie, was in fact Dr. Scott’s nephew too.

Oh Boy! Though I suppose that is why that then transpires is a rather long, arduous, and rhythmical affair all in all. As plots are aired – acquaintances are reaffirmed – and a fun time is had by all.

Think of it as a warped fantasy... or even a time-warped fantasy.

THE REVIEW:
Now I have to state before writing this review, that I am not really a big fan of musicals myself. This type of thing just does not adder to my usual grounded sensibilities you see, of plot, structure, and entertainment in general. In the past, whenever I have watched a musical, I would always groan when a character would break out into song at a drop of the hat. However, in the case of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', this was not the case at all.

Conceptually, I found this film to be very enjoyable on an artistic level, and held my groan at bay with its rather perverse, rather simple, and rather outlandish story, that it's trying to convey. Well, it is not everyday that you get to see an alien transvestite ambisexual scientist, sing a song about a man he loves – especially not on a Monday night, HA!

Tim And Two Girls In The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Granted, I am sure that this film would not be everybody’s cup of tea. But at the same time it does have an uncanny ability to charm you into its reality, and I think that it can do this for five simple reasons.

Firstly, most of the songs that are on offer are of a specific genre – that being a Rock and Roll and a David Bowie inspired hybrid – and if you like this type of music, you’re hooked.
Secondly, all the actors on show really do a great job at pulling off the weird, and putting on a song and dance performance. None more so than Tim Curry, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who is a blast – as well as Charles Gray, the narrator, who breaks up the film rather nicely with his bold and captivating commentary.
Thirdly, their is a earthy and grayish aspect to his movie - one about taboo and the absurdity of man-kin.
Fourthly, the plot – even though in a perverse form – is a type of re-imagining of the Mary Shelly classic horror yarn, Frankenstein. Please note, I am not saying that it is exactly like Frankenstein, but in essence – if you take out the surrealist, misogynistic, and musical elements – the overall plot is that of this fabled horror yarn.
And finally (or fifthly for those of you who are still counting) without sounding too unconventional, it is fun film. From start to finish, it is just wall to wall innuendo with a splash of sexual flamboyancy, that on occasion can make you laugh – scream – and shy away from the screen. Here check this out...