It’s time to do the Time Warp again; the lips live on, redder than ever. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is still the weirdest film out there, even after more than 25 years. Unlike many films, such as Driving Miss Daisy, which are heralded with praise and awards upon their release, Rocky Horror has taken a much different route. After initially being a box office dud, this tale of a mad transvestite doctor and his musical cohorts has, over the years, become a quintessential movie experience.
In the middle of a dark and stormy night, virginal all-American couple Janet ( Susan Sarandon) and Brad (Barry Bostwick) blow a tire in the middle of nowhere. They stumble their way through the pouring rain and end up on the doorstep of a spooky mansion.
Inside, they meet the mad Dr. Frank-N-Furter ( Tim Curry) and his many strange friends. They arrive just in time to see the unveiling of the transvestite doctor’s beefcake creation — Rocky. It’s not long before the once innocent Brad and Janet are wearing kinky leather clothes and carrying out sexual fantasies with Frank.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is truly one-of-a-kind. I don’t know of any other B-movie horror musicals out there. Numerous catchy musical numbers, tastefully kinky costume design and downright bizarre characters make for one unforgettable movie experience. Originally a popular British stage play, the initial reaction to the film version was virtually nil. Over the years, though, the film evolved into a midnight tradition in many movie theatres, offering audience members a chance to literally get in on the fun. Whether it’s throwing rice at the screen during the wedding scene, dressing up in drag or singing along with Frank and the gang, there’s nothing like it.
Tim Curry is delightful as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. With his monster high heels, thick eye shadow and lush red lipstick, he plays the part to perfection. Susan Sarandon does a fine job in her big screen debut alongside Barry Bostwick as the naïve couple. The rest of the cast, which includes rocker Meatloaf, is delightful and fun too.
The charm of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is its sheer craziness and originality. It’s an unlikely combination of equal parts early sci-fi, comedy, horror and musical that somehow meshes together and ultimately works. It’s likely you’ll have strong feelings toward the film, either positive or negative. Love it or hate it, this is a trip you’re likely never going to forget.
