The Rocky Horror Picture Show Presents a Welcome Message to Weirdos, Freaks and Those Different
The sun was sinking low in the sky, and I stood on a construction site talking to an awesome fellow. On paper, the man was a millionaire, he was short, cursed a lot, was very happy, loved his motorcycle (and driving it very fast), and was rough around the edges. He was a construction site foreman by the name I’ll give, “Dave.” I, on the other hand, am a thousand-aire on paper, I’m short too, don’t curse, can’t get a motorcycle to move 10 feet much less drive one fast around mountain curves, and at the time was a security guard. I remember a lot of conversations, but one in particular. He mentioned a passion of his was The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He raved about it and encouraged me to see a live showing of.
The lengthy description and contrast of our persons was presented for a reason. At the time, I had not seen this film much less a live showing. This changed for me recently, and I understand why “Dave” so passionately enjoyed this artistic movie. Here’s the thing, had I seen the movie at that point of our conversation, we could have discussed it and both found common ground in enjoying it. It has a way of bringing people together, especially those who are different, odd, weird, etc. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has developed the cult following that it has because of this ability. It embraces those who are different and presents the message that its ok to be so. In fact, it even suggests the idea that trying new things may allow you to find that you enjoy them.
You can read more about why this movie is iconic in an article from 2022 by Vincent Cotroneo titled “Here’s What Made The Rocky Horror Picture Show So Iconic” here. I found this article very enlightening. In fact, reading it allowed me to see this movie in a different light that allowed me to enjoy it. I’ll explain more below.
What’s the Plot of The Rocky Horror Picture Show? Who Knows? Who Cares?
Plot matters sometimes and sometimes it does not. In this case, the plot is not so much the focus of the film. More so, the focus is on the underlying message of the film. Two people who are engaged to be married are taking a trip together. It’s a rainy night and “Horror” is in the title so naturally something will go wrong. Their vehicle’s tire blows out and they have no spare. Surprise, surprise the closest house for them to use a telephone is a castle. The door creaks open by a man who talks and resembles Igor from the Frankenstein movies. Once inside, they find a mad house of singing and dancing people who reminded me of Andy Warhol. Everyone in the house is strange, especially the “Master” whose name is Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The only two “normal” people are Brad and Janet, the 2 engaged to be married.
Throughout several sections of song and dance, you learn that Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who is played by Tim Curry, is from another planet. Yes, I said it, “Song and Dance” because The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a musical. Maybe it was just me, but the movie was creepy during the tire blowout seen. The outbreak of song is what took the creepy edge off. Dr. Frank-N-Furter is building a monster named “Rocky” who is a very fit man instead of a monster with bolts on his neck and wearing platform shoes. Dr. Frank-N-Furter has made a scientific discovery that turns people into statues. Finally, after Dr. Frank-N-Furter reanimates the statues, they join in song and dance for a final performance. Aliens then arrive to take the doctor back to his home planet. Unwilling to leave, Dr. Frank-N-Furter and some others are killed. The “normal” people are released to normal life.
None of this really matters. The message of acceptance and trying new things is what matters. Who cares about the plot in this movie?
Homage Paid to Old Sci-fi
“Dr. Frank-N-Furter” is clearly a reference to “Dr. Frankenstein” and the butler from Rocky Horror Picture Show calls Dr. Frank-N-Furter “Master.” This too is clearly a reference to Igor. Of course, he is resurrecting a monster in a castle named Rocky. Here again, we are seeing Mary Shelly’s story played out. Finally, Magenta, later in the film, has hair that has the iconic white stripes like that of Frankenstein’s bride. Oakley Court is a Victorian gothic country home in England and was used as the castle (Rocky Horror Wiki, 2022). Many other movies are referenced too. For instance, Rope, Tarzan and the Ape Man, The Night of the Hunter, The Curse of Frankenstein, and countless films in the opening song “Science Fiction / Double Feature” (Rocky Horror Wiki, 2022). You can read more about this on the Rocky Horror Wiki page here.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Soundtrack makes the movie Worth Seeing All by Itself!
Keeping up with actors for the sake of keeping up with actors is not something I tend to do, but I was familiar with Tim Curry from his infamous role as the OG Pennywise the Dancing Clown from the original It. I had no idea that he was in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and certainly no idea that he could sing. Tim Curry can really sing, and I mean sing well. The last song he performs called “I’m Going Home” was my favorite and was added to my playlist. Here’s another musical contribution certainly worth noting, Meat Loaf. Yes, his vocals are very present in The Rocky Horror Picture Show as well. Did I fail to mention that The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a musical? I’ll say it again, it is a musical, so you get a lot of singing.
Set Design was as Strange as the Film
No idea who was responsible for the sets in this movie but kudos to them. Articulating what I’m thinking is going to be tricky here. The sets were surreal and strange. I felt like this movie took place inside of a piece of modern art. The elevator was old school like from Child’s Play with the grate door. There was a tank holding the monster which had rainbow water. There were banquets, Broadway style shows with neon lights and banners that reminded me of old Zenith advertisements. Beds were veiled and stage lights were moving around. There were ornate show curtains and the gothic interior of the home used contrasted well. All of this came together perfectly as the abode of the mad scientist/singer, Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
I really felt artistic vibes from this movie. The background was loud, lavish, and drawing. The costumes were another piece that stood out. There were sequins, loud makeup (on everyone), top hats, heels, and a lot more. Some people wore a lot more costume than others too. It’s really a lot to take in and I honestly don’t think that someone could in one pass. It calls for many more viewings. The vision that the writers and producers had for this movie, which I understand was originally a play, held true to the original roots. I read somewhere that this is the leading reason that it has been as successful as it has – Hollywood didn’t change it. From the sets to the story, to the costumes and the score, love it or hate it, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a work of art.
My Closing Thoughts
My initial impression after the end credits rolled was not good. I thought that it was an interesting movie, and it was a work of art. I could see why people would be interested and why it might hold a place in history but, I didn’t consider it my cup of tea. I suppose that since there were no chainsaws and mask wearing killers or vampires that it wasn’t for me. But I was wrong. This movie is certainly for me. Here’s what I mean.
I try not to be close minded in my life and this leads one to research. I read about The Rocky Horror Picture Show and read into why it is a “cult classic” today. I wanted to know what drives people to love it like they do. Why would someone want to watch this strange musical over and over? How could someone actively look for live shows? Were the live shows even better than the film as I had heard? My quest taught me a lot. Here’s the main takeaway. The message of this movie is that it serves the weirdos, freaks, and odd people. I am one of those people. It is often the curse of an artist. A mentor of mine told me once that artists do not see the world as other people do. He was very right, and it explained a lot about me.
After reading this as the intention of the writers, I looked at The Rocky Horror Picture Show differently. I always hated in school how they taught us about symbolism in movies, etc. I always thought that was garbage, but I have learned and now admit that I was wrong in this thinking. Sometimes a “cigar is just a cigar” as Dr. Freud said, but there are cases where this symbolism is real. Looking at The Rocky Horror Picture Show with these glasses on, it made so much sense. Everyone at the Doctor’s castle is weird and they get along and have fun because of this common ground. The two odd people, who would have been considered normal, end up learning that being different is ok. They even become part of the weirdos in the end. We often learn that trying something new means we might find something we like.
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If you are a fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, tell me why in the comments. Do you recommend seeing a live show? Will it change someone’s opinion even more? What about the live show is better than the movie? Do you know of any upcoming shows or where you can find out about them? Please let us know in the comments.