The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

I don't know exactly how I discovered The Rocky Horror Picture Show as cult movies weren't something I'd watch. I just know that, when I first watched it, many years ago (I believe I still was in my teens), I was not ready for it but I loved it nevertheless. Since I'm doing this Horror October thing, I figured it was time to rewatch it. 

The film follows Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), a newly engaged couple whose car broke down in the middle of nowhere during a rainstorm, and, while seeking a telephone, stumbled upon the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a transvestite from transsexual Transylvania. From then on, a series of weird and bizarre things begins to happen.

The plot is wacky, silly and makes absolutely no sense, but it still has to offer more than most movies nowadays as it is one of the most interesting and original plot you'll ever see, and you'll be drawn so much into it that you won't even care about all the nonsense going on.

The characters are just as weird and absurd as the plot, if not even more. But they also are funny and lovely; you won't judge any of them, no matter how insane or wrong are the things they do, but, on the contrary, you will feel sympathy for each one of them.

Dr. Frank-N-Furter is arguably the most intriguing and insane of the bunch. He is an evil person but you won't be mad at him for his awful actions, you'll feel sorry for him as he is just a lonely, unhappy person/alien seeking love and approval. Tim Curry's performance is nothing short of spectacular. He dominates the film every single time he's on the screen; he is funny, delivers his lines perfectly and his singing is amazing. But most of all, I don't know what it is, he is so sexy in drag, it's confusing (I'm a straight woman, fyi).

20the Century Fox
Although they are not as fabulous as the transvestite from transsexual Transylvania, the supporting characters too are delightful and the rest of the cast does a pretty good job. A young Susan Sarandon is an absolute treat --not only her performance as Janet is great, but her voice is so cute and Disney-like that makes the film even weirder. Barry Bostwick is just lovely as the nerdy Brad. Richard O'Brien --he wrote the stage show-- is terrific as Riff Raff, the handyman. Patricia Quinn and Little Nell too are mesmerizing in their roles of maid Magenta and groupie Columbia respectively.

As for the musical aspect, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is pretty much flawless. The songs not only are catchy and stuck with you long after you finished watching the movie, but they are an integral part of the film as they advance the plot. The musical numbers are inventive, energetic, entertaining and a lot of fun.

And let's not forget about the costumes, makeup and set. They are strange and quirky, they are colourful and transmit happiness. They are hypnotic.

9 comments :

  1. I need to rewatch this myself. It's been years since I've sat down and rally watched it. To your experience, this isn't the type of cult movie that's difficult to discover. I honestly thinks it's a cult film in label only because it's so widely loved it's really a pop culture icon and it's everywhere, all the time.

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    1. I think that applies for most of the world. Here in Italy this film is unfortunately overlooked.

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  2. I love this film. It's definitely so fun to watch and it's a true rock n' roll film.

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  3. IL mio sogno (ormai quasi trentennale) รจ di vederlo al cinema, al Mexico di Milano: unica sala italiana che lo programma ininterrottamente dal 1981! :)

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    1. A me piacerebbe da morire vederlo a teatro.

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  4. I love this movie. I really hope I get the opportunity to go to one of those midnight showings where everyone dresses up and gets really into it. That would be so fun.

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    1. I read about those showing on IMDb and I love to go too. I can't even imagine what a wonderful experience it'd be.

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  5. Awesome review! Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of my favorites, even if halfway through I kind of feel like I'm high because of how original it is.

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