★★★★½

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Written by Dalton Welsh - June 9, 2020

The cult classic status of 70’s musical, horror, romance, comedy, drama “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is undoubtedly enigmatic given the utter brashness, crassness and absurdity of its characters and story. This is not to say that one is confused why people enjoy the film, quite the contrary. The fact that such an abrasive and bizarre film has managed to enchant and break into the mainstream is cause for celebration. Nonetheless, director Jim Sharman has constructed a film that is genuinely fantastic, with the outlandishness of its contents acting as the icing on top, making for a delightful viewing experience.

One cannot possibly begin to explore the positive attributes of Rocky Horror without mentioning the tyrannical display by lead actor Tim Curry as Frank N. Furter. Hypnotic would possibly be the best word to describe it, his command of the role coming as a result of Curry having played Furter many times previous on stage. Making for an exuberantly theatrical performance, fitting of the films tone. Rarely do actors get the chance to perfect their performance of a character to such an extent, but the engrossment in the mind of the character by Curry shines so brightly through his performance. The manic, unrelenting, and unpredictable nature of Furter makes every scene he’s in all the more engaging. While the other actors are certainly performing well, despite some cheesy lines and deliveries, Curry simply can’t help but steal the show. Then there are the visuals, the colours of the film are ever so vibrant, particularly the constant revisiting of pink, complimenting the light blues as well as the deep reds. Additionally, the design of the production and costumes gives the film a zany and almost psychedelic feel.

The concepts and ideas that are framed by these designs and performances are another great attribute. The film confronts notions concerning sexual identity and expression, while it does not dwell greatly on them, it adds a greater depth to the story, and must have been particularly provocative at the time of its release in 1975. Furthermore, this successful challengement of taboos and norms of sexual exploration are likely a large contributor to how the film has continued to resonate with audiences and draw in new fans.

Of course, being a musical, one must speak to the music of the film. While I personally wouldn’t listen to the film’s music independent from it, when it is paired with the excellent production and performances, they work in harmony to further elevate the viewing experience. One would have thoroughly enjoyed all the music if not for the unfathomable frequency at which we’ve had to hear the time warp played over the years since the films release. Nonetheless, the songs, while not masterpieces, are effectively exhilarating and are a welcomed addition to the film. They are also greatly distinguishable from other musicals not just through the heavier rock influence, but by the quirkiness in which the actors, particularly Curry, perform them. 

As for negatives surrounding the film, perhaps the opening scenes of the film are a little slow, and there are brief moments throughout where the story begins to drag, but these are very minor issues. Frankly, the comparative tameness of the opening scenes of the film make the bonkers, dream like and invigorating third act all the more rewarding to watch and gives a greater sense of the truly insane journey we’ve just experienced.

So, with an iconic performance from Tim Curry, accompanied by zany and vibrant scenery, director Sharman has been able to craft an audacious film that is worthy of its great praise amongst its cult fanbase. One can hope that its unapologetic kookiness will encourage both audiences and filmmakers alike to try something a bit more daring and outside of their comfort zone.