I know, when it rains it pours with these movie blogs. But I've watched a total of four movies this weekend. I've already posted about one in the past. I just posted about another. And here goes for the third movie I've seen this weekend... Rocky Horror Picture Show!... This movie is not brand new but it is an experience every time I watch it. Especially when you see it performed LIVE!
Okay, so this film is an icon. Made in the 70's, the film is about a recently engaged, straight-laced (and slightly frigid) couple named Brad and Janet as they stumble upon a castle in the middle of nowhere and are brought into a musical world of sexually charged aliens! It's not as corny as it seems...well, maybe it is? The movie has lasted for so long because of its taboo nature and interactive audience fandom.
And when you see it in theaters with a live cast, it is a whole new experience. I mean, personally, I would suggest seeing the movie first before you go that way you're not distracted trying to figure out the storyline while people are running around in lingerie and swearing obscenities and throwing objects in the air.
It also depends on the cast and the audience whether you're going to become obsessed with going to the live performances. From my usual Saturday showing cast, they reenact the film all around the audience with limited props, key actors and several well-placed shouting audience members. You eventually get into the swing of the world once you've been enough times so you can shout along with the audience and security.
So, what is the movie about exactly? Why is it so taboo? Well, the owner of the castle is named Frank-N-Furter; played by Tim Curry, Frank dresses in fishnets, high heels, pearls and a black corset throughout the film, often gender-bending and seeking any opportunity to throw out sexual advances. Frank's most popular song is Sweet Transvestite where explaining being a transexual from the planet Transelvania. In addition to Frank, handyman/ hunchback butler Riff-Raff (played by the writer/director Richard O'Brien) and Riff Raff's maid of a sister Magenta (Patricia Quinn) round out the alien cast. The house is also accompanied by Columbia (played by Little Nell) whose story is not really described...at least I don't think she's an alien? Anyway, Frank builds a monster named Rocky to basically be his sexual pet. Janet and Brad both succumb to Frank's ways and give themselves over to absolute pleasure. In addition, Janet and Rocky hook up while also involving a motorcyclist named Eddie (played by singer Meatloaf) and some cannibalism.
Honestly, for being a movie with so much sexual energy, it does not have a lot of nudity...plaster statues are naked and you see Little Nell's nipples a few times. It is just the word play and sexual situations that drive the R-rating. But when you see it in theaters live...the sexual vulgarity is heightened by at least 110%. Again, however, it depends on the cast.
Few things to note:
Go with a good sense of humor.
If it is your first time, be sure to let them know that when they ask you in the beginning. You will get your virginity back for one night and it is worth it. I don't care how many times you've see it on DVD. If you are new to seeing it live, you are considered a "virgin" for that showing.
Whenever Brad introduces himself, always scream out "asshole" the same goes for Janet "slut".
You throw a piece of toast when Frank gives a toast.
You wear a newspaper on your head when Janet is walking in the rain and puts the newspaper over her head.
When they do the Time Warp...get out of your seat and do the freaking Time Warp dance.
Always stay out of the aisles for the performers and never throw anything at them.
My favorite part is when the first and last rows have a yelling match in the beginning of the film...but I don't know if that is for every theater.
And, I just heard a cute one last night...when they do the Nazi signs every time Dr. Scott or the flag are mentioned, someone needs to stand up and innocently wave "hi Kyle" after they complete. It's cute...but mostly because my little sister did it last night.
The movie is a 9.9/10
Seeing it live is a 9/10 experience
The music is a 10/10
The sequel?....has been sitting in my DVD collection for over 5 years and yet I have yet to watch it.
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