The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

This week’s contextual studies lecture was on cult classics, followed by a viewing on the rocky horror picture show. Walking into this viewing I actually had no idea what to expect as I'd only seen small clips of different stage versions before, but I was not left disappointed.

The eccentric set is the first thing that stood out to me, especially the laboratory. I found the scene where Frank n Furter is chasing Rocky around the lab had an effect that the room was infinite- with the odd looped walkway and balcony around the lab. It gave me the impression that there was no way out of that room- and potentially out of the castle- everything was connected like an endless loop. I also was taken aback by this set as it was so different to the previous sets in the castle- the colours and furnishing went from very grand and busy to a much more clinical and pastel set.

I also really enjoyed learning how audiences reacted to Rocky Horror- especially in terms of the interactivity. I’ve never known another production to have audiences answering back and joining in on the singing and dancing and it put into perspective for me as to how influential the film really is. I also love how the film celebrates individuals’ differences- with many of the characters being considered outcasts. The film has a subversive portray of sexuality and gender for its time and I love how as a result it created a liberating space for the LGBTQ+ community.

Overall, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is crazy, weird and like nothing I’ve seen before. I really enjoyed learning about what impact it has had for the past 30 years and I now view it as an extremely important part of cinema.