The first time I ever saw “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” was back in 1993 when the FOX Network in New York decided to air it one Halloween. My brother and I sat down to watch it thinking we were in for a horror movie. And we tuned in to watch the cult musical with the audience following along with every single moment on-screen. Twenty minutes in it was the first time I literally asked “What the fuck is this?” Then I turned the channel and never looked back. Many years later, while I’m not rabid for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” I do tend to appreciate it for being so entertaining and daring.
Tim Curry is one of the few transgender horror icons in existence, and he manages to steal the screen as the enigmatic and seductive Dr. Franken N. Furter. He is a character that inspires people to plot against him, but also rally beside him with his theatrics and unveiling of his monster. Frank N. Furter seems to have found the secret to eternal life, and brings aboard ill fated couple Brad and Janet to help him in his evil deeds. As a film, director Jim Sharman’s premise is about as convoluted and incoherent as you can get. There’s monsters, aliens, transsexuals, frozen motorcycle bikers, and two narrators of the story. But taken on its own rate as a festival of unabashed sexuality without limitations or taboos, along with raucous musical numbers, it’s utterly entertaining.
Most of the characters in “Rocky Horror” have no perception of homosexuality or heterosexuality, and give in to their more instinctual sexual urges, all the while celebrating their own personalities and quirks. The cast is littered with a slew of colorful and charming characters, and the musical numbers are fantastic meshings of pop and rock. Curry can carry a tune as the alluring Frank N. Furter, while folks like Meatloaf and Susan Sarandon really help stamp their presence with unique musical solos. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” really is that celebration of being unique and surreal, whether Gay, straight, or just an oddball, all around. Director Sharman’s cult musical hasn’t aged a bit, and stands alongside films like “Tommy” as the rock musical you have to see at least once in your life.