I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey back to 1975 when The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a cult classic movie musical, first graced the silver screen. With a cast featuring unforgettable names like Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Richard O’Brien, and Meat Loaf, it’s a timeless celebration of eccentricity and queerness. Traditionally a Halloween favorite, the film’s unique blend of science fiction, horror, musical extravagance, and outrageous character design sets it apart from other films of its genre. The movie’s magnetic appeal lies in its audacious queerness, delivering a twist on the classic Frankenstein-style narrative and a vibrant exploration of unconventional identities. The film is an iconic cultural phenomenon, a glittering gem in cinematic history, and proudly defies societal gender norms, encouraging viewers to embrace their individuality.
When The Rocky Horror Picture Show initially hit theaters, it faced a barrage of negative reviews, with critics failing to grasp its unique charm. However, this now widely-beloved movie soon found its niche and skyrocketed to cult status thanks to the inclusion of Rocky Horror in midnight showings, particularly within the vibrant backdrop of New York City. These midnight screenings cultivated the film’s legendary traditions, including callbacks from the audience and the emergence of a dedicated fan community who embraced the campy fun of dressing up as their favorite characters. The tradition of shadow cast performances, where fans act out the movie in real time, found its origins at the Waverly Theatre in NYC in 1976. This idea quickly spread, leading to the first full shadow cast performance at the Strand Theatre in San Francisco in 1978. From there, the phenomenon expanded nationally and internationally, with constant midnight showings in countless theaters. It birthed costume contests, fan magazines, and enthusiastic fan clubs, solidifying the film’s place as a true cultural icon, breaking free from its initial negative reception and becoming an adored gay classic and a symbol of counterculture.
In addition to community-building through its role as a cult and queer classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a movie that not only entertains but also profoundly highlights the importance of self-expression. It represents a culture of personal expression of sex and beauty beyond age, gender, body type, and more. People of all walks of life (as long as they’re above 18!) can shed the burdens of their daily existence to let loose within the shadow cast. When you attend a midnight showing of Rocky Horror, the cast could be mostly made up of college students, or people who may have kids, or even grandkids. This diverse acceptance that Rocky Horror provides often shocks its audiences— after all, no one (no Rocky Horror virgin, at least) would expect a show to begin with a strip tease done by a 60-year-old man to the background of a pair of lips singing about various historic sci-fi movies. However, this is a necessary discomfort. It’s important to face our own ingrained assumptions about societal roles in life and allow ourselves and others to transcend these boundaries. Rocky Horror provides a safe and supportive environment and community to do just that.
While shadow casts may seem strictly regulated in terms of following the movie’s script, imitating the speech, expressions, and mannerisms of the characters, the combination of sexuality (in multiple meanings of the word) and the campy ridiculousness of the film allows cast and audience members alike to test the boundaries of their own identity and personal perception in a safe space. It’s a sanctuary of self-expression that has proved its enduring power over the years. The Rocky Horror Picture Show offers an escape from societal norms— in the immortal words of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, “A mental mind fuck can be nice!” It’s a transformative experience that invites people to celebrate their most authentic selves, reminding us that our differences are what make us extraordinary.
Today, The Rocky Horror Picture Show continues to stand as an immortal cultural phenomenon, both in Georgetown and theaters worldwide. It also holds the title of the longest-running theatrical movie in history, as it has continued to play in theaters for the entire 48 years since its release. The power of Rocky Horror transcends time and continues to fascinate audiences with its audacious blend of camp and queerness. Even here at Georgetown, a yearly Halloween tradition is the production of a student shadow cast performance. The university’s Rocky Horror show brings the iconic film’s magic to life, providing an opportunity for students to embrace their inner eccentricities and explore the uncharted territories of self-expression.
However, Rocky Horror’s history hasn’t been without controversy, and discourse about it continues even today. One prominent example is the recent legislation in Texas attacking drag performances, which raises questions about artistic freedom, self-expression, and societal norms. These conversations reflect the film’s unique ability to challenge conventions and inspire meaningful discussions about acceptance and identity. In our ever-evolving world, The Rocky Horror Picture Show reminds us that it’s not just a movie; it’s a timeless symbol of individuality. It’s a mirror reflecting society’s changing views on gender, sexuality, and the meaning of acceptance. It’s a captivating story of how a seemingly bizarre film has evolved into a powerful force, inspiring change and sparking conversations that continue to resonate in today’s world. As the co-directors of Georgetown's own production of Rocky Horror described in their pre-show introduction, “Rocky is about freedom. It’s about slipping free of whatever societal bonds we’ve inherited and coming together in revelry for approximately an hour and forty five minutes. So enjoy it. Revel in absolute pleasure…” (Shoutout to Megan and Calvin- thank you!)
As we embrace the enduring legacy of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, it’s essential to recognize that the film’s significance extends far beyond the realm of cinema. It’s a cultural touchstone that has reshaped how we view self- expression and has paved the way for embracing the full spectrum of human identity. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is not merely a movie; it’s a testament to the strength of individuality and a beacon of hope for those who dare to push societal boundaries and explore the limitless possibilities of self-expression. It invites us to shed our inhibitions and celebrate the uniqueness of every human being, reinforcing the idea that our differences are what make us extraordinary. This bizarre yet fabulous journey, one that has spanned nearly five decades, serves as a powerful reminder that we should always be unapologetically ourselves and continue to break free from the constraints of societal expectations. The journey of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a remarkable one, and it inspires us all to embrace our inner Dr. Frank-N-Furter: “Don’t dream it, be it.”
Sasha Jayne is a freshman in the College and is currently studying various languages towards an endpoint that has not yet been discovered.
Comments