The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Jim Sharman, 1975): UK

Reviewed by William Conlin. Viewed on Netflix Streaming Video.

“I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey.” says the Criminologist at the beginning of Jim Sharman’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show. These simple words are an understatement to say the least, but if one can keep an open mind for one hundred some minutes, they will take a campy, gender-bending ride that they will never forget.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show starts with a giant pair of red lips serenading us about the great double feature shows of classic Hollywood, and from there it just gets complicated. Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), a newly engaged all-American couple, are driving along when a dead-end/flat tire/stormy night (tongue-in-cheek cliché alert) causes them to seek refuge at the home of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry). The doctor (a mad scientist) is a cross-dresser from “Transsexual Transylvania” who is about to create a man named Rocky for his personal pleasure. If I still have your attention I will let you just watch the film instead of attempting to go deeper.

The first thing one must do with The Rocky Horror Picture Show is throw away any preconception. Not preconceptions about film or gender, just any preconception, period. If you can do that you will see this film in all its true campy glory. Tim Curry gives a career-defining performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, which gives a whole new meaning to the term “shock and awe”. Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon’s startled expressions bring great comedy to nearly every scene, and the supporting performances by Meatloaf, Patricia Quinn and Peter Hinwood truly make the movie what it is.

Featuring iconic songs like Science Fiction/Double Feature and Time Warp, the musical numbers infuse this film with an energy that some musicals lack. It’s extremely hard to keep in your seat when you hear Riff Raff (Richard O’Brien) scream, “Let’s do The Time Warp again!”, which is why most of the time people don’t. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has created a cult-life following who come in droves whenever the film is screened, usually dressed as the characters, and act out the film below the screen as the other film goers throw things at them.

Released in 1975 and never officially taken off of the market even to this day, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is technically the longest running film of all time. Considering the time it was made in, The Rocky Horror Picture Show addresses some pretty heavy things with a great deal of comedy. Its portrayal of sexual freedom and cross-dressing seems years ahead of its time and paved the way for many films after it. With Halloween coming up, there’s nothing more appropriate than this hilarious classic.

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You’re currently reading “The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Jim Sharman, 1975): UK,” an entry on Student Film Reviews

Published:: 10.18.10 / 2am

Category:: Films, Online Films

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Film Review Club: Reviews of current film releases, streaming films, and revivals by student members of the SBCC Film Review Club.

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Film Festival Course: FS108: Film Festival Studies: Santa Barbara International Film Festival and AFI Fest: Hollywood (2 or 1.5 units). Field course at film festivals to study U.S. and international fiction, experimental and documentary films.

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Katelynn Johnson 10.20.10 / 6pm

The Rocky Horror picture show is one of the most recognized cult films to date, and this review really helped to shed some light as to why that might be. It is true that the cast was phenomenal and no one could better replace a single character.
Although the film itself requires a more open minded audience, or takes some getting use to, either which way the film becomes a ride. The catchy corny songs that are fun to dance and sing along to. The hilarious and explicit sexiness of the film grabs the audience by their chest hair in a way that makes the audience go “oo yeah, i like that.”
More so than the film itself, the rocky horror culture is a fun one to be a part of. My first rocky horror show experience is one that I will surely never forget, but, however, is not an experience that everyone would enjoy. I showed this film to my father and uncle and they truly just didn’t understand what all the hype was about. I guess not everyone is intended to.

Jonathan Schott 10.21.10 / 4am

I disagree with calling it Jim Sharman’s Rocky Horror Picture Show rather, because he was the director instead of Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Picture Show, because he is credited with writing the music and book for the stage. I always think it best to credit the author of the source material, without whom, there would be no director, review, or reply to the review. But I digress…

It is correct that one should check their hang ups at the door before watching this movie. Most people dismiss it as camp, which it is that, but the viewers get to take a fun ride while watching the fruits of O’ Brien’s struggle with his own sexuality. While not taking things too seriously, we’re encouraged not to “dream it, but be it,” and as importantly, allow others to do the same….

Will Cardia 10.24.10 / 2pm

I didn’t like this movie at all. I’m speaking from the point of view of a person who just wants to watch a “good movie”. It may be artistic and unique, but in my eyes that is not a ticket to greatness. I think the movie is annoying and frustrating. The characters look spooky and weird which is cool, but they are all so messed up that it makes the movie annoying to watch. I had trouble following what was going on and I also didn’t like that there was a lot of music/dancing. I guess you have to be looking for a certain type of movie if you want to enjoy this film. I was looking for a good movie, this was more of an artistic showing than anything else.

Diana Torrefranca 11.01.10 / 6pm

As I was watching this movie, I was asking myself if I liked it or not. I watched this because my friend insisted and I also love musicals. It was a lot crazier than I expected. The movie brought a lot of comedy, shock and energy to the script. A new viewer should definitely not have any preconceptions about it beforehand. I loved the “Time Warp” scene and song because it just wanted to make you dance! However, it is not a movie I would watch over and over again like a chick flick. It is a creative movie with lots of twists and turns. If one is studying film, I suggest watching this film. It was also very cool that Glee, one of my favorite tv shows, did a special on The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Tanisha Camacho 11.04.10 / 8am

The word musical seems to scare off many possible viewers and that’s too bad…at least in this case. Although it is a musical, I think people who dislike musicals could possibly end up loving this movie. It delivers something unique, intriguing and clever. You see something a bit raunchy and odd that truly is what a musical should be. You become enthralled in the story line, as odd as it is. Tim Curry owns this very unique role, he is what makes this movie as amazing as it is. Sometimes when you think musical you think family sing a long, well this is far from that and better than that. You must come into this movie with an open mind and if you do I think you can appreciate it for what it is. It’s edgy, a bit sci fi, a bit goofy and most importantly extremely entertaining, from beginning to end. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is undoubtedly one of the most unique and refreshing movies out there.

Lauren Miller 11.07.10 / 2pm

Even though this film may seem a bit strange at first glance, I found this film to be one of my all time favorites. The film is simply a masterpiece and it is so unique. It is absolutely hilarious in it’s own way and is quite entertaining. I find that this film would be enjoyable for those who enjoy films that are a mixture of comedy and some interesting humor. At first glance I was very indecisive about what I thought about the film, but as it progressed I loved every minute of it and I find that most people will have the same experience as I did. This review was very helpful and I agree with most of it’s points regarding the film.

Tyler Gilbert 11.10.10 / 8am

Having been a theatre person throughout junior high and high school, it was always surprising that I hadn’t seen the film, as it’s often considered one of the most important musicals out there. When I was a junior in high school, I finally watched the film with a friend of mine and was both confused and flustered. I sat down to watch the film with very high expectations. No one had ever prepared me for what I was about to witness. It had never crossed my mind that the show was simply popular because of its sexual ambiguity and outrageous, socially unacceptable behavior. Not only the does the show not really have a plot, but it was also more over the top than Ursula in “Bye Bye Birdie.” Yet despite all of the mixed feelings I had after the film, the more I thought back on it, the more I came to enjoy it. It’s a thrilling masterpiece because it’s so ridiculous. It made history because of how ridiculous it is, and therefore it is a must-see for anyone who has ever been involved in theatre.

Heather Jones 03.10.11 / 10pm

Rocky Horror Picture Show does bring out the dancing and singing in everyone, including the audience, as your review says. It’s become so well known for audience participation and their bringing props to the movie. Not only does the film manage to bring in cross-dressing, but gender issues of stereotypical men and women. Rocky, as Dr. Frank-N-Furter sings about, is Frank’s idea of the perfect man. Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry bring out the best in the film. Their performances alone are what make the movie worth watching, if nothing else. Not everyone can pull off a corset and fish-net stockings like Tim Curry.

Stephanie Creasman 03.18.11 / 1pm

I absolutely love this movie and how weird it is. I have to watch this movie at least once ever October. My favorite song is the Time Warp, of course. I love how this movie just makes you question a lot of things. Furthermore, I love how this movie incorporates everything from humor, romance, and some suspense. Finally, Tim Curry is just awesome in this movie.

Natasha Austere 03.25.11 / 3pm

This movie has changed lives around the world. I absolutely love this movie because it’s actually like nothing I’ve ever seen. Its exciting, intriguing and most of all outrageous. I love the dancing and singing, it really adds to the film. This is a movie that everyone needs to see at least once in their life. If you haven’t seen it i recommend you watch it. Tim Curry does a great job grasping his character and never held back. It must have been someone intimidating to film this movie because it is very different but in a good way. I really enjoyed the story and thought it was very creative.

Katrina Storton 07.02.14 / 6pm

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a fantastic film, a gateway into a new mindset, and even a coming of age movie for young teens. The songs are catchy, playful and fun to dance along to. I believe one of my most favorite aspects of the movie and one of the funniest, is the fact that all the actors in the film are straight except for Barry Bostwick who played the straight as a arrow: Brad Majors. This only shows that good actors can play any role, no matter the character, setting, script, or even sexual orientation. The fact that this movie has a cult following is a beautiful thing, it allows people to go out and have fun, dress up, meet new friends and express who they are in a new light no matter what era they were born in. Rocky Horror for me personally has created a new meaning to Halloween, I now dress up every year and go see the movie with my friends. Tim Curry has also become one of my favorite actors, which lead me to another one of his movies Clue, another new favorite.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is perfect, even in all its campy glory.

Deja Colon 10.13.14 / 5pm

Im really into indie and cult films and I love this one. I like the set designs and the costumes. Another thing about this film I like is that it explores sexuality in such a way that you wouldn’t know that thats what it was about by just watching the first 10min of this movie. Of course i really enjoy the score, who wouldn’t its apart of what makes this film so enjoyable. The ending really catches you off guard because who would have thought that the main characters were really aliens. Its a crazy movie but its creative and has no boundaries.

Kayla Berenson 06.04.16 / 10pm

I completely agree with you on your statement about getting rid of any preconceptions before watching the film; if one watches it with a judgmental perspective, he/she is definitely not going to enjoy the film, and the film definitely is not for everyone. I think that the fact that this film has such a large cult following is one of the things that makes it so wonderful. It is also so interesting to point out that this film pushes boundaries in a way that people were not used to in earlier times. I feel that if a movie like The Rocky Horror Picture Show came out a few decades earlier, people would not have accepted it so much because of its promiscuity and overall outrageous themes. I think that your review sums up the essence of the film perfectly, and I really enjoyed reading it.

Jeff Pagan 10.14.16 / 10pm

I completely agree that there is a lot of heavy things being discussed in this movie. Transsexuality, homosexuality, promiscuity, murder, dancing… The movie is a pastiche of nostalgia and horror. The square Brad and Janet Iare not the only pieces of Americana represented in the movie, American Gothic is recreated by Riff Raff and Magenta in the flesh, and the painting later is shown on the wall of Dr. Frank-n-furter’s mansion. I believe that these Square kids from the 1950s and American Gothic are representations of uptight American Social mores. This is meant to be juxtaposed against the Strange World of Rocky Horror Picture Show. The Sweet Transvestite from transsexual Transylvania and his living sex doll Rocky and all of their strange for that is queer friends live a lifestyle free of the repressive judgement of American society. I believe it’s meant to show Square America that these things are okay and these people are fun and everyone secretly desires to at least poke their toe into these waters. Of course the murder is where dr. Frank-n-furter goes too far and is ultimately punished. Camp is the setting and the decor. In fact, even the over the top uptight Brad and Janet are square in the campiest way possible. Every aspect of the mise-enscene from the costumes to the makeup to the set and setting are dripping with camp. And if it was meant to take humor and song and show that alternatives to repressive judgement about sexuality is not only not harmful, but can be fun then this movie has succeeded beyond the wildest dreams of its creators.

William Moore 04.06.17 / 7pm

I was first shown this movie in 7th grade, and my narrow-minded self was blown away the time. I can thank this movie for largely expanding my world view of the unique and diverse, and for that reason primarily I consider it one of my favorite films. The musical pieces are so incredible to me as well. It might just be the nostalgia of it, but I can honestly say I don’t think there’s a single bad song on the soundtrack. As I started learning more about the culture of this movie, I became fascinated with how insane people acted during its showings. It is a staple cult cinema and iconic in the sense of blowing boundaries and pioneering audience participation.

Laureen Williams 03.11.18 / 3pm

I have seen this movie in all its cult glory at a theater with actors on stage reenacting the film as it plays. When you watch it that way you see it from a different perspective as someone watching it on their computer or TV at home. I agree that one needs to not have any preconceptions, that it was a campy movie and that the actors did well in their perspective parts but the movie itself was not that complicated. The movie was a comedic rendering of almost every horror movie made in the 60s and 70s. The reason the characters were able to give such great performances is they were able to successfully make fun of themselves to be believable. I will never know how Tim Curry managed to keep a straight face to film the movie while wearing women’s lingerie, fishnet stockings and 4-inch platform heels.

Christina Crane 10.21.18 / 6pm

I absolutely love this film. It is easily my favorite and such a classic cult film. I used to attend the midnight showings of it in Los Angeles when I lived there and they were so fun and amazing. The writer, director and actor (playing Riff Raff), Richard O’Brien, wrote this as a screen play in one winter as a project and it ultimately failed at first. I feel like a lot of people didn’t understand the film and was just too strange for the 70’s. Tim Curry did an amazing job as an actor and singer. He really does take on the full character of Dr.Frankenfurter and did an incredible job. I viewed the remake of this film and it did not do it justice. This is a great and strange cult film that is so perfect. It is a film that fits all genres, comedy, horror, mystery and musical. Overall it was written and directed greatly.

Tiffany Citarella 10.10.19 / 11am

To this day I remember Rocky Horror Picture show as one of the most amazing Cult Films ever to be made. I remember from the time when I was just a little girl, that was one of my mother’s most favorite films. There was a wonderful entertainment Celebration every year at the Arlington Theater here in Santa Barbara that she would attend all dressed up. She used to tell me that she has been going to that performance show celebration ever since she was a little girl. I love that movie, it brings back such fond memories of watching my mother enjoy that movie. May she rest in peace.

Peter Tussey 02.28.20 / 12pm

This film means so much to so many people. It’s one of those iconic movies that will survive until the end of time. The Majestic theater in Ventura sometimes has Rocky Horror events where there is a screening with people reenacting it. Those are always a blast to attend. I think that this movie is a celebration for all of the quirky people of the world. It offers something for everyone and the people that don’t get it are just squares.

Ryan Velasco 03.06.20 / 9pm

Hi William, very well job on your review of Rocky Horror Picture Show. I have to say when I first saw this film I thought the same thing you mentioned there needs to be a “throw away any preconception. Not preconceptions about film or gender, just any preconception, period.” Seeing this film as the ‘virgin’ was quite fascinating because it allows interaction with the audience because most people dress up as transgender. The concept of dancing, singing, and homosexuality depicts a new movement at the time to where they wanted to make this socially acceptable.

Shayne Harvey 03.26.21 / 5pm

I absolutely love this movie. It was so ahead of it’s time with addressing sexuality and for that reason, I would definitely consider it to be closer along the lines of an independent and auteur film. I love your response to this film in the concept of making sure to throwing away concepts and having an open mind. It takes you for a spin and is super fun and lively. I would say this is definitely am extremely impactful movie and will always be a classic.

Alyse Gilliam 10.13.21 / 6pm

Before I watched this movie, I was scared I wasn’t going to like it but that doubt was quickly resolved after I was exposed to this cult classic. I agree with William with the fact that this campy masterpiece was completely ahead of its time, which I believe secured its cult fanbase. Coming out in the mid-70s, it’s quite radical how freely Jim Sharman’s Rocky Horror Show freely depicts homosexuality, adultery, and transgender and is the center of the storyline. This, in turn, pulled in a fanbase of people who can relate or open-minded people, who can’t help but fall in love with all the catchy musical numbers and genderbending storylines. Great job with your review, I really enjoyed reading it!.

Isabella Acosta 03.05.22 / 1pm

Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic and I loved every element rewatching the film. It was pushing the line in the 70’s of what was acceptable as far as expressing one’s sexuality, and was far successful. The music and dance numbers are still popular even today, with live shows where fans dress up as their favorite characters. One of my best memories with my best friend was going to a drive in movie where they had the movie projected with a live performance. You do not find a lot of films where almost every single person gets up to dance and sing, the energy Tim Curry brings out of young and old generations is something else.

Tarah Martin 03.03.23 / 12am

Rocky Horror Picture Show was one of my top favorite musicals growing up. It is such a unique film compared to other films that were out around 1970s. This movie is still a fan favorite today as people dress up as the characters and reenact the movie in front of an audience. This is such a cult classic and is still such a fun, unique movie to watch. Thank you for sharing your review!

Lillian Dutra 03.08.24 / 7pm

Truly a cult favorite musical for decades, Rocky Horror Picture Show is still relevant today. With interactive audiences that would reenact the scenes in the theatres, dress up in costume, throw things in sync with the scenes- this movie has stood the test of time. The film itself is relevant today with the blurring of gender lines and questioning the conceived beliefs of identity. I’ve seen this film a few times, even in the theater, and the dance numbers themselves are worth a second look!

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