The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Introduction

In our list of the Greatest Movies Ever Made we have to, no we must, cover the incredibly genuine and groundbreaking work of Jim Sharman, Lou Adler, and Michael White. When we analyse independent films, we cannot do so without the mention of one of the most earth-shaking independent movies of all time. As it stands, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has had a massive impact on culture as we know it. Here's a fact for you: when I was a teenager in drama club, everyone there knew the dance and lyrics to the Time Warp and not knowing it meant you were in big trouble. Nicknamed Rocky Horror after the 'creation' - this film proves to be one of the most influential comedy films of all time. Loosely based on Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and taking elements from the "camp" genre, it is always a joy to watch whenever and wherever.

The Plot

The film begins with a newly engaged couple named Brad and Janet, their car breaks down and as they seek assistance to fix it, they accidentally run into the legendary Dr Frank-n-Furter who explains he is 'making a man' named Rocky Horror. The doctor conducts a lot of strange experiments with everything revolving around his charismatic and appealing persona for the rest of the characters on set. After this ensues a rocky horror of events that makes not only for an excellent movie but a great way to critique to science-fiction movies of old. It is both hilarious and cultish in its qualities - which only makes it funnier.

Appraisals and Awards

I think that everyone and their pet dog knows about the cult following associated with this movie, the costumes and grindhouse style making way for both parody and self-expression in the best ways known to culture. With Roger Ebert and others giving the film good reviews except for the fact that when it came out apparently nobody initially paid any attention to it. If we forget the fact that it was practically ignored when it came out and thus, did not really get any awards we can then be free to think about the sheer amount of influence it has had on film. A very very loose adaptation of Frankenstein blended with avant-garde gritty comedy, this raucous movie lives through its ability to be entirely rewatchable.

Legacy

With events that some have called comparable to a religious experience, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has conventions everywhere. Subcultures are usually found on the internet but it is not uncommon to see a lot of love for the movie still around in places like Texas in real life. The film seemed to embody the transformation of self-expression so commonly associated with the 1970s, a liberation of the LGBT movement and a celebration of everything that may have been viewed as different or 'weird' previously. Much like a wild party, there are scripts that more than often invite and incite audience participation - something wildly different in the world of theatre and film.

References to The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) can be found in various other pieces of media including, but not limited to: The Simpsons, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Halloween II and That 70s Show. It still stands as a cultural phenomenon today.

My Personal Opinion

I could go on about this for a long time and as a summary, I believe this is one of the greatest films ever made because of its wit, expression and great amount of style. It is the most quintessential cult film there is. First of all, it proves that it is not just the big budget movies that have a lasting impact. Secondly, it proves a movie can be raucous and hilarious and still manage to get the audiences in over 30 years' later. It also proves that it really doesn't matter what the critics say, as many of them did not actually like it with the New York Times even calling it 'pointless' (2006). The audiences absolutely adore the film.

It is one of those strange masterpieces that gives way to asking the question "why weren't there more movies like this?" The answer is that Tim Curry probably wasn't available the entire time. In my humble and personal opinion, that man is a highly underrated actor - I mean just look at what he achieved in this movie. He basically plays a cult leader and does it fantastically.

Conclusion

Critics never like movies that are tons of fun for audiences and its common for them to give their nonsense-academic hand to film in the want of creating a divide between what is considered a good movie and what is not, what is considered 'high brow' and what is 'low brow'. And to them I say, 'I think you missed the entire point of this movie. It's making fun of you.' That is what this movie is: a film that takes the piss out of the crumby pale and stale academics who think its low-brow by making itself look as over-the-top as physically possible.