Running Time: 90 Minutes
Certification: 15
It has been 50 years since The Rocky Horror Picture Show was released, and such a significant anniversary means many retrospectives in celebration of such a beloved work. Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is actually the second documentary covering the film following Andreas Zerr's Sane Inside Insanity: The Phenomenon of Rocky Horror, which covered Rocky Horror's history despite the declined involvement of its creator, Richard O'Brien. While this work covers much of the same ground, it has one notable difference courtesy of the creator agreeing to participate.
Directed by Linus O'Brien, son of Richard O'Brien, the documentary opens with the Riff-Raff actor revisiting places from his past. A return to a house he previously lived in is followed by visiting a location where he used to cut hair, a place that no longer exists there. The reflection of the past leaves O'Brien remarking at how unbelievable it is that, not only is his former workplace gone, but what now stands there is a statue of the Rocky Horror creator wearing fishnets.
This very much sets the tone for this documentary, as there are numerous witty recountings from the interview subjects. Director Jim Sharman has a terrific description of how he did not want to make another religious musical after working on Jesus Christ Superstar, and yet Rocky Horror ended up with its own cult. But, it is difficult to top a particularly withering line from Patricia Quinn about Meat Loaf's kissing. When that is available alongside Richard O'Brien playing renditions of the songs on acoustic guitar, it makes for a joyous time well spent.
To make a documentary about Rocky Horror, it is unavoidable that well-trodden ground about the history would need to be touched upon. So, viewers get to see recollections of the film's journey from box-office flop to midnight screening hit, how it was about sexual liberation, and allowed public places where people could become their true selves whilst watching the film. What helps make it feel fresh are the photographs and footage, including from the original stage show, and the extensive additions of the original cast. The fact that Tim Curry is involved makes this feel as close to definitive as it can.
But, a key stand-out is the inclusion of Richard O'Brien, as he offers emotional tales of self-reflection while in conversation with his director son. Describing himself as 30% female, the creator recounts how being at war with himself and struggling to be accepted allowed this creation to be brought alive, and subsequently pave the way for others to discover such truths about themselves. It is a touching look at how art can reflect people's own desires before they realise them, and the ways it can pass onto new generations that are going through such similar emotions themselves. Richard O'Brien may move on from this film, but it now belongs to the fans that took to heart a work whose ethos is "Don't dream it, be it." Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is an engaging, touching, and often hilarious reflection on an iconic piece of queer cinema.
Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is now available on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital
Comments