RHPS and How Queerness is Depicted

 

         For this week’s film viewing, we watched The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The film premiered in 1975 and since then has had a major influence on the cinematic world. The film is also a “movie musical”. The music is very bubbly and energetic that match the chaotic and hectic events in each scene. The film starts off focusing on two of the main characters, Janet and Brad, who are newly engaged. The two are on a car ride at night when they face a problem with their vehicle. They walk to see if they can find help, or even just to use a phone. Janet and Brad come across a large mansion. They were definitely in for a surprise after a simple ring of a doorbell. From here it goes downhill for them but creates some excitement for Frank-N-Furter and his servants.

         The film can easily be identified as queer. The opening scenes are just weird and chaotic but have a sense of enjoyment. The characters are all in drag makeup. Frank-N-Furter’s actions clearly solidify his queer identity. In one of the scenes, he disguises himself as Janet and Brad and appear in their beds they are staying in. The relations become intimate. The scenes are just cheesy. Frank-N-Furter has a very twisted personality. He also as seen as a transvestite scientist as he is creating a human being from his research. The film has also been labeled a “cult-classic” which is very interesting. Overall, this hectic hell of a musical can clearly be identified as queer.



RHPS Follow Up Post

 

 

    In this class so far, the movies we viewed have never really captured my attention. However, Rocky Horror Picture Show was something I thoroughly enjoyed. As a major involved with the visual and performing arts, I enjoy musicals and this film being a movie musical really helped me engage in the topic of queerness more. If that makes sense? In my eye’s music makes everything better…especially musicals. The dance numbers were chaotic and wild, but it just made the film a million times better. We discussed in class how this film is a perfect depiction of “cheesiness” in films, and this I could easily agree. Also, ten minutes into the film you can already tell how this film is identified as queer. The scenes confused me a little bit but like I stated, music just helps me understand more. My last thought on this is how we discussed what our own personal definition of a safe space was in class. In the film, Frank’s safe space is the mansion and being around people who he relates to. This definitely helps with understanding him and his character as a whole.

Comments

  1. Shannon MMarch 17, 2021 at 11:39 AM

    I don't know whose post this is, unfortunately. Can you edit your profile so your name shows up and I can grade it?

    ReplyDelete

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