STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR
Director: Linus O’Brien
Starring: Richard O’Brien, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jim Sharman, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, Trixie Mattel, Jack Black
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the new documentary Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror looks back at the film’s creation and fifty-year legacy. Strange Journey starts off in a good place as its director Linus O’Brien is the son of Rocky Horror creator Richard O’Brien. We’re welcomed into a father/son conversation about the very piece of pop culture that forever changed their lives. Richard O’Brien was a working actor appearing in the West End in productions like Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair and wanted to write a rock musical of his own. Like many original musicals, it started off scrappy and low budget. Its director, Jim Sharman, suggestion O’Brien play the role of Riff Raff when he actually wanted to play the smaller part of Eddie, the bicycle rocker than would later be played by Meatloaf. There was no pressure in getting the show mounted, which meant the creative process was fun and easy for its cast and crew as the show was a combination of high art and low art in an immersive theater setting. The musical became a sleeper hit eventually transferring to Los Angeles earning another big crowd. The role of Frank N Furter was played by genius character actor, Tim Curry, who knew how to come alive to express the desire and identity within the character. One thing led to another, and it was suggested to turn the stage musical into a movie keeping most of its cast and that core tone and low budget feel behind it. In theaters
Here’s my review
