Directed by Linus O’Brien (the son of Richard O’Brien, creator of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”), the documentary “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” examines the humble beginnings of the stage musical and its subsequent film adaptation, 50 years since its conception.
The journey was initially a rocky one. The cast and crew open up about the ups and downs faced while filming the unique and once in a lifetime venture. Susan Sarandon (who played Janet in its movie adaptation) moved from one hotel to the next during the filming schedule in London, Richard O’Brien spent breaks passed out on the floor due to exhaustion, and Patricia Quinn recounted lip-syncing for the opening credits while her phone rang off the hook with an estranged husband on the line demanding a divorce. However, despite the fatigue setting in and the demands of a shoestring budget, the crew’s passion never extinguished. The original stage production only allowed space for one prop—a wooden chair—and no seating accommodations for the pivotal aspect of any musical—the band. The crew was no stranger to working on a budget as well as around the clock. Their collective efforts, innovative measures, and spontaneity eventually bore fruit.
Celebrating B-horror
The dynamic duo of director Jim Sharman and writer Richard O’Brien also discuss the influences behind “Rocky Horror,” such as drawing from Weimar cinema, cabaret, and even the creature design of “Nosferatu” for the character of Riff Raff the Handyman (played by O’Brien himself). The team even had to ditch the working title “They Came from Denton High” for a more rock and roll moniker.
Sharman also highlights that the intentional errors were meant to celebrate B horror, while also generating an immersive fusion of highbrow and low art. It features a much-anticipated appearance by the wheelchair-bound but eternally charismatic Tim Curry. It is a treat to listen to the actor reenact the high-class cadence of Dr Frank-N-Furter as he delves into the inspiration behind his breakout role. The documentary also features other wholesome instances, such as O’Brien merrily belting out acoustic covers of the soundtrack. It also features a surprise cameo by comedian, musician and actor Jack Black (who considers the late Meatloaf as one of his role models) crooning a sultry rendition of “Touch-A-Touch-A-Touch-A-Touch Me.”
Personal Touches Amidst its Cult Status
While other works documenting “Rocky Horror’s” journey focused on its cult appeal, “Strange Journey” incorporates a personal touch. O’Brien opens up about enlisting his wife, Kimmy’s, help in fashioning a song and dance for the extras right in their backyard. The result was the birth of the popular “Time Warp” number. Additionally, actress Nell Campbell recalls the symbiotic, tight knit nature of everyone on-set. Usually hyperactive and childlike, O’Brien also transitions into a down-to-earth, fatherly demeanor as he addresses his son behind the camera. He ruminates over complexities such as prioritising family and juggling being a parent and the challenges brought by show business. His eyes especially light up when he visits a salon he once worked part-time to make ends meet as an unemployed actor, in awe of a statue in the likeness of his character Riff Raff—located at the exact spot where he cut and styled hair.
O’Brien also reveals how the relatable themes in “Rocky Horror”—such as sexual independence, repression and ambiguity—stemmed from his own childhood, growing up surrounded by family members who judged him for dressing up femme. The writer and actor, who now identifies as 30 percent male and 70 percent female, confesses it’s been a long journey of self-acceptance and liberation for him.
‘Rocky Horror’s’ Lasting Impact
A similar experience is shared by “Rocky Horror” fan and make-up vlogger/drag queen Trixie Mattel, who recalls picking up a DVD of the movie at a bargain bin in her small hometown of Wisconsin. It was a life-changing moment that led to Mattel discovering her drag persona, which she considers the ultimate super power. The documentary also includes long-time fans such as Sean Waters, an AIDS survivor who attended the earliest midnight showings of the movie. He was also a close friend of the late Sal Piro (actor and founder of the first “Rocky Horror” fan club), and credits it for literally saving his life.
Perhaps what stays with viewers most after “Strange Journey” wraps up is Tim Curry reiterating the enduring impact of “Rocky Horror.” He draws parallels with a traumatic climate where gender and sexuality are treated as a ‘political football’ and weaponised, wherein the queer community is kicked around for expressing themselves. Curry signs off on a hopeful note, stating that in such an environment, queer-positive works such as “Rocky Horror” will continue to instill a sense of hope, family, community and belonging for another 50 years… maybe more.
*Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror will release in UK & Irish Cinemas on 3rd October, and will be available on DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital from 20th October
