Feminist Perspective on the Rocky Horror Show?

[YinuCeatleAyru]

up till my early 40s I was under the impression that feminism had won, sexism was a thing of the past and the feminist movement was now an interesting part of history rather than anything to get involved with now. I don't think that any more.

In my student days I enjoyed attending a number of fancy-dress screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and saw the show live one time (with Jason Donovan as Frank) but didn't think about it at the time from a feminist viewpoint.

I am thinking about it now a bit because a choir I am in is doing some of the songs from the show.

the show is obviously lighthearted and views and attitudes portrayed by the characters are not necessarily views being endorsed or promoted by the show, as much as criticised.

has anyone else on here got any thoughts on the show from a feminist perspective? I'm not sure I have anything concrete to say yet but find it valuable to develop my thoughts in conversation with others, if anyone would be interested?

Tim Curry as Frank was bloody gorgeous. I'm always too distracted by that to submit it to a feminist analysis .

Any particular reason for a feminist analysis of that show? Surely it's pretty standard of its time in terms of sexism.

Is it being held up as better than others?

I suppose the question is whether Frank is some sort of TRA/drag queen?

I think it's is supposed to be topsy-turvy, that's why it's comedy. But then, I think that's why drag can be funny when it's well done, it's about reversals.

@PurpleCrowbarWhereIsLangCleg

Tim Curry as Frank was bloody gorgeous. I'm always too distracted by that to submit it to a feminist analysis .

Hell yeah... ( rubs thighs a la vic and bob)

Tim Curry as Frank was bloody gorgeous. I'm always too distracted by that to submit it to a feminist analysis grin

This.

Frank was transexual. It’s very clear that they are all men and women, there’s no mention that he thinks he’s a woman.

From a feminist perspective? Well I suppose in the current climate while it’s still patriachal as the vast majority of films are, i think at least the blurring of gender stereotypes is pro feminist GC stance.

Everyone can wear make up, basques and suspenders and not be thought of as “feminine”. It’s a different planet, very sexual but nobody is restricted to m/f roles, wear what you want, dress how you want, sleep with who you want, gender irrelevant....

That would be my off the top of my head thoughts....

My thoughts on it (I saw it live a LOT - including the Jason Donovan version mentioned) - Frank still maintains he's a transvestite, not that he's a woman.

I refuse to give up Rocky Horror. They're not having the timewarp.

I love the film, I love the songs, when it cuts to our first view of Frank descending in the elevator I still get a frisson and I still like to belt out "Sweet Transvestite" when some has been taken...but I have to say that I do look at Frank differently now and that saddens me

I've seen it twice and I love it.

And Tim Curry...

God yes, Tim Curry. Gorgeous and also very very very much a man. Just a man in make up and fancy underwear.

I have to say that I didn't fancy Frank so much as think he was fabulous...I do love Tim Curry as an actor though.

How could I not love someone who not only played Frank so brilliantly but also brought Pennywise to life - still scares the crap out of me to this day. JD isn't fit to lick his platforms imao!

Tim Curry. sigh

I think we've basically all agreed Tim Curry is just brilliant and nothing else matters

Tim Curry 🤮🤮🤮 He always looks constipated.

But as Frankenfurter 🤩🤩🤩

So many years since I last saw it. But IIRC Janet is a classically feeble woman (converted by rape, of course ) and Columbia's a bitch, but Magenta is boss lady. She may stand back and let Riff-Raff lead, but I don't think he takes a dump without her say-so.

So much for women characters.

Frankenfurter doesn't pretend to be anything other than what he is: a gender-non-conforming, taboo-shattering, bisexual man.

I refuse to give up Rocky Horror. They're not having the timewarp.

They presumably won't want to associate with someone who calls themselves a transvestite.

@CountFosco

I refuse to give up Rocky Horror. They're not having the timewarp.

They presumably won't want to associate with someone who calls themselves a transvestite.

You might think so. But notable actress Laverne Cox has played Frank...

I've never liked it due to the rapey parts. I've only seen the film version though, not the stage version (which is unusual for me as its normally the other way round)

Another one who loves Tim Curry here.

His entrance in the descending lift and the cape throw is how I wish I could always make my entrance.

You mean the “forced seduction” narrative, rape and then consensual sex of, well, the whole cast? That thing that every bodice ripper, chick lit and must read for GCSE books have had, all across the Western world for decades and decades, hundreds of years?

I get it, but why pick Rocky Horror, which was as much commentary on that culture as anything else?

Well certainly in the film there’s a strong impression given that Frank rapes Janet! Can’t remember about Brad - but both seem to be only momentarily bothered about this and then totally up for it - not a great message to send...

I first saw the film in 1977 and the stage show - in its pared-down, one act, audience sitting and watching (rather than dressing up, shouting, etc) version in 1978.

I've seen the stage show many, many times - _ even saw Richard O'Brien himself step in as Frank one time when the lead actor (which was either Tim McInnerny or Anthony Head) was ill. We had no idea this was going to happen, it was kept secret until he actually appeared - can you imagine the audience reaction?

I've also seen it with Tracey Ullman as Janet (before she was famous), Ade Edmonson as Brad, Richard O'Brien as Eddie...

It's brilliant fun (though I can no longer watch the stage show, having seen it about 30 times, as the shouting now gets on me pip) and the film version is a classic (joins in with rubbing hands on thighs at thought of Tim Curry with whom, I should add, I fell in love when he appeared on telly in a play called 'Schmoedipus when I was 16 in 1974).

I have to say that I hadn't previously considered the rapey aspects, though...

I went several times to see it on the stage, loved it, great piece of fun.

About 16 years went by, watched the DVD for girls night with my teenage daughters and had to switch it off. It made me realise maybes it's time to leave the time warp in the 1970's when no meant yes.

Nope! But that same storyline is nigh on endemic in all sorts of literature, high and low brow.

That you can't remember the rape/sexual compiance of Brad is interesting, don't you think... or Rockie.. Eddie.. the narrator? Presumably if the Christopher Biggins character!

Everyone except Magenta and Riff Raff, who are merely procuring for Frank... and themselves in an incestuous relationship!

Not sure O'Brien left much in the way of shock value out!

I never really thought about the feminist aspects of the story. But my ultra-woke friend hates rocky horror with a passion for some reason and was complaining on the local theatre's facebook page about it being on their stage. Pretty funny considering 20 years ago it would have been conservative types who'd be writing angry letters.

I think she hates it because transvestite is a no no term now.

It was many years ago but I seem to remember in the film he persuades both Janet & Brad to have sex by pretending that he is the other one.

God yes, Tim Curry. Gorgeous and also very very very much a man. Just a man in make up and fancy underwear.

There's a character in a sci-fi show I watch like this - made up, sparkles, long flowing skirts, fabulous everything - but also so masculine you can feel it virtually oozing off the screen. It's such a different vibe to someone like say Travis Alabanza, or drag queens. Wanting to be a strong, fiercely beautiful man - not an imitation of anything or an apology for anything.