The “Bad-but-Good” Movies: Why “The Rocky Horror Show” is Secretly Great
For those of us who love bad movies, there’s a saying that goes, “It’s bad, but it’s still good.” This didn’t go down well with critics, but this description is best used to describe films that are more than the sum of their bad parts. At times, the acting, plot, special effects, etc. are so horrific that they all combine to create a kind of cinematic train wreck that’s almost impossible to look away from. But if you’re willing to make your own Time Warp, here’s a “bad-but-good” movie that’s secretly great: “The Rocky Horror Show,” a quirky comedy classic now streaming on Hulu.
Original Cult Musical
The film is about a newly engaged couple who get lost while driving in the rain, forcing them to seek shelter in a nearby castle. There, they meet Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a self-described “lovable transvestite from Transylvania,” and his shirtless, hunky creation, Rocky. The couple’s relationship is put to the ultimate test, involving sex, drugs, and a little rock ‘n’ roll.
The cast, which includes Tim Curry as Frank-N-Furter, Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon, and an unexpected guest star in Meat Loaf, is the biggest draw of the film. Tim Curry’s unforgettably bizarre performance makes the film stand out, despite its flaws. Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon play the star-crossed couple at the center of the story, and their goofy chemistry effectively holds the film together.
Perfecting the Midnight Movie
On paper, “The Rocky Horror Show” looks like real financial success. Despite having a budget of only $1.4 million, it grossed over $170 million at the box office, making it one of the comedies that Hulu was lucky enough to find in streaming rotation. Initially, however, the film was a flop, opening in eight cities but quickly being pulled from theaters. A year later, a 20th Century Fox executive convinced the distributor to begin releasing the film as a midnight movie, a decision that made the film profitable.
The midnight screenings attracted the same fans every week, and after about five months, a new tradition began in which the audience would talk back to the characters on screen. This led to fans creating performance groups who would dress up like the characters and act out events while the movie played behind them. Now, “The Rocky Horror Show” is officially the longest-running movie in history, still playing in theaters and as part of fan shows even as it’s streaming on Hulu.
FAQ
Q: Is “The Rocky Horror Show” considered a bad movie?
A: Yes, some critics have described the film as “bad,” but it is also considered a cult classic and has developed a dedicated fan base.
Q: What is the cast of “The Rocky Horror Show” like?
A: The cast, which includes Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, and Susan Sarandon, is known for its quirky performances and over-the-top characters.
Q: Is “The Rocky Horror Show” suitable for all ages?
A: The film has a PG rating, but some viewers may find certain scenes and themes to be inappropriate for younger audiences.
Conclusion
“The Rocky Horror Show” is a “bad-but-good” movie that has become a cult classic. Its flawed performances, plot, and special effects make it a train wreck that’s impossible to look away from. Despite its flaws, the film has developed a dedicated fan base and is still playing in theaters and as part of fan shows today. If you’re willing to make your own Time Warp, “The Rocky Horror Show” is secretly great.
