Bookmarks: Rocky Horror

There's a really splendid piece by Simon Price at The Quietus which considers Rocky Horror in the round. I'm not totally convinced - I think it's as much 'exotic package holiday in other people's identity' as 'first swim' - but Price's case is strong nevertheless:

Rocky Horror indubitably provides a 'safe space', an adult creche where transgressive behaviour and cross-dressing are accepted, nay, encouraged. Rocky Horror is a set of stabilisers on your sex bike, a pair of water wings for your first swim in the sea of depravity. But is that such a terrible thing?

So I murdered your family, because I hate the Rocky Horror Picture Show

They're going to remake the Rocky Horror Picture Show. No, really:

Lou Adler, executive producer on the original film, will return in the same role.

"The Rocky Horror phenomenon has a life of its own that has reincarnated itself in numerous ways since its birth," he said.

He said the original film would continue to be enjoyed "by new fans and old alike".

Jim Sharman, who co-wrote the original screenplay and directed the film, said: "The original has some qualities that can't be reproduced but a remake could have its own very different strengths and qualities."

Apparently, they have no choice but to actually remake the movie, because their original plan - of just taking the money straight from the gullible - was ruled a no-no by the legal department.

The original movie still remains popular, with screenings often sold out to audiences consisting of people who thought it was the one with the singing venus fly trap, and men who blurted out "I'm taking you to Rocky Horror" when their partners arrived home early and wanted to know why they were wearing a mini skirt and stockings.