I’ve always heard people go on and on about how the message in this film is “Don’t dream it, be it.”
But when you watch it the person who does this, Frank, ends up killed, as does Rocky and Columbia. And those seduced by him, Brad, Janet and Dr. Scott all end the film writhing in the dirt.
Those who seem to come out on top, the servants Riff Raff and Magenta rebel against their master and his ways seem to be enforceing the status quo.
So is this a tragedy much like the Frankenstein story it’s modeled after? Is the message a different entity alltogether seperate from the actual actions and consequences in the story?
hmm, I meant to post this in IMHO. Not sure if it can, or will be moved, not that it has too. But once it’s moved the title wont make as much sense. Oh well.
The message, I’ve always felt, is one about how hedonism is all well and good, but while you’re not paying attention to the non-hedonistic things in life, you suddenly find you’ve lost control of your life. Besides the obvious wonton sex, there are a ton of drug referances. (he thought it was the “candyman”…the entire song “Rose Colored World,” etc)
Or maybe it’s saying how easy it is to fall into that world, even if you are as white bread as Brad (ASSHOLE!) and Janet (SLUT!).
Whatever. With a catchy soundtrack and Tim Curry in a bustier, who needs morals?
You’re looking for the message in Rocky Horror?
The message is that it is a really bad movie with some good songs. [sub]so I guess the message is don’t change directors half way through filming[/sub] The film, and the play are SPOOFS of horror films. Young couple car breaks down on a dark and stormy night and go to the nearby castle for shelter from the storm. But instead of the covert sexuality of the Dracula story or the covert homosexualltiy of the Frankenstein story it is all OVERT! The fun is that instead of sitting back and maybe muttering under your breath (covertly) about how much you dislike the characters and how stupid they are you express these feelings at the top of your lungs. So if there is any message it is to call a spade a spade, or in this case call an asshole an asshole.
I’m not interpreting it. I’m evaluating the interpretation that apparantly a lot of people hold. A year or so ago they went to a Rocky Horror convention on VH1 and here were all the people dressed up as characters and each one was going on and on about “Don’t dream it, be it” and how that was the message of the movie and how they’ve applied it to real life.
My thought was they were definately NOT analysing the movie at all but latching on to a line from one of the songs because it suits them and their needs. And gives them something to say about the importance of this film. Personally I’ve learned absolutely nothing from that movie, not a single moral lesson. When I watch it I just enjoy it for the catchy musical numbers.
