The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s 50th Anniversary

Fans across the country tied their corsets, pulled up their fishnets and put on their bright red lipstick to go watch “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” for its 50th anniversary on Oct. 27. 

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has been declared a cultural phenomenon, where viewers immerse themselves in the film by interacting with its characters throughout each of the 100 minutes. 

Shaping Interactive Viewership

This cult classic has been around for 50 years, and in this time, it has worked to instill open-mindedness among viewers. Through its interactive experience, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” challenges societal norms and implores viewers to celebrate one another’s differences.

As this film utilizes the stereotypical plots of B-movies, it reveals the audience to a space where anyone can be whoever they want, without having to stick to the stereotypical roles people expect them to follow. 

This film has shaped interactive viewership, where props and audience commentary is encouraged. In one of the first scenes, viewers are immersed in a wedding where rice is being thrown at the bride and groom as they leave the church. This signals a chance for audience members to throw rice at the screen, celebrating this event with the characters.

Moments like these continue as the film’s plot develops. When the character Brad appears on screen, the audience will take it upon themselves to yell “Asshole!” at the top of their lungs. The same is done for the character Janet, who audiences call out “Slut!” to. In any other circumstance, this occurrence may seem out of kilter, but in Dr. Frank N. Furter’s world, anything goes.

The Punchline

The interactive nature of the film doesn’t stop with props and habitual name calling every time a specific character pops up on the screen. In fact, many audience members take it upon themselves to utilize the dialogue of the film as a punch line to their own curated jokes.

Each theatre experience of this film is different in some way, as no two audiences will ever be the exact same. The audience is truly what makes this film what it is, and what differentiates from any other film on the scene.

At the yearly midnight premiere of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” pink boas and bold blue eyeshadow are omnipresent. To truly immerse themselves in the film, the audience will craft itself into a character that looks as though they belong in the same world as the one on the screen.

Some theatres have weekly showings of the film, where avid fans try out new callbacks, dress in different costumes, use props like rice and water guns, and dance during the famous “Time Warp” sing-along scene. In State College, the State Theatre had two showings of this film during the week leading up to Halloween.

Have you ever dressed up for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”? Tag @VALLEYmag on Instagram to show us your favorite look!

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