This time next week, it'll be Halloween! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays — candy, costumes, fall weather, and all things spooky — what more could you ask for?
With the holiday comes a host of holiday movies, some made specifically for the occasion, others associated with it over time. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of my favorites, falling into the latter category. The cult classic was made in 1975, but still resonates in 2016, and every time I watch it I'm reminded why. Not only is it hilarious and campy and absurd, it's quirky and emotional, and packs a punch you don't see coming. If you've ever felt like a misfit, it's not hard to connect to the characters, and the search for home and love and acceptance. Although dealt with in one of the most ridiculous narratives possible, the themes remain clear, resonant, and surprisingly impactful. It's hard to imagine that a cult classic about a transvestite named Doctor Frank N Furtur (played by Tim Curry in a corset and fishnets) and his alien servants Magenta and Riff Raff, who come into unexpected contact with two painfully average people, Brad and Janet (damn it), that's associated with midnight movie showings and dress-up, would be a movie that people find comfort in every year, but that's exactly what it is. The midnight interactive showings create a community around that comfort, allowing misfits of all sorts to band together for a few hours, and maybe feel like they belong.
On a funnier note, here I’ve compiled six great GIFs from the show, with descriptions of why they’re so # relatable. If you’re looking for something to do to celebrate Halloween that’s not an underwear party (NOD), drinking alone while watching Hocus Pocus, or wearing that old pumpkin sweat shirt that gets drug out every year, I would highly recommend going to see RHPS at a theater near you.
When it’s midterms but you just want to have fun with your friends (or, let’s be real, alternate sleeping with Netflix watching) on the weekends. It’s hard balancing work and play, and no one understands that more than Doctor Frank N Furter.
When you and your best friend are both feeling yourselves. There’s nothing like the bond that wearing coordinated sparkly outfits creates, so work it while you can.
When you’re the one in your friend group who can’t dance, but you learn some new moves and just HAVE to show them off.
How it feels when your alarm clock goes off in the morning. If only it was actually Magenta waking you up, and not an alarm on your phone signaling the start of another day of classes and work.
Wishing I could run away from responsibility like…
When the weather gets nice, and you can’t contain your excitement. Let’s be honest, you’ve been looking forward to fall breezes and various pumpkin-flavored things all year. Excuse me as I move permanently outside.
There's a light, over at the Frankenstein Place. So this Halloween, spend the witching hour at the late night, double feature, picture show, and immerse yourself in arguably the most iconic cult classic. You (probably) won't regret it.
