Rocky Horror Picture Show theories (complete)

There's a light (over at the Frankenstein place )

(note one paragraph has been copy and pasted from a prior essay)

Over at the Frankenstein is symbolic of society's progression in the 1970s towards more alternative and sexually liberated lifestyles and the growing possibility of communities rising out of obscurity and benefiting society as they come to more liberated views and values.

The late 1960s and the early 1970s undeniably sparked a chain of change for those in the LGBTQ+ community spanning from 1967 when homosexuality was decriminalized in England and Wales.1969 stonewall riots protesting the treatment of members in the USA and Cuba. A year later 1970 the American Psychiatric Association ruled 13-0 that homosexuality should be taken off the list of mental disorders. 15th of August 1975 was the premiere of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. First rated 2.5 stars out of 4 from critics. It didn't become a cult classic straight away, however; it found a place in the hearts of LGBTQ+ members and allies that loved the sexual liberation and the androgyny that the movie brought to the screen. We can credit actors such as Tim Curry and the rock legend Meatloaf and the rest of the cast for the movie's timelessness.

In Janet's verse, Richard O Brian highlights the accepting nature of the LGBTQ+ community and how it creates a change in societal norms by teaching those who are curious. In the first two lines "in the velvet darkness of the blackest night" is a metaphor of pre-1970s society and the republican views it held and the prejudice which it spread causing a community being marginalized from society despite protesting for equality and acceptance. Later in the verse the lines "burning bright, there's a guiding star, no matter what or who you are." Is valuing the role of the LGBTQ+ community in bringing a new light to society and guiding it into a one of acceptance and love. Alternatively, this is Richard O Brian expressing that Brad and Janet are microcosms for the 1970s society which would allow more analysis of Richard's interpretation of society through character arcs.

In the original, Brad hasn't got his own verse; however, in many stage plays Brad has the lines "I can see the flag fly, I can see the rain, just the same, there has got to be something better here for you and me." I won't go into great detail considering it's not canonical to the original movie adaptation. For the line "I can see the flag fly" I consider this as Frank N Furter's mansions almost being a white flag for Brad and Janet as they surrender their republican views in the benefit of more liberated ones. "Something better for you and me" Is Brad understanding the new society they are going into isn't going to negatively impact them rather expand their mindset on the world.

Riff Raff verse highlights the breath of fresh air and the metaphorical weight of expectation being lifted off their shoulders. His most notable line is "flow morphia flow". Morphia was the original name for the common drug morphine now used for pain relief. This is symbolic of Frank N Furter house being a safe place and promoting identity no matter how weird or outlandish.

This song is fundamental for analysis on Richard O Brian's meaning and interpretation on the society around him otherwise the message of the movie wouldn't be as clear.