Few films have left as indelible a mark on pop culture as The Rocky Horror Picture Show. From its humble beginnings as a box-office flop to its rise as the ultimate cult phenomenon, the film has transcended generations, becoming a symbol of rebellion, individuality, and community. Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, directed by documentary filmmaker Lisa Horowitz, dives deep into this cultural legacy, offering an affectionate and personal exploration of how a quirky musical became a global institution.
With interviews from fans, cast members, and cultural commentators, the documentary is as much about the people who keep Rocky Horror alive as it is about the film itself. It’s a celebration of fandom, identity, and the enduring power of cinematic misfits.
From Flop to Phenomenon
Horowitz begins her documentary by revisiting The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s rocky start. Released in 1975, the movie was initially dismissed by critics and audiences alike. Its campy homage to sci-fi B-movies and unapologetically queer themes failed to resonate with mainstream viewers at the time. But as Strange Journey highlights, its failure at first wasn’t the end—it was just the beginning.
The turning point came when Rocky Horror found its audience at midnight screenings in Los Angeles and New York City in 1976. These late-night showings transformed the film into an interactive experience, with fans shouting quips at the screen, dressing in costume, and performing alongside the movie. Horowitz captures this evolution in vivid detail, using archival footage from early screenings and interviews with original fans who helped establish these traditions.
One such fan recalls how it all started: “We were just trying to make each other laugh,” says Amy Lazarus, one of the first audience members to yell back at the screen. “We had no idea we were creating something that would last decades.”
The Fans Who Keep It Alive
At its heart, Strange Journey is about the people who have carried Rocky Horror’s torch for nearly 50 years. The documentary shines a spotlight on the diverse fanbase that has embraced the film as more than just entertainment—it’s a way of life. From LGBTQ+ communities who found solace in its message of self-expression to teenagers discovering their identities through fishnets and corsets, Rocky Horror has become a sanctuary for outsiders.
Horowitz interviews fans from around the world, including shadow-cast performers who reenact scenes during screenings and die-hard devotees who’ve attended hundreds of showings. Their stories are deeply personal yet universal—proof of how art can create connections across time and space.
One particularly moving segment features a fan who credits Rocky Horror with saving their life: “I was 16, closeted, and terrified,” they explain. “When I saw Frank-N-Furter unapologetically being himself on screen, it gave me permission to be me.”
The Cast Reflects
No documentary about Rocky Horror would be complete without hearing from its legendary cast. Tim Curry (Dr. Frank-N-Furter), Susan Sarandon (Janet Weiss), Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors), and Richard O’Brien (Riff Raff) all make appearances in Strange Journey, sharing anecdotes about filming and reflecting on the movie’s enduring legacy.
Curry’s contributions are particularly poignant. Though his health has limited his public appearances in recent years, his reflections on playing Frank-N-Furter are filled with humor and humility: “I never imagined I’d still be talking about this role 50 years later,” he says with a sly grin. “But if you’re going to be remembered for something, it might as well be fishnets.”
O’Brien, who wrote both the original stage play and the film’s screenplay, provides fascinating insights into how Rocky Horror was conceived. He describes it as a love letter to outsider culture: “It was for anyone who ever felt like they didn’t belong.”
A Cultural Touchstone
What makes Strange Journey stand out is its ability to contextualize Rocky Horror within broader cultural movements. Horowitz explores how the film became a safe haven for marginalized communities during times of social upheaval—from its role in queer liberation in the 1970s to its resurgence among Gen Z audiences today.
The documentary also examines how Rocky Horror influenced other works of art and media. From TV shows like Glee to films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, its impact is undeniable. As one cultural critic notes in the film: “Without Rocky Horror, we wouldn’t have half of what we consider ‘cult’ today.”
A Celebration of Joy
Ultimately, Strange Journey is a celebration—of joy, community, and unapologetic weirdness. It captures what makes The Rocky Horror Picture Show more than just a movie: it’s an experience that brings people together in ways few other films can.
Horowitz ends her documentary on an uplifting note by showcasing modern-day fans continuing the traditions started nearly five decades ago. Whether it’s throwing rice at wedding scenes or shouting callbacks like “Buy an umbrella!” during rainy moments, these rituals remind us why we go to the movies—not just to watch but to feel connected.
Conclusion: A Love Letter Worth Watching
With Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, Lisa Horowitz has crafted an affectionate tribute to one of cinema’s most enduring cult classics. Through heartfelt interviews, rich archival footage, and thoughtful analysis, she captures not only what makes Rocky Horror special but why it continues to matter.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this documentary is a reminder that sometimes it’s okay—even wonderful—to be strange. After all, as Dr. Frank-N-Furter once said: “Don’t dream it—be it.”