Scott Michaels

Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult
By Scott Michaels and David Evans
Publisher: Sanctuary Publishing Limited
Published In: London, UK
Date: May 25th, 2002
Pgs: 361

Summary:
A behind the scenes look at the musical and film that after being a hit musical in London spawned a cult following after flopping at the box office. Made up largely of interviews with cast members and designers, this is a wonderful look back at the days when Rocky ruled.

Genre:
nonfiction

Why this book:
I have loved Rocky Horror since the first time I saw those red lips appear on the screen at a midnight movie at Northtown Mall in Dallas, TX.

This Story is About:
As to the musical/film, being yourself regardless of who you are and what people may think of that person. As to this book, make sure your agent isn’t the same as the agent representing everyone else involved in the production. Scott Michaels and I differ on this point. He states in the text that the show is about stardom; dictators, both good and evil; sin; and repentance. But, we agree on the idea that when Hollywood gets involved it’s “about the conflict between the libertine and the latter-day saint, the free thinker and the fundamentalist.”

Credibility:
The pacing of the movie sweeps you along and while you may identify with character along the way. It’s more in hindsight that you truly appreciate the movie for what it is. The book gets bogged down in minutiae with some of the Transylvanians, but by and large is a great read. The author’s tone lends to the credibility of the piece. He seems to come to the piece from a place of love for the original art and therefore treats it with respect even in instances where the people who were actually there cold shoulder him or let their animosities toward other cast and crew members show through.

Favorite Character:
The main character in this book is the entity known as The Rocky Horror Picture Show in whatever form she/he may be.

Least Favorite Character:
From the way he seems to be presented, Lou Adler. Not laying the fault for all the troubles at his feet, but the money seems to be an issue for all those involved. Money is the root of all evil. A root deeper than whatever hid in the psyche of our friend Frank N Furter.

Character I Most Identified With:
Barry Bostwick from his interview seems to be the most at ease with his Rocky Horror self. He’s not happy about the tons of merchandising and movie money that somehow didn’t trickle down to the players, but he respects the fans and still seems to love the piece.

The Feel:
It’s left me sad really. The people not liking each other very much. The walls between them. Tim Curry seemingly ashamed of it when it was such an incredible performance, legendary even.

Favorite Scene:
When one of the Transylvanians tells the story of when Meatloaf had to ride the motorcycle up the ramp on one side of the laboratory and then down the other. And, apparently, Meatloaf wasn’t very much of a motorcycle rider in those days. That would have been some awesome behind the scene footage.

Settings:
N/A

Pacing:
It’s well paced. The interviews are edited, not to bite size, but, to a manageable size.

Plot Holes/Out of Character:
N/A

Last Page Sound:
N/A

Author Assessment:
I would consider other things written by this author.

Editorial Assessment:
Nothing seems out of place here. Well done.

Disposition of Book:
I’m conflicted on this one. I doubt I’ll ever want to re-read it. But, this is a look at the inner workings of one of my favorite films ever. :/ This requires more thought.

Why isn’t there a screenplay?
N/A

Casting call:
N/A

Would recommend to:
Other aficionados of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. But as I stated previously, be prepared to be saddened by the ways that many of them view each other nowadays.… (mehr)