This surreal horror musical has withstood the stand of time from its rocky initial release to become a cult classic Halloween tradition all over the world. The hefty reputation of the film had always interested me but I never got around to watching it until this year when I was able to check out a local live shadow-cast.

A shadow-cast is a perfomance where actors will mimic a film live behind them, usually involving audience interaction. Rocky Horror Picture Show is particularly famous for having fanmade shadow-casts in most major cities across the United States and the world at-large around every Halloween.

Suffice to say, I was completely awestruck by the film. Later, I rewatched the film at home without the spectacle of the live performance and was still astonished by the movie. Rocky Horror Picture Show is an irreverent, nonsensical musical that is not for everyone. But if you are someone who connects with the film and can follow its vibe, you will absolutely love it.

The film is an homage to even older sci-fi B-movies, mixed with the experiences of screenwriter Richard O'Brien's own struggles with gender identity. We watch the archetypal smalltown couple, Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), stumble upon the castle of mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry). From there, erotic and surreal hijinks ensue with crazy experiments, Transylvanian dance parties, and sexual awakenings. The script and performances are so hilariously cheesy, with Tim Curry in particularly stealing the show with every scene he's in. It's a movie that begs to be quoted with iconic scene after iconic scene, elevated by the fantastic cast.

First and foremost, it's a musical and the soundtrack is super addicting. There's actually not a single song I didn't like, and the energy of each song carries the tempo of the film, making it so fun to watch. Despite its low budget, it really feels like everyone on the team— from the costume designer, Sue Blane, to the extras— brought their A-game to create an experience that's hard to put into words.

Granted, it's important to remember the movie was definitely a time capsule of the 1970's. Some may be made uncomfortable with scenes of unwanted sexual advances or outdated terminology. It also cannot be understated that the plot is a mess, so don't go in trying to make sense of everything. Rocky Horror is best experienced just going along with the ride.

The meaning of Rocky Horror is very much up to personal interpretation. I think anyone can take anything out of the film but this is how I see it.

Dr. Frank-N-Furter, though sometimes villainous, was also a misunderstood outcast from his home planet of Transylvania. Though Transylvania might seem progressive compared to the Earth Brad and Janet know, with the kickass dance parties and sexual liberation, it still had its own strict societal pressures that make Dr. Furter an outcast; it may have been due to his adoration of Earth culture as hinted with his reference to wanting to dress like Fay Wray in the song "Fanfare."

I believe Dr. Furter became controlling, killing outside influences like Eddie and being protective of Rocky, because that's how he'd been raised and it's all he's ever known. Unfortunately, he becomes the same thing he tried to escape, leading to a story full of outcasts who try to rebel from their roles. Magenta and Rocky rebel from Dr. Furter. Eddie rebels from his family. And Brad and Janet eventually rebel from the heteronormative society they were raised in through their sexual awakenings. In the end, no one is truly free until we rid ourselves of these societal expectations and gender binaries that hold us down.

• The influence the film has had on the queer community is immense and wide-reaching. Though I'm not the best person to speak on it, I'd highly recommend this video if you wanna learn more about the legacy of Rocky Horror in the LGBTQ community.
• I'd highly recommend checking out a shadow-cast in your area. It is the best way to experience the movie (though it might be worth watching it yourself first so you're not confused).
• It's hard to pick a favorite song but I'll probably have to say "Fanfare/Don't Dream It" since it's genuinely touching. I didn't expect the punch to the gut like that at the end of this comedy.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show isn't for everyone and the film knows it and revels in it. It's a celebration of everything from science fiction to queer culture and giving it a shot may convert you to join its cult following. I know for me, watching this will definitely become a Halloween tradition.

If you enjoy:	cheesy B-movies musicals stories about outcasts Tim Curry	come up to the lab

If you dislike:	not knowing what the hell is going on musicals sex and violence	maybe not a movie to watch with your parents