amirnaveh

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film

Rocky Horror Picture Show

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My Issue with the Rocky Horror Remake: Gender, Camp, and Misrepresentation

In the new remake of Rocky Horror Picture Show, aired on FOX last night, choices on set, costume design, as well as the lead protagonist deviate from the original impressions and genre classic that Rocky Horror is known for. Many might claim that being unhappy with Laverne Cox's choice for protagonist is wrong etc., but I think personally she represents a woman, through and through. But, the original production resonates so clearly as a man in woman's clothing, a sweet transvestite, gothic sexual, and eerie, through and through. The clothing choices misgender the cast and portray a different set of queer statements throughout.

Your topic requires a strong controversial argument and will present a challenge for anyone who tackles it. – Kevin 8 years ago
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I would warn anyone who takes on this topic not to let your feelings as to which one was "better" influence the gender and sexuality discussion. It is difficult sometimes to separate nostalgia from analysis. It is quite possible that the new version is specifically trying to separate itself from the original. Ask "why"? – Christen Mandracchia 8 years ago
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As incredible as the original Rocky Horror is, our society has evolved from 1975. I think you can examine the casting of Laverne Cox, as well as other casting, costume, and design choices, as a reflection of the values of our society now versus the views and values of the society which produced the original. Maybe look into reviews for the original movie and compare them with reviews from this new version and see if there are any similarities/differences among the opinions. – lpcrescenti 8 years ago
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You pose an interesting question. With transgenders becoming a more common part of society and American culture, these matters raise a lot of questions have could easily come off as offensive. We are told that gender is which sex we identify with, okay, Laverne Cox identifies as a woman. So, she's a woman. However, the original screenplay for the movie calls for a man to play the role of a transvestite. Therefore, Laverne Cox playing Dr.Frank-N-Furter is essentially tantamount to let's say Jennifer Lawerence playing the role. So in every other circumstance Cox is suppose to be characterized as a woman except for when she plays in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, then she is characterized as a man playing a transvestite. The role doesn't call for a transgender is calls for a man to play one, that's what adds to the conspicuity of the show, going outside of your comfort zone, giving in to absolute pleasure. For this reason alone I don't think Laverne should had been casted. She is amazing and talented by her taking a male role in a show it is contradictory to everything we know about gender identification. – sastephens 8 years ago
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Latest Comments

Oct 21, 2016 amirnaveh I completely agree. Freaks and Geeks is a cult classic that represents a specific genre of angst and youth in America. Though short lived, it will forever be one of my favorites!	Freaks and Geeks: One Season, 17 Years of Cultural Influence
Oct 21, 2016 amirnaveh Fascinating! These artists are ones that I’ve never heard of before and conceptually are really intriguing. I can see how for the public eye, being confronted with such shocking and violent images threatens “social order,” or supposed civility, but the objective of art in my opinion, in many cases, is to push boundaries. I think the final portion you discussed about the insertions of metal or foreign objects into the skin that were then rejection is a fascinating sacrificial way to really demonstrate nature’s organic rejection of technology.	Body of Sedition: Yang Zhichao and Art that Hurts
Oct 21, 2016 amirnaveh I think it was really important that someone discussed and wrote about this. While I do think that he was a humble man, I wish more of his novels WERE flying off of the shelves. His memoirs, experiences, and insights reflect horrors of mankind and history that speak to darker moments than most of us can imagine. I love that more and more people are admiring his work, and articles like this are spreading the appreciation!	A Sage's Passing: Elie Wiesel (1928-2016)