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. – Kevin8 years ago
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 Mandracchia8 years ago
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. – lpcrescenti8 years ago
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.
– sastephens8 years ago
