(Written by Guest Reviewer, Ronnie (Dorian) Clements)
A fan once said, “It’s not a movie, it’s a way of life.” And for so many, that sentiment still rings true! Directed by Linus O’Brien, son of The Rocky Horror Picture Show creator Richard O’Brien, long-awaited documentary Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror stirred immediate excitement among die-hard fans, and it delivers in spades. The fact that the story is told by the creator’s own son lends it an undeniable authenticity, yet Linus maintains a respectful distance from both his father and the legacy itself. The result is a documentary that’s not only superbly structured, but also refreshingly objective and emotionally resonant.
Strange Journey dives right into the origin story of this campy, chaotic, Frankenstein-infused celebration of identity, desire and rebellion. The documentary begins at the literal roots, with Richard O’Brien re-visiting his childhood home in New Zealand, accompanied by Linus. Richard also returns to the spot where he once worked as a barber, now immortalized by a statue of him as Riff Raff. From there, the narrative shifts to London in the early 60s, where Richard took on menial jobs and honed his acting chops. His talent caught the eye of director Jim Sharman, who was intrigued by Richard’s side project: a musical.
That musical, originally titled They Came From Denton High, evolved into The Rocky Horror Show, premiering on June 19, 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, a modest, 60-seat venue. The rest, as they say, is history. The show’s success led to larger stages, and eventually the cult film that would re-define midnight cinema. Linus charts this journey with precision, revealing that the original production was anything but smooth. The script was skeletal, the process chaotic, and yet, somehow it all came together. Out of that artistic mayhem emerged a masterpiece.
What makes Strange Journey so satisfying is its dual focus. We are treated to behind-the-scenes insights into both the original stage production and the 1975 film. It’s a double serving, and both courses are delicious. Fans will revel in the treasure trove of interviews and archival gems. A few spoilers ahead: Jim Sharman cast actors based not on their voices, but their presence. Tim Curry’s discovery of the Frank-N-Furter voice was a revelation. The documentary also positions Rocky Horror as a precursor to immersive entertainment, an idea that feels both timely and thrilling.
Now here’s my one hole in the fishnets, so to speak—the documentary rightly highlights Rocky’s extreme significance to the LGBTQ+ community, its role in coming out, pride and self-acceptance. But I’ve never felt the piece belonged exclusively to any one demographic. From the very first viewing, the sexuality theme, while unmistakable, was not the core for me.
I have often said that two of the most unforgettable Saturday afternoons of my life were spent watching live matinee performances of The Rocky Horror Show, years apart, yet equally electric. While the film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, may lack the raw immediacy of the stage, it remains endlessly enthralling. Its brilliance lies in its audacity. The score alone is a genre-defying rollercoaster, veering from tender ballads to glam rock anthems, with not a single misfire among them.
At its heart, Rocky Horror is a metaphor—a flamboyant, defiant anthem against conformity. This anthem is a rallying cry to reject the herd and embrace your truest self. “Don’t Dream It, Be It,” in the film’s own words. That’s why Rocky ends up both infinitely universal and a pure masterpiece. In the end, Linus O’Brien has crafted something truly special: a documentary that’s beautifully paced, richly detailed and emotionally uplifting. Millions of fans will no doubt echo my sentiment. “You’ve done your Dad proud. Respect!”
Reviewer Ronnie Clements runs a Facebook group called Screen Gems, with over 126k followers and growing. Don’t miss his valuable film knowledge and daily roulette of movie culture over at the site.
I loved the documentary. It was extremely well and enlightening. I got very nostalgic and choked up, seeing the Eighth Street Playhouse, Sal Piro, Dori Hartley, watching the cast members being interviewed. It was fascinating watching Richard O’Brien talking, playing the guitar, and singing. Thank you, Linus O’Brien for this special experience