Customer Reviews

Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was very interesting and should definitely be read by hardcore Rocky Horror fans. That said, it is somewhat disappointing to read for two reasons, one being something the authors could help- the other being something they could not.

Almost everyone involved in creating the Rocky Horror Show and its picture show variant seems jaded or pissed off. Money is often the first thing on people's minds, and the reader comes away knowing that the production screwed many people involved, but could come away having learned so much more. Everyone is quick to point out what a huge part they played in creating this legend- the ego is unbelievable. That, however, the authors could not help. They simply took their information and gave it.

My major problem with the book, however, comes from the authors themselves. While it is true that Rocky Horror is a phenomenon, and certainly influential, I found it awfully hard to swallow some of the ideas that they put forth. It is their belief that Rocky Horror *created* punk, which is ridiculous. No doubt it was part of the culture, but no one thing created it. Also, Rocky Horror is listed as the precursor to Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman's "Bat Out Of Hell"- bull. And by the time they're raving about how "Death Becomes Her" is just a rip-off of the RHPS, you're ready to put down your book and read something else.

This is a very decent book. Lots of great information has passed hands through it, and I do recommend it. However, Rocky Horror has never meant influence or changing the world. It has meant the glorification of fun, rock and roll, and sex. It is a fun show spoofing old horror flicks. To go so far about its importance is to deny it's real power: the ability to have a good time.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its history of a UK fringe musical smash that became a film flop, then an audience participation sensation with its own cult - and eventually a Hollywood Film Studio's cottage industry. I loved reading about the creative process - part inspiration, part kismet and lots of group collaboration. You are taken step by step, through terrific interviews, into the birth of a cultural phenomenon that only happens once in a lifetime. I have a newfound respect for the film actors especially after learning what a cold, damp slog of a shoot it was for them. It was a revelation to learn of the RHPS film set's cliques. The authors have provided a true glimpse (warts and all) at the creative stage/screen process of ordinary people who gave extraordinarily of their gifts to keep generations singing and laughing for decades. This book brilliantly sums up the cultural life of Rocky Horror and those halcyon days of pre-VHS/DVD fan fanaticism and weekend theatrics. It also gives a hint that perhaps that early reverence is retreating into a void just like those glossy red lips.

"Rocky Horror: From Cult to Concept", a collection of pattering interviews with nearly everyone ever remotely involved with Richard O'Brien's cult phenom, is for completeist's only. Die Hard Rocky fan's (already well versed in the history of the musical sensation) will no doubt appreciate the chats with some of the more obscure player's (Peter Hinwood, who played the titular character in the 1975 film version proves a particularly pleasant character) but those looking for in depth insight into Rocky's early beginnings in London are advised to look elsewhere. Very little time is spent discussing the shows humble birth at the Royal Court's Theatre Upstairs.

This book is amazing. It's full of information and opinions of many actors and actresses in the film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Sadly, it appears Tim Curry refused to be interviewed, but I still have yet to finish the book. I think every fan should own it! It even has photos to admire from before the film during the days of the stage show, and then photos of behind the scenes, and other miscellaneous, yet relevant photos!

I rather enjoyed this book, "Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult" by Scott Michaels and David Evans. I found the book in America luckily and for the first time it enlightened me on the origins of this fantastic cult film and phenomenon. Loved the one-on-one interviews with cast members, as well as recent photos of the cast...especially Peter Hinwood. The contributions from little Transylvanian Sadie Corre were great, but then again I love midgets. Bravo to the authors! I hope they expand and reprint the book in the near future with more photos and larger format. This book deserves it!

This is a good book so far. I must admit that I'm not finished yet having only got it 2 days ago but I'm already to page 120-something. It's very interesting; great interviews w/ people I've heard about on Rocky sites and didn't know much about, so this book really helped me. It's amusing. My only complaint would be that everybody kind of seems to dump on Richard O'Brien in this book and I had always liked Riffy so that kind of bothered me, but all in all it's a good book.