Tim Curry Archives

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror

by Hope Madden

I would like…if I may…to take you on a Strange Journey.

Linus O’Brien—son of Rocky Horror creator Richard O’Brien—directs a mash note by way of documentary about his dad’s other baby. For fans of the show and film, the documentary is a delightful accounting of the phenomenon that is Rocky Horror.

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror chronicles Richard O’Brien’s early plans for the stage show, his collaborators, its humble beginnings and its immediate success. And though the spine of the film is a sequential history from stage to screen, box office bomb to midnight monster, the flesh on those bones is tender and tasty.

O’Brien the elder is raw and emotional, but like everyone else in the film, brimming with joy over the film’s lasting impact. He strums out some greatest hits, in fine voice for 83! O’Brien the director flanks the homey footage of his father with interview pieces from everyone you hope to see.

Tim Curry (a scientist), Susan Sarandon (slut), Barry Bostwick (asshole), Patricia Quinn (a domestic), Nell Campbell (a groupie), and Peter Hinwood (a creation) all have fun and funny tales to tell. It is especially dear to hear how in awe everyone was of Curry, undeniably iconic in the lead role. And listening to both Quinn and Campbell note their shock at Meatloaf’s voice is a kick.

Film producer Lou Adler and director Jim Sharman shed some light on the maneuvering that went on to keep O’Brien’s vision pure. As the doc kicks into its third act, both O’Briens are keen to shift focus to fans.

Richard O’Brien created, for himself firstly and luckily for the rest of us, a film that celebrates the weirdo, that revels in gender and sexual fluidity, that disdains the status quo. He created a raucous, glittery space where people could stop pretending to be ordinary and could indulge in their own beautiful uniqueness.

At the film’s end, Richard O’Brien tells us that Rocky Horror isn’t his at all. It belongs to all of us. Strange Journey is essential viewing for all of us too.

In honor of our next Fright Club Live – where we unspool the unhinged French horror show Sheitan (French for Satan) – we decided to pick through all the performers who’ve played the dark lord onscreen. George Burns to Dave Grohl, we considered them all. Here, though, is our list of the best of the best.

5. Jack Nicholson (The Witches of Eastwick– 1987)

Old Jack really breathed life into the idea of wretched excess in this one, coming across equally as frightening and charming. Appropriate. He seems to be playing off of his own persona, but given the comedic nature of the effort, and the absurdity that this slovenly old cuss could seduce three stunning, intelligent women (Susan Sarandon, Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer) – well, it’s a charm Nicholson seemed to come by naturally, so why not exploit it here?

4. Peter Stormare (Constantine – 2005)

There are two reasons to remember this film – Tilda Swinton and Peter Stormare – and luckily they have one epic scene together. But Stormare manages to even outdo the effortlessly glorious Swinton – androgynous perfection as Gabriel – and that’s something to crow about. He’s been preparing to play the dark lord ever since he pushed Steve Buscemi into that wood chipper in Fargo. Once he got the shot, he was sinister, funny, frightening…and eventually undone by Keanu Reeves, which was almost enough reason to leave him off the list, but not quite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rVFse1LLQs

3. Viggo Mortensen (The Prophecy – 1995)

There is no question this film belongs to Christopher Walken – as do all films in which he graces the screen. His natural weirdness and uncanny comic timing make the film more memorable than it deserves to be, but when it comes to sinister, Viggo Mortensen cuts quite a figure as Lucifer. Unseemly, gorgeous and evil, he seethes through his few scenes and leaves the celluloid scorched.

2. Robert DeNiro (Angel Heart – 1987)

De Niro’s well manicured and articulate Louis Cyphre perfectly balances Mickey Rourke’s handsome slob, and both fit beautifully into this sultry version of 1955. It’s really a beautifully made film, courtesy of Alan Parker, who adapted William Hjortsberg’s novel Fallen Angel and directed the film. Deceptively bloody, unusually classy, effortlessly creepy, Angel Heart stays under your skin. Maybe it’s the casual evil, the lurid atmosphere. Maybe it’s De Niro’s understated menace, with those long nails and that hardboiled egg.

1. Tim Curry (Legend – 1985)

Best Satan Ever. That voice, the sultry way he drawls out every syllable, the sweltering inappropriateness of his seduction, the look. Wow. This image clearly influenced both South Park‘s vision, as well as the Dave Grohl part in Tenacious D’s Pick of Destiny. But Curry pulls it off like no one else. Tim Curry is the world’s greatest sweet transvestite, the world’s greatest terrifying clown, and the world’s greatest Satan. Too bad the character is trapped in such a crap film.

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Maddwolf

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