'Picture Show' is known as a "cult film" and there are several meanings to what a cult film can be. Some are films that are so terribly bad that they end up hilariously good, such as 'Plan 9 From Outer Space' and 'Super Mario Bros.' Some are obscure works that seem to be made by men who should be cleaning our raw sewage system instead of working behind a camera.
Some are just completely odd and different, which is where 'Picture Show' fits right in.
One thing is sure about all cult films: they are loved/laughed at (in a good way) by a devoted group of fans and are generally shunned by mainstream critics/audiences (sometimes just at first or the dreaded eternal hatred).
'Picture Show' is probably the MOST mainstreamed cult classic I know. By that I mean, even mainsteam-centered Hollywood loves it (not at first, but eventually). It was even selected for preservation for being "culturally, historically, or aestheically significant."
Many people embraced the transvestite from the Transsexual, Transylvania and his catchy showtunes.
I'm not even going to begin to tell you what the movie is all about because, if you're not familar, you would wonder what kind of drug I'm on for making you read such a strange story.
To be honest, I've only seen this once and it was just a few months ago that I watched it. I have heard about it for years, but never had a copy around to watch until then.
I cannot put into words of the many facial expressions I experienced as I witnessed the horror of certain bulging parts of a younger Tim Curry. I cannot look at Nigel Thornberry, who Curry voiced from 'The Wild Thornberries', the same way again without picturing black lace, stockings, and pearl necklaces.
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| Before Nigel Thornberry was a renowned expert of animals, he certainly knew how to party like one. |
You get ear-candy along with that eye-poison though. This movie has some REALLY catchy songs, the most famous of these being "Time Warp," "Sweet Transvestite," and "Touch-A Touch-A Touch Me."
There are other delightfully weird characters in 'Picture Show' like servant Magenta with her rolling, thick accent and her brother Riff Raff's skeletal figure. Even a young Susan Sarandon joined the main part of the cast as normal, newly engaged Janet.
Obviously, this is not appropriate for young children and you should use your best judgement of when you watch it if you have any around.
This movie is NOT for everyone. After all, it is a CULT CLASSIC, so do not expect the movie to suddenly become a typical blockbuster film. Cult films are generally different and that's just what you'll get from 'Picture Show.'
I liked the music and the characters are cool, but in all honesty, I thought it was all right over all. Not my favorite, but I've seen other cult films and mainstream movies that are much worse. Still, I gotta say: Let's do the time warp again!
Rent worthy? If I have made you curious enough, go ahead. It's on Netflix and you can easily find it at Blockbuster. Occasionally, some colleges host a 'Picture Show' night on or near Halloween where you can watch it with some other people.
DVD/Blu-ray worthy? If you're a die hard fan, no doubt you own a copy already. I'm still new to it and don't know if I will ever own it. I do love that music though...maybe CD worthy for me.
Random Connection of a Sweet Transvestite to Disney: Susan Sarandon (Janet) provided the voice for Ms. Spider in 'James and the Giant Peach' and starred as the evil stepmother in 'Enchanted.' Also, Richard O' Brien (Riff Raff) does the voice of the British father on 'Phineas & Ferb,' an animated show currently on the Disney Channel.
Keep on watchin'
The Little Critic
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