From the legendary rock photographer Mick Rock, this visual volume explores the universe of The Rocky Horror Picture Show through its behind the scenes photography. It includes unpublished images taken during filming, interviews with cast members, and a foreword by Richard O’Brien himself, author of the original text and actor who brought Riff Raff to life.
The exaltation that Richard O’Brien makes of B-movie camp and sexual fluidity gave rise to one of the strangest and most addictive films ever made. After writing the theatrical show, O’Brien partnered with Jim Sharman to bring his overflowing and irreverent world to the big screen. Although it was a failure at its premiere, The Rocky Horror Picture Show was revived thanks to midnight screenings in alternative theaters and, over the decades, became a cultural phenomenon. The audience not only watched it, they lived it, actively participating with costumes, props, and collective responses. Today it holds the record for the longest-running film exhibition in history, with earnings close to 225 million dollars over nearly fifty years.
During the six weeks of filming, Mick Rock was present, known for his iconic images of David Bowie, Queen, T. Rex, Iggy and the Stooges, and Blondie. “They gave me total freedom to come and go as I pleased,” Rock recalls. “I could photograph everything that caught my attention or sparked my imagination.” Besides documenting the filming, he captured the unique energy and intimate moments shared by the cast and crew.
For the first time, these exceptional photographs are gathered alongside Mick Rock’s personal notes, interviews with the actors, and various production materials in a carefully crafted full-color edition. A definitive volume conceived for millions of fans, published on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the film’s premiere.
