Who is Brad Majors? Character Introduction
In the vibrant and eccentric world of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a film that has captivated audiences for decades, resides a character often overlooked yet undeniably crucial to its enduring appeal: Brad Majors. While the film overflows with memorable figures and flamboyant personalities, Brad, played by the affable Barry Bostwick, serves as the audience’s anchor, a point of relatable normality within the delightful chaos. This piece delves into the complexities of Brad Majors, dissecting his transformation, examining his pivotal role within the narrative tapestry, and exploring the character’s profound significance to the film’s continued cultural relevance.
Physical Appearance and Initial Personality
The initial glimpses of Brad portray him as a creature of habit and decorum, a man seemingly content with the well-defined boundaries of a predictable life. His physical appearance, the perfectly parted hair, the thick-rimmed glasses, and the slightly anxious posture, reinforces this image. He’s the epitome of the “square,” a product of his environment, a reflection of the conservative American sensibilities of the era in which the film was conceived. He’s a man of logic, of reason, of a certain rigid adherence to the expectations society has placed upon him. His relationship with his fiancée, Janet Weiss, further solidifies this picture. They are a picture-perfect couple, seemingly headed toward a life of suburban bliss, a stark contrast to the anarchy that awaits them.
Character Traits and Relationship with Janet
His personality is built on a foundation of nervousness, a kind of self-consciousness that reveals itself in his interactions. He is easily flustered, quick to apologize, and seemingly desperate to please, particularly when confronted with situations outside his comfort zone. This characteristic, however, is the very essence of his appeal. It makes him human, accessible, and relatable to anyone who has ever felt out of place or bewildered in the face of the unexpected. Brad is, in essence, the everyman, the ordinary individual thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
Profession and its Significance
Their profession, as a science teacher, speaks to his grounded nature and adherence to principles, he is a man of facts. While not having much screen time, he seems to be an educated individual, using words that have an impact on how the audience sees him.
Brad’s Journey: The Transformation
The Encounter and Arrival at the Castle
The genesis of Brad’s journey into the unknown begins with a simple act: seeking help during a rainstorm. A flat tire, a broken-down car on a dark and stormy night, and a fortuitous, or perhaps fateful, visit to a mysterious castle. It is here, in the shadow of the Transylvanian castle, that his carefully constructed world begins to crumble. The initial reaction to the castle is one of trepidation and wariness. The forbidding exterior and the unsettling atmosphere make him uneasy. As he and Janet venture inside, they encounter the eccentric cast of characters, and Brad’s carefully maintained composure starts to fray around the edges.
Encounter with Frank-N-Furter
Frank-N-Furter’s presence is overwhelming, an explosion of sexual energy and confident charisma that challenges everything Brad believes he knows. Brad’s attraction to the castle and its inhabitants is slow and gradual, a journey of a journey filled with awkwardness, curiosity, and a growing sense of unease.
Experiences During the Night
The experience of the night, the witnessing of unsettling events, the experimentation of sexual awakening, all fundamentally alters Brad. Brad experiences being witness to the unsettling events in the castle, the murder of Dr. Everett Scott, and his objectification under the influence of Frank-N-Furter. Brad begins to experience a more open and curious approach to the world. He finds himself drawn into the web of the castle’s seductive chaos, his initial reluctance giving way to a growing curiosity and a willingness to explore the boundaries of his repressed desires.
Brad’s Evolution
Throughout the film, Brad’s character undergoes an undeniable evolution. He moves from a state of innocent rigidity to one of awareness and, ultimately, a limited embrace of his newly found experience. He moves from a position of rigid adherence to social norms to one of sexual exploration and individual choice. He’s changed, transformed by the experiences of the night, though his transformation is less a complete metamorphosis and more a slow peeling back of layers of repression.
Brad as a Symbol
The Everyman and the Audience
Within the narrative, Brad serves as a symbol. He embodies the viewer, the everyman who is swept along the narrative, confronted with the challenge of finding his own identity and sexuality. He represents the struggle against societal expectations, the internal conflict between the desires and the restrictions placed upon us. He is an emblem of conformity, the struggle against repression, and the eventual acceptance of self.
Themes of Repression and Self-Discovery
The film’s exploration of themes is further enhanced through Brad’s character. He undergoes many experiences during the night, which can be seen as a metaphor for the sexual awakening of the viewers watching. This can be seen through the film’s embrace of themes such as sexual freedom, self-discovery, and challenging societal norms. The contrast between Brad’s prior life and his experience in the castle, perfectly represents this.
Brad and Janet’s Relationship
Changes in Relationship
Brad’s relationship with Janet is tested throughout the film. Both are drawn into a new world, as they test their boundaries, their relationship is altered. As Janet and Brad both explore their desires with Frank-N-Furter, it questions their original commitment to the relationship, in the end, both end up finding comfort from their new experiences. The relationship mirrors the audience’s position as they go through their own experiences with the film.
Brad’s Legacy
Brad’s Role in the Narrative
Brad’s importance can also be found in the overall narrative. He is the bridge between the traditional and the radical, the representative of the audience, the vehicle through which the film explores themes. His presence grounds the spectacle, his reactions and anxieties create a way for viewers to identify with the absurdity and extravagance of the film.
The Ambiguous Ending
The film concludes with an ambiguous ending, and it is this mystery that gives the film much of its allure. He and Janet go back to the outside world, but they will never be the same. They are changed by what has happened, but the extent of those changes is left to the audience’s imagination. This ambiguity adds to the legacy of Brad Majors in the film’s narrative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brad Majors, with his unassuming nature and his journey of self-discovery, is the beating heart of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He is a symbol of the Everyman, navigating the bizarre and unsettling challenges of a new world. His transformation, from a shy, somewhat awkward young man to an individual who has gained new experiences, is the cornerstone of the film’s enduring appeal. His journey mirrors the audience’s experience, inviting them to question the boundaries of their own lives and embrace the freedom of the unknown. As we continue to celebrate the magic of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, let us remember Brad Majors, the shy, unsure, and eventually awakened soul, whose journey continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the globe. He is more than just a character; he is a reflection of ourselves, a testament to the power of self-discovery, and a reminder that even in the strangest of circumstances, there is always the possibility for transformation and growth.
