Introduction
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” a cinematic phenomenon defying easy categorization, remains a cultural touchstone for its outrageous visuals, catchy musical numbers, and celebration of self-expression. Amidst the chaos of transvestite aliens, motorcycle-riding Eddie, and laboratory-born creations, stands Brad Majors, one half of the seemingly ordinary couple whose lives are irrevocably altered by a fateful encounter with the infamous Dr. Frank-N-Furter. But is Brad truly “ordinary”? His journey, though often overshadowed by the spectacle surrounding him, is a surprisingly complex one. He moves from a position of societal conformity to facing situations where his morals and preconceived notions are put to the test. Brad’s naiveté and initial discomfort make him a relatable entry point for the audience, even as the film veers into increasingly bizarre territory. He embodies a certain type of American ideal, one that is then challenged. His transformation, or lack thereof, is a key to understanding the film’s enduring power. This article will explore Brad Majors’ journey in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” demonstrating how he evolves from a naive and repressed young man to someone who begins to question societal norms, while his original self often clashes with what is happening around him.
Brad Before Frank-N-Furter: Portrait of a Young Conservative
Before the downpour, the flat tire, and the eerie glow of Frank-N-Furter’s castle, Brad Majors presented a picture of textbook normalcy. Barry Bostwick portrays him as the embodiment of clean-cut American youth, a stark contrast to the flamboyant characters he will soon encounter. Brad is newly engaged to Janet Weiss, a union seemingly built on traditional values and expectations. Their relationship, at least initially, appears to be a saccharine-sweet vision of suburban bliss. The film opens with their friends’ wedding, a scene dripping with wholesome imagery that underscores the conservative world Brad and Janet inhabit.
He is, in many ways, a blank slate. He seems to lack experience. He relies on Janet’s judgment and appears to lack any sense of adventure. He recites the proper vows. He buys the ring, just as tradition dictates. Brad’s conservative nature is further underscored by his clothing: neatly pressed shirts, sensible trousers, and a perpetually worried expression. This meticulousness speaks volumes about his desire for order and control.
Even the act of getting engaged reinforces the rigid structure of Brad’s world. He awkwardly proposes, stumbling over his words, seemingly driven more by societal pressure than genuine romantic ardor. This awkwardness emphasizes his immaturity and reinforces the notion that he’s simply following a script he believes he must adhere to. When their car breaks down, it’s the beginning of all that is about to change, but Brad initially tries to maintain an attitude of order. This is quickly dashed. His world is about to fall apart. He can’t comprehend what is happening to him.
Into the Castle: Brad’s Descent into Madness
The moment Brad and Janet seek refuge in Frank-N-Furter’s castle, their comfortable reality shatters. The atmosphere is immediately unsettling, a stark contrast to the safety and familiarity they are used to. The bizarre inhabitants, with their outlandish costumes and provocative behavior, assault Brad’s senses. He is clearly overwhelmed by the sheer spectacle of it all.
Brad’s reactions are a mixture of fear, confusion, and growing indignation. He tries to maintain his composure, but the increasingly absurd events chip away at his resolve. Frank-N-Furter’s brazen sexuality and disregard for conventional morality are particularly jarring to Brad. He struggles to reconcile what he believes to be right with the events unfolding around him. He tries to protect Janet. He tries to remain the responsible fiancé, but his efforts are constantly thwarted. He tries to take charge.
The splitting up of Brad and Janet upon their arrival also contributes to Brad’s disorientation. He is left to navigate the castle’s labyrinthine corridors alone, facing increasingly strange encounters with the other inhabitants. This isolation amplifies his feelings of vulnerability and makes him even more susceptible to Frank-N-Furter’s influence. Brad also becomes trapped. Held against his will. He is at the mercy of those who surround him.
One pivotal scene exemplifies Brad’s ordeal: his confinement in the laboratory and subsequent monitoring on the television screen. This act of surveillance highlights his powerlessness and further dehumanizes him. He becomes an object of observation and manipulation. He is no longer in control of his own destiny.
Transformation, Stagnation, or Regression? Brad’s Enduring Ambiguity
The question of whether Brad undergoes a genuine transformation in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a subject of debate. While he is exposed to experiences that challenge his preconceived notions, it is not entirely clear if he truly breaks free from his ingrained conservatism. Unlike Janet, who seems to embrace a certain degree of sexual liberation, Brad’s arc is more ambiguous. He witnesses and experiences things that should change him, but he also seems to revert to his earlier self. It is a central ambiguity in the movie that audiences have debated since its release.
Some argue that Brad remains fundamentally unchanged, clinging to his traditional values even after his night of debauchery. He continues to express his disapproval of Frank-N-Furter’s lifestyle and seems eager to return to the safety and predictability of his former life. His initial shock never truly wears off.
Others believe that Brad experiences a subtle shift, even if he doesn’t fully embrace the film’s message of sexual liberation. His encounter with Frank-N-Furter, however unsettling, plants a seed of doubt in his mind. He may not become a liberated individual, but his worldview is undeniably altered. He may not approve of Frank-N-Furter, but he has been changed by their interaction.
The ending of the film leaves Brad’s fate uncertain. He survives the ordeal, but he is clearly shaken by what he has witnessed. He seems to have come to the realization that he had it wrong. Will he learn from this experience and embrace a more open-minded perspective? Or will he retreat back into the comforting embrace of societal norms? The film offers no easy answers, leaving the interpretation open to the audience. The uncertainty is key to understanding Brad’s evolution.
Brad as a Symbol: The All-American Male Deconstructed
Brad Majors functions as a symbol of the stereotypical all-American male, representing the values and expectations of mainstream society. His initial naiveté and conservatism serve as a foil to the more progressive and unconventional characters in the film. He can’t initially understand those that are around him.
Brad embodies a certain type of masculinity that is challenged throughout the film. He is expected to be strong, stoic, and in control, but he is constantly placed in situations where he is vulnerable and powerless. He is stripped of his authority and forced to confront his own insecurities. His role is deconstructed. He is revealed to be a flawed human being, just like everyone else. His initial portrayal of masculinity is subverted. He is left exposed.
His interactions with Frank-N-Furter highlight the contrast between traditional and unconventional lifestyles. Frank-N-Furter represents everything that Brad is not: sexually liberated, flamboyant, and uninhibited. This clash of values creates tension and forces Brad to confront his own prejudices. In the context of the movie, Frank is Brad’s polar opposite.
By subverting the traditional image of the all-American male, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” challenges viewers to question societal norms and embrace diversity. Brad’s journey, however ambiguous, serves as a reminder that conformity can be stifling and that true freedom lies in self-acceptance. The film wants audiences to be who they are.
Barry Bostwick’s Performance: A Critical Component
Barry Bostwick’s portrayal of Brad Majors is often overlooked amidst the film’s more flamboyant performances, but it is essential to the character’s effectiveness. Bostwick’s delivery is nuanced. He successfully conveys Brad’s naiveté, confusion, and growing unease. His performance is often understated. He doesn’t go big, as some of his cast members do, but his ability to go small is what is so effective.
Bostwick’s comedic timing is also crucial to the film’s success. He manages to elicit laughs without sacrificing the character’s vulnerability. His reactions to the outlandish events are often hilarious, but they also serve to humanize Brad and make him more relatable to the audience. His reactions are realistic, even if the events that trigger them are not.
Some critics have argued that Bostwick’s performance is too restrained, that he doesn’t fully embrace the film’s spirit of over-the-top camp. However, this restraint may be intentional, serving to further emphasize the contrast between Brad and the other characters. Others say that he is the heart of the film and the anchor that keeps everything together. Without Brad, the movie would not work.
Ultimately, Barry Bostwick’s performance is a crucial element of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s” enduring appeal. He brings a sense of humanity to Brad Majors, making him a character that audiences can both laugh at and sympathize with. He is a valuable component of the overall success of the movie.
Conclusion
Brad Majors, the seemingly ordinary fiancé thrust into the extraordinary world of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” is far more than just a straight man to the film’s antics. He experiences profound situations that challenge his beliefs. He symbolizes the societal norms that the film gleefully subverts.
Brad’s journey is a complex one. The ending leaves us questioning how much transformation truly takes place. He is an ambiguous character that defies easy definition. He is both a victim of circumstance and a catalyst for change. He shows an open-mindedness. Whether that is true change or something more subtle is up to the viewer to decide. His initial naiveté and subsequent disorientation serve as a mirror reflecting the audience’s own preconceptions and prejudices.
Brad remains a significant figure in the cult classic. His presence elevates the movie. He invites viewers to embrace their own individuality. His story leaves them examining the norms of the world. Brad’s enduring appeal lies in his relatable vulnerability and the questions he raises about identity, conformity, and the courage to embrace the unknown. Brad’s story invites all who watch the film to question their own existence. And perhaps be changed.
