Frightfest London 2025: ‘Sane Inside Insanity: The Phenomenon of Rocky Horror’ Review
Featuring: Daniel Abineri, Terry Ackland-Snow, Lou Adler, Graham Garfield Barnard, Christopher Biggins, Sue Blane, Barry Bostwick, Rayner Bourton, Gaye Brown | Written and Directed by Andreas Zerr
Released 50 years ago, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been one of the most successful cult hits, particularly as it holds the record for the longest-running theatrical release in film history. It is difficult to imagine such longevity back in the 1970s, when an out-of-work actor called Richard O’Brien had an idea for a science-fiction stage play musical. It soon became a cult phenomenon courtesy of people who embraced it and made it their own, as captured by director Andreas Zerr in Sane Inside Insanity: The Phenomenon of Rocky Horror.
If you are only aware of Rocky Horror because of the film, there will be much to surprise you within this documentary, as it covers the show’s long life in its many forms. Whether it is the stage show whose popularity attracted viewers such as Jack Nicholson and John Lennon (as seen in photographic form), the ill-fated Broadway show, or how a new audience was introduced to it by the 1980 film, Fame.
While it is mainly talking head interviews, there is a wealth of archive footage that includes demo tape recordings, old photos, and footage nestled within so much trivia information. Many of the people involved with the stage play and film return for a talk, although there are some notable exceptions. Text appears regarding Richard O’Brien not being involved, but it is notable how no such explanation is included for key members like Susan Sarandon or Tim Curry.
There is understandably much time devoted to historical recollections related to this work, but another large element covered is the community. Audiences certainly have an impact on many films, yet they were a vital part of making this box-office bomb grow in stature courtesy of midnight showings, with the communal experience allowing for quite the slow-burn success. The reverence is clear in the fans who are interviewed, but it is not just wall-to-wall hagiography, as many people discuss their dislike of the film. One wishes that there was less repetition in the points made, yet it remains touching to see how many people have expressed themselves courtesy of a work whose ethos is “Don’t dream it, be it!”
A lesser documentary would have left it at that feel-good point and showed how the popularity endures, yet there is an interesting discussion regarding whether Rocky Horror has become a victim of its own success. For one, the film’s financial success is not shared by those who made it, as they do not see any of the money, while creator Richard O’Brien can only make money from this work via its stage show. However, the film’s success has hurt the stage show as the latter alters itself to be more like Jim Sharman’s feature.
What was once an underground hit has grown beyond that, and that leaves clashing ideas regarding its current state. Does it deserve to be something so commercial, or has making a small and intimate experience into something more extravagant milked the project dry? Can something that was originally rebellious and radical remain like that while succeeding, or is it doomed to be more sanitised in favour of making more money? There are no definitive answers to this, yet what remains is a party where people of all ages are welcome to enjoy Rocky Horror in each other’s company. Sane Inside Insanity: The Phenomenon of Rocky Horror is an effective look at the 1975 film, the many guises it took, and the people who have been touched by the dazzling strut of Dr Frank-N-Furter.
**** 4/5
Sane Inside Insanity: The Phenomenon of Rocky Horror screened as part of this year’s London Frightfest.
