Brad Majors Rocky Horror

Katharine Graham

2 min read

·

04-12-2024

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Brad Majors. The name conjures images of a bewildered young man, thrust into a world of bizarre sexuality and otherworldly beings. He's not your typical hero; in fact, he's arguably the antithesis. He's not brave, not particularly cunning, and certainly not prepared for the night he spends at the Frankenstein Place. Yet, within the chaotic, campy spectacle of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Brad's journey provides a surprisingly relatable core to the film's outrageous extravagance.

From All-American to Alien Encounter

Initially, Brad is presented as the quintessential all-American sweetheart. Engaged to the equally conventional Janet Weiss, he represents a certain kind of naivete and innocence. Their planned visit to their college professor, Dr. Scott, sets the stage for their descent into the surreal. This initial normalcy serves as a stark contrast to the sexual liberation and uninhibited self-expression that characterize the residents of Frankenstein Place.

The Unraveling of Convention

Brad’s journey isn’t about heroic deeds or vanquishing a villain. Instead, it's about the unraveling of his carefully constructed, conventional worldview. He’s forced to confront his own desires, repressed sexuality, and the limitations of his previously rigid beliefs. The film masterfully utilizes his discomfort and resistance to highlight the liberating, if somewhat unsettling, aspects of embracing the unconventional.

A Reluctant Transformation

While Janet undergoes a more overt transformation, embracing her newfound sensuality, Brad's change is more subtle, more internal. His initial shock and disgust gradually give way to a cautious curiosity, a tentative acceptance of the bizarre environment and its inhabitants. He's not necessarily embracing the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Frankenstein Place, but he's undeniably changed by it. He begins to question his own previously held assumptions about normalcy and sexuality.

The Power of the Unexpected

The true power of Brad's character lies not in his actions but in his reactions. His journey reflects the discomfort and uncertainty many might feel when confronted with the unexpected, with challenges to their established norms. His eventual (partial) acceptance of the chaos around him speaks to the human capacity for adaptation and, perhaps, a quiet appreciation for the liberation that comes from abandoning rigid expectations.

Beyond the Camp

Despite the film's overtly comedic and campy elements, Brad's character arc offers a surprisingly poignant commentary on conformity versus self-discovery. He may not be the traditional hero, but his reluctant journey through the bizarre world of Rocky Horror remains a compelling and unexpectedly relatable aspect of this cult classic. He reminds us that even the most seemingly conventional individuals can be profoundly impacted – and perhaps even subtly transformed – by confronting their own limitations and prejudices.