Introduction
The midnight hour strikes, the screen flickers to life, and a whirlwind of fishnets, glitter, and rebellious energy explodes forth. The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a timeless cult classic, has captivated audiences for decades with its infectious music, campy visuals, and unapologetic embrace of the unconventional. While Frank-N-Furter, Janet Weiss, and Riff Raff often steal the spotlight, a closer look reveals a character frequently overlooked and underestimated: Brad Majors. Is Brad Rocky Horror’s most unfairly judged character? Many see him as merely the uptight foil to the film’s outrageous personalities, a symbol of repressed conservatism ripe for ridicule. However, to dismiss him as simply “square” is to miss a far more nuanced and ultimately compelling journey. This article delves into the depths of Brad Majors, arguing that his transformation throughout The Rocky Horror Picture Show reveals a vulnerability and capacity for change that makes him a far more complex and ultimately relatable character than he initially appears. He’s not just window dressing; Brad Rocky Horror is an integral part of the film’s enduring message of self-discovery and liberation.
Brad Before the Castle: The Archetype of Conventionality
Before the fateful flat tire and the eerie glow of Frank-N-Furter’s castle, we meet Brad Majors in a familiar, almost archetypal setting. He is the quintessential all-American boy, clean-cut, earnest, and utterly devoted to his sweetheart, Janet. He embodies the values of the nineteen fifties (even though the film implies it’s now the early 1970s) – a belief in marriage, family, and a predictable, well-ordered life. His proposal to Janet, delivered with nervous sincerity amidst a montage of perfectly staged happiness, reinforces this image. He is a man following the prescribed path, a product of his upbringing and societal expectations.
Brad’s innocence and naivety are evident in his interactions. He sees the world through a lens of unwavering optimism, unaware of the complexities and ambiguities that lie beneath the surface. He believes in the sanctity of marriage, the importance of respectability, and the power of tradition. He is, in many ways, a blank slate, ready to be molded by the experiences that await him. This deliberate archetypal characterization serves a crucial purpose. Brad represents the conservative values that the film will gleefully deconstruct and subvert. He provides a stark contrast to the outlandish characters he will encounter at the castle, highlighting the clash between conventionality and unbridled self-expression. Brad, in his initial state, is precisely the kind of person The Rocky Horror Picture Show seeks to challenge and transform. Understanding this initial state is key to appreciating the depth and complexity of his eventual evolution. His early scenes, such as his awkward singing of “Dammit Janet” shows how much he loves Janet, but in a rather bland way. We see the love and devotion in the words, but we don’t really feel the energy that comes from Frank-N-Furter or even Janet.
The Corruption of Brad: Lost Innocence and the Boundaries of Desire
The sanctuary of Brad’s life is shattered as soon as he and Janet enter Frank-N-Furter’s castle. Separated from Janet, he becomes increasingly bewildered and anxious. The castle itself is a labyrinth of bizarre characters, shocking displays of sensuality, and unsettling challenges to his moral compass. But his greatest trial comes when he is unknowingly seduced by Frank-N-Furter, believing him to be Janet.
This event is pivotal in Brad’s transformation. He is forced to confront his own sexuality and the repressed desires that lie beneath his carefully constructed facade. The experience throws his worldview into chaos, shattering his illusions of control and predictability. The loss of innocence is profound, and the disruption of his meticulously planned future is complete.
The question of whether this experience constitutes a sexual awakening or a traumatic assault is central to understanding Brad’s character. Some may argue that it frees him from the constraints of his upbringing, allowing him to embrace a more liberated and authentic self. Others may view it as a violation, a forced transgression that leaves him scarred and vulnerable. Regardless of interpretation, the encounter with Frank-N-Furter marks a turning point for Brad. He can never return to the naive and unquestioning state he occupied before. The experience fundamentally alters his perception of himself and the world around him. After sleeping with Frank-N-Furter he is never the same. Brad Rocky Horror is a corrupted man, his innocence ruined.
Brad’s Reactions: Navigating Chaos and Seeking Control
Throughout the remainder of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Brad struggles to regain his footing amidst the escalating madness. His increasingly frantic behavior reflects his internal turmoil. He tries to make sense of the chaos, to reassert control over a situation that is spiraling wildly beyond his grasp. He attempts to protect Janet, to restore order, and to escape the clutches of Frank-N-Furter and his bizarre entourage.
However, his efforts are largely futile. The castle’s intoxicating atmosphere and the overwhelming power of Frank-N-Furter continually thwart his attempts to regain control. He becomes increasingly disoriented, his sense of self eroding under the weight of the bizarre events unfolding around him. Brad Rocky Horror is a man at sea, tossed about by waves of uncertainty and confusion.
His interactions with other characters reflect his evolving state. He is drawn to and repelled by Frank-N-Furter’s seductive power, confused by Janet’s own shifting desires, and increasingly distrustful of everyone around him. He seeks reassurance and guidance but finds only further confusion and disillusionment. This is highlighted by scenes where he and Janet accuse each other of various misdeeds.
Why He’s Often Overlooked: The Square in a World of Glitter
Brad Majors is often dismissed as the “boring” or “unlikeable” character in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. His initial lack of flamboyance and overt sexuality pales in comparison to the outrageous personalities of Frank-N-Furter, Magenta, and Riff Raff. The film’s focus on these more outlandish figures often overshadows Brad’s own internal struggles.
However, this tendency to overlook Brad is a disservice to the film’s deeper themes. While Frank-N-Furter embodies the radical embrace of self-expression, Brad represents the challenge of breaking free from societal constraints and embracing one’s own vulnerabilities. His transformation is, in many ways, more significant than Janet’s because he starts from a more repressed and confined place. His reactions to the events in the castle are relatable and understandable, providing a grounded perspective within the film’s often surreal and absurd world. Brad Rocky Horror’s perspective makes the film more relatable, a chance for the audience to see themselves and their repressed desires on the screen.
Brad’s Significance: More Than Meets the Eye
Brad Majors is far more than just a “square.” He is a symbol of transformation, a representation of the challenges and rewards of embracing change. His journey through the castle represents a confrontation with societal norms, a questioning of traditional values, and an exploration of one’s own identity and sexuality.
Brad’s struggles resonate with audiences who have felt constrained by societal expectations, who have questioned their own identities, and who have dared to embrace the unconventional. He reminds us that breaking free from the confines of societal expectations can be both terrifying and liberating.
Brad Rocky Horror‘s importance is that, like the audience, he can experience everything that the castle has to offer. He can emerge transformed and see that he too, can be a little bit liberated.
The Legacy of Brad: An Unsung Hero of Self-Discovery
Brad Majors’ legacy lies in his ability to challenge our assumptions about what it means to be “normal” or “acceptable.” He reminds us that embracing individuality and questioning societal norms is essential for personal growth and self-discovery. His journey in The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a powerful reminder that true liberation lies in accepting ourselves, flaws and all.
He may not be the most flamboyant or outrageous character, but Brad Majors’ transformation is a critical component of the film’s enduring message. His journey serves as a reminder that even the most conventional individuals can find liberation and self-discovery when they dare to step outside their comfort zones. And so, Brad Rocky Horror remains a testament to the power of embracing the unconventional and finding the courage to change.
Conclusion: Reconsidering a Misunderstood Hero
Brad Majors is not simply a foil or a cardboard cutout. He is a complex and compelling character whose transformation throughout The Rocky Horror Picture Show challenges our assumptions and invites us to reconsider our own perceptions of normalcy and self-expression. While often overlooked, Brad’s journey of self-discovery resonates deeply with audiences who have questioned societal norms and dared to embrace their own individuality. So, the next time you find yourself doing the Time Warp, take a moment to reflect on the journey of Brad Majors, the misunderstood hero who reminds us that even the most conventional individuals can find liberation in the face of the unconventional. Is it possible that Brad Rocky Horror is the most revolutionary character in the film? He is, in his own way, a hero, showing us all that is possible when we are willing to embrace the unknown and confront our own limitations. In the grand, glitzy spectacle of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Brad Majors may be the quietest revolution of them all. He is the everyman, the vehicle for us to enter this strange and liberating castle.
