The 52 In 52 Part 20: Shock Treatment



Welcome one and all to the 20th part of my weekly blog, The 52 In 52. If you haven't read any of the previous articles, firstly please go and check them out by following this LINK. The premise is simple, every Thursday I watch one of those long neglected DVD and Blu Rays that have sat on my shelf gathering dust and review it. Last week I watched the horror classic, Cujo, go and check that out before I begin this week.

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This week I am reviewing Shock Treatment, the overlooked sequel/equal to Rocky Horror Picture Show. Released in 1981 Shock Treatment was written by Richard O'Brien and Jim Sharman as well as being directed by Sharman too. The story continues on the story of Brad and Janet Majors, now being played by Cliff De Young and Jessica Harper, who are encountering some marriage difficulties in the town of Denton which has recently been purchased by fast food company owner Farley Flavors. The town becomes a rolling source of entertainment for the world and Janet becomes the focus of not only the show but the advances of the sinister Flavors.

I remember when I first learned about Shock Treatment and I struggled to find a reason for a follow up to Rocky Horror. I was pleasantly surprised at not only how overlooked the film was but, also how good the film actually is. I understand that Rocky Horror has a cult like following but, I feel that Shock Treatment is just as good. The problem is, in my opinion, is that because it's not a conventional sequel, the audience weren't as enthusiastic.

The central performances are fantastic. Jessica Harper has a distinctive voice that allows for some of the best vocal performances throughout the film, especially during "In My Own Way" and "Looking For Trade"where she commands your attention. Cliff De Young is equally strong as Brad Majors/Farley Flavors belting out the "Duel Duet" and "Farley's Song". The returning cast of O'Brien, Little Nell and Patricia Quinn have some great performances especially in the films title song and "Lullaby". Barry Humphries is campy and skin crawlingly creepy as the enigmatic Bert Schnick.

The story itself is a scarily accurate prediction of the obsession and cruelty of reality TV. The rolling cameras and biting social commentary are constant as Brad and Janet's marriage unravels the audience and hosts become more and more involved and biting about the superficial aspects such as Janet's appearance and consumerism. There is also a biting commentary on fame as a whole as Janet becomes more famous she transforms into a fame hungry parody of herself only to revolt against the people controlling her and their desperation to create the illusion of the "girl next door"

Overall Shock Treatment is a great film. Why it never gained the same notoriety as Rocky Horror I will never know as the musical numbers are just as catchy and the acting is just as good. The story is a before it's time take on the juggernaut that is reality TV and the obsession with it and consumerism. Shock Treatment is well worth a watch.

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