Shock Treatment 1981 is a satirical musical that takes place in a TV studio. Brad and Janet, the main characters, are trapped in a surreal world where they are constantly being watched by a live audience. They must navigate through strange events and bizarre characters to find their way back to reality. The film is a commentary on the dangers of consumerism and the power of mass media to control people’s beliefs and actions. It is a wild ride through an alternate reality that will leave you questioning everything you know about entertainment and society.
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Review
Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today. This movie has been on the top of my list for so long, and now is the time to dive right into what makes this film the real deal. Get ready because we’re talking “Shock Treatment”, baby!
Now, if you’re not familiar with this movie, let me give you a little background. “Shock Treatment” is a sequel to the iconic musical “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. The film was released in 1981 and was directed by Jim Sharman with music composed by Richard O’Brien and Richard Hartley.
Let’s jump into the plot, shall we? The story takes place in Denton, USA, where Brad Majors (played by Cliff De Young) and Janet Weiss (played by Jessica Harper) are returning characters from “Rocky Horror”. This time around, they find themselves contestants on a game show called “Marriage Maze”. As they navigate through this bizarre show hosted by Farley Flavors (played by Cliff De Young), they encounter many unusual characters that take them on a wild ride.
I have to say, this plot may seem simple at first glance, but trust me when I say it is anything but. The way it unfolds keeps you guessing until the very end.
Let’s talk about some of the amazing talent that graces this movie. We have the leading duo of Brad and Janet played by Cliff De Young and Jessica Harper respectively. Both actors deliver such nuanced performances that leave us rooting for them through every twist and turn.
Then there are standout performances from Barry Humphries as Bert Schnick, who plays the host of “Dentonvale”, which is an insane asylum that doubles as a TV studio set. He delivers some truly memorable lines throughout the film such as “You see folks, in television land there’s only one thing worse than being watched, and that’s not being watched.” Pure genius!
But the real star of the show is undoubtedly Patricia Quinn, who plays the recurring character of Magenta from “Rocky Horror”. In this movie, she shines as the evil Nurse Ansalong, with her bold and flamboyant appearance coupled with her sassy lines that make us love to hate her.
Aside from the talented cast, let’s focus on some of the technical aspects of “Shock Treatment”. The score composed by Richard O’Brien and Richard Hartley is an absolute masterpiece. From catchy tunes like “Duel Duet” to powerful ballads like “Little Black Dress”, this soundtrack deserves all the praise it gets.
The cinematography and set design are also spot-on in this movie. The film feels like a colorful fever dream with its bright colors and over-the-top designs. You can’t help but be drawn into this wacky world.
Now, I cannot forget to mention that this movie was not well-received when it was first released. Critics were harsh on it, calling it a “disappointment” and saying that it didn’t live up to its predecessor. However, over time, it has gained a cult following and has been celebrated for its unique storytelling and style.
In terms of awards, unfortunately, “Shock Treatment” did not receive any major recognition during its initial release or later on. But that doesn’t take away from its brilliance.
One thing I love about this movie is how much it embraces its bizarre nature. It’s unapologetically weird, and that’s what makes it stand out from other musicals at the time. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and there are moments where you can’t help but laugh out loud at how absurdly funny this film is.
Overall, “Shock Treatment” may not be for everyone. But if you’re a fan of musicals or just enjoy something offbeat and unconventional, then I highly recommend giving this movie a chance. It’s a delightfully weird ride that you won’t soon forget. And as they say in the film, “Denton, Denton, you’ve got no pretension, you’re where the heart is, you’re okay!”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 94
- Release : 1981-10-30
- Genre : Comedy, Music
- Cast : Jessica Harper as Janet Majors, Cliff DeYoung as Brad Majors / Farley Flavors, Richard O’Brien as Cosmo McKinley, Patricia Quinn as Nation McKinley, Charles Gray as Judge Oliver Wright
- Crew : Ellen Chenoweth as Casting, John Goldstone as Producer, John Comfort as Production Supervisor, Debbie McWilliams as Casting, John Beard as Assistant Art Director
- Popularity 6.15
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : $3,500,000
- Company : 20th Century Fox
- Summary : Janet and Brad Majors, unhappily married, are separated after appearing on a game show. Janet becomes a superstar while Brad is thrown into a mental hospital. But what does fast food magnate Farley Flavors have up his sleeve?
- Tagline : Trust me, I’m a doctor!
