Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the epitome of naïve, preppy American innocence thrust into a world of outrageous sexuality and self-discovery. He begins the film as the picture-perfect fiancé, but undergoes a transformative journey that challenges his conservative values and ultimately leads to a tentative embrace of liberation.
The Unraveling of Mr. Brad Majors
Brad’s journey is a comedic, often uncomfortable, representation of the culture clash that fueled the film’s enduring appeal. He represents the audience, a stand-in for the societal norms being gleefully deconstructed by Frank-N-Furter and his coterie. His initial uptight demeanor stands in stark contrast to the unrestrained hedonism of the Transylvanians.
Brad, alongside his fiancée Janet Weiss, is more than just a plot device. His character arc highlights the potential for personal growth and the challenges inherent in confronting deeply ingrained beliefs. He’s the comic relief in moments of high drama, but also the heart of the film’s underlying message: that it’s okay to question everything you thought you knew.
Why Brad Matters
While The Rocky Horror Picture Show is known for its outlandish characters and musical numbers, Brad’s role is vital. He anchors the narrative, providing a relatable perspective amidst the chaos. His initial discomfort, fear, and eventual tentative acceptance of the strange events unfolding around him mirror the potential journey of the audience. Without Brad, the film might simply be a spectacle; with him, it’s a reflection on societal norms and personal transformation.
Brad Majors: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the character of Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
FAQ 1: What is Brad’s Occupation?
Brad is presented as a college graduate, engaged to Janet Weiss. While his specific profession is never explicitly stated, his conservative attire and demeanor suggest a career in a traditionally professional field, such as law or finance. The film implies he’s on the path to a conventional, middle-class life.
FAQ 2: How Does Brad Change Throughout the Film?
Brad undergoes a significant transformation. Initially portrayed as rigid and conventional, he becomes more open-minded and adventurous by the end of the film. He experiences infidelity, albeit forced, confronts his own insecurities, and ultimately escapes the castle with a slightly more rebellious streak. He is less certain of his path, but perhaps more aware of its possibilities.
FAQ 3: Is Brad Meant to be Likable?
Brad is deliberately written as somewhat unlikable in the beginning. His uptight nature and condescending attitude toward Janet can be off-putting. However, his vulnerability and the gradual breaking down of his façade make him more sympathetic as the film progresses. He’s not meant to be a flawless hero, but a flawed individual struggling to adapt.
FAQ 4: What is the Significance of Brad’s Glasses?
Brad’s glasses are a visual representation of his intellectual and societal constraints. They symbolize his adherence to rules and expectations. When he loses them or they are askew, it often coincides with moments of vulnerability or emotional upheaval, suggesting a loosening of his control.
FAQ 5: How Does Brad React to Frank-N-Furter?
Brad’s initial reaction to Frank-N-Furter is one of shock and bewilderment. He’s repulsed by Frank’s flamboyant appearance and open sexuality. However, as the night progresses, Brad’s resistance weakens, and he is eventually seduced, highlighting the corrupting influence of Frank’s hedonistic world.
FAQ 6: What Happens During Brad’s Encounter with Frank-N-Furter?
Brad is unknowingly seduced by Frank-N-Furter in the guise of Janet, having sex with him in Rocky’s creation tank. This encounter is pivotal as it shatters Brad’s notions of fidelity and introduces him to a world of sexual ambiguity and experimentation. It’s a traumatic experience that forces him to confront his own repressed desires and question his identity.
FAQ 7: How Does Brad Feel About Rocky?
Brad views Rocky with a mixture of jealousy and fascination. He’s envious of Rocky’s physique and the attention he receives from Frank-N-Furter. He also represents the idealized male form, a stark contrast to Brad’s own perceived inadequacies.
FAQ 8: What is the Importance of Brad’s Confrontation with Dr. Scott?
Dr. Scott’s arrival, a professor who taught both Brad and Janet, further complicates the situation. The revelation of Dr. Scott’s involvement with Frank-N-Furter adds another layer of intrigue and highlights the hypocrisy that can exist beneath the surface of seemingly respectable institutions. Brad’s confusion and frustration are amplified by the presence of this authority figure in such a bizarre setting. The presence of Dr. Scott reinforces the idea that no one is immune to the chaos and seduction of Frank-N-Furter’s castle.
FAQ 9: What is Brad’s Relationship with Janet?
Brad’s relationship with Janet is presented as initially idyllic but ultimately flawed. His controlling tendencies and traditional views of gender roles are challenged by the events of the film. The night at the castle exposes the cracks in their seemingly perfect façade and forces them to confront their own individual desires and insecurities. Ultimately, their relationship’s future is uncertain, perhaps signalling that their previous dynamic is untenable.
FAQ 10: What Role Does Brad Play in the Ending?
In the chaotic climax, Brad is just as lost and confused as everyone else. He witnesses the downfall of Frank-N-Furter and the other Transylvanians. While he escapes with Janet, he is forever changed by his experience. He returns to the outside world with a newfound awareness of the complexities of sexuality and identity, carrying the burden of his experience with him.
FAQ 11: Is Brad a Victim or a Participant?
Brad can be seen as both a victim and a participant. He is initially victimized by Frank-N-Furter and his bizarre world. However, he also actively participates, albeit reluctantly, in the unfolding events. His journey is one of forced self-discovery, and while he doesn’t fully embrace the chaos, he is undeniably influenced by it. This is part of the film’s strength – blurring the lines between victim and participant, forcing viewers to examine their own roles in shaping their experiences.
FAQ 12: What is Brad’s Overall Significance to the Film’s Message?
Brad embodies the struggle between conformity and individuality. His transformation highlights the liberating power of challenging societal norms and embracing one’s true self. He represents the potential for change within even the most conservative individuals. He’s the everyman who finds himself in the middle of a bizarre nightmare, and his journey resonates because it’s a journey many can relate to on some level, even if they haven’t encountered transvestite aliens from Transylvania. Ultimately, Brad demonstrates that even the most rigid individuals can be shaken, questioned, and potentially changed by experiencing the unfamiliar and confronting their own prejudices.