Applying different theories to Richard O"Brien's Rocky Horror Show may seem at first difficult but, when given enough time to think about it, elements of nearly all theorists can be seen in anything - even a show like Rocky Horror. In a brief summary we will look at how Benjamin applies to the Criminologist and how Lacan's ideas about desire relate to the play.
First, is Benjamin's theory concerning history. Buse, when speaking of Benjamin's Thesis IX, says, "In a complex image, Benjamin imagines an "Angel of History" who perceives the past as "one single catastrophe which keeps piling wreckage upon wreckage and hurls it in front of his feet"" (115). The Criminologist, as the narrator of the story, serves as the deliverer of the story to the audience. Individual scenes are introduced or summarized by the Criminologist along with his interpretations of both the events to come and the events that have passed. However, even though the Criminologist remains isolated from the rest of the characters throughout the play, he does not function as the "Angel of History" but rather takes the audience through a time warp. Benjamin's Thesis XVI says,.
A historical materialist cannot do without the notion of a present which is not a transition, but in which time stands still and has come to a stop. For this notion defines the present in which he himself is writing history. Historicism gives the "eternal" image of the past; historical materialism supplies a unique experience with the past. (115).
Although it may seem that the Criminologist is merely a presenter of the story, he gives interpretations of the events. By giving his interpretations he supplies the audience with his "unique experience of the past." In addition, the only example of the Criminologist participating in the events of the play rather than just commenting on them occurs during the song "Time Warp." It is no coincidence that that the narrator is participating in this song, in which time is stopped by jumping to the left and taking steps to the right, because as the historical materialist he disrupts the "notion of the present" and provides an alternate view.
