Meaning:
This quote by Richard O'Brien, an English-New Zealand actor, writer, and theater performer, reflects his perspective on the types of roles he prefers to portray. O'Brien is best known for creating the cult classic stage musical "The Rocky Horror Show" and its film adaptation "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," in which he also played the iconic character Riff Raff. Throughout his career, O'Brien has often gravitated towards eccentric and fantastical roles rather than those grounded in reality.
In the quote, O'Brien expresses a lack of interest in playing bank managers and "real people." This sentiment aligns with his penchant for portraying characters that exist outside the boundaries of conventional societal norms. O'Brien's creative endeavors consistently exhibit a flair for the unconventional, and his statement sheds light on his deliberate avoidance of roles that conform to the expectations of mundane, everyday life.
One of O'Brien's most enduring and influential works, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," exemplifies his inclination towards imaginative and larger-than-life characters. The musical and its film adaptation are renowned for their outlandish plot, colorful characters, and themes of self-expression and sexual liberation. O'Brien's portrayal of Riff Raff, a peculiar and enigmatic servant from the planet Transylvania, epitomizes his affinity for roles that transcend the constraints of realism.
Beyond his involvement with "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," O'Brien's career has encompassed a diverse array of creative pursuits. He has dabbled in writing, acting, and music, often infusing his projects with elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the macabre. This multifaceted approach to storytelling reflects O'Brien's inclination towards the whimsical and surreal, further underscoring his disinterest in portraying "real people" on screen or stage.
While O'Brien's quote may seem dismissive of roles grounded in reality, it is important to recognize that his preference for fantastical characters does not diminish the impact of his performances. In fact, O'Brien's ability to breathe life into extraordinary and unconventional roles has contributed significantly to his enduring legacy as a creative force in the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Richard O'Brien's quote sheds light on his artistic sensibilities and his proclivity for portraying eccentric and imaginative characters. His aversion to playing "bank managers and real people" offers insight into his deliberate avoidance of conventional, mundane roles in favor of those that exist beyond the bounds of reality. O'Brien's career is a testament to the power of embracing the extraordinary, and his contributions to the world of theater and film continue to captivate audiences with their boundless creativity and originality.