Catherine O’Hara’s Unexpected Role in ‘Rock n’ Rule’
The world recently mourned the loss of comedic actress Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for her iconic roles in films like Beetlejuice and Home Alone, and the television series Schitt’s Creek. Beyond her well-known operate, O’Hara has a surprising credit in the 1983 Canadian animated feature, Rock n’ Rule, appearing as a character in an unexpected setting.
A Post-Apocalyptic Rock Opera
Rock n’Rule is set in a post-apocalyptic future inhabited by anthropomorphic creatures and mutants resulting from a nuclear war. The story centers on Omar, the leader of a rock band striving for fame in Ohmtown. A conflict arises when his girlfriend, Angel, overshadows him during a performance, leading to a rift between them.
Angel’s talent attracts the attention of Mok, a sinister rock star with a plot to summon an eldritch demon, requiring a specific singing voice. When Mok kidnaps Angel, Omar and his bandmates, Izzy and Stretch, embark on a journey to Nuke York City to rescue her and confront Mok on his stage.
O’Hara’s Hidden Cameo
Catherine O’Hara voices Izzy’s aunt Edith, a grizzled resident of Nuke York City who runs a tattoo parlor and assists the band during their quest. The film boasts a diverse voice cast, including Cheap Trick and Debbie Harry as Omar and Angel’s band, and Lou Reed and Izzy Pop as Mok [1]. Paul LeMat, Susan Roman, and Don Francks also contribute to the dialogue.
Themes and Influences
Rock n’ Rule blends rock and roll with fantasy and technology, exploring themes of stardom and the lingering effects of nuclear war. The film reflects the anxieties of the early 1980s, a period marked by fears of nuclear conflict, as evidenced by the desolate settings and societal prejudice against mutants.
The character of Mok was initially conceived as a caricature of Mick Jagger, resembling the Rolling Stones frontman and David Bowie. However, Jagger successfully objected to the character’s surname, “Swagger,” but the resemblance remained. As Mok sings in the film, “My name is Mok/thanks a lot.”
A Cult Classic Worth Revisiting
Despite its dated elements, Rock n’ Rule remains an enjoyable and unique film. Its combination of raunchy humor, slapstick comedy, and a compelling premise, coupled with a memorable soundtrack, makes it a worthwhile watch. The film is currently available for streaming on Tubi [2].