The story of The Rose is an original screen play. Many critics believe the film to be a basic sketch of the fall of some of the most profound musicians of the 1960's, including Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Jimi Hendrix. Although this film is not directly based on the life of Janis Joplin, there is definitely a distinct parallel between the life of Joplin and that of the boozing, drug-using character portrayed by Bette Midler in the film. Not only is the life of Rose similar to that of Joplin, but the musical styling and costumes are as well.