Taking a look at the newest season of the unique show
American Horror Story has garnered many positive and negative reviews throughout its three previous seasons. Produced by FX, the show has been known for its chilling, gruesome plot lines, and its refreshing storytelling within the horror genre.
The fourth installment of the show, titled “Freak Show,” is centered on a small group of people in one of the last remaining freak shows in America. Set in the town of Jupiter, Florida in 1952, the rustic, charming setting of the show is permeated by evocations of horror and bewilderment.
As if clowns weren’t scary enough, one of the most memorable scenes from the première focuses on a tormented clown on a killing spree within the town. The show does a phenomenal job in weaving the narratives of each individual character- including their complex backstories and personalities – which is indicative of the skillful ability of show creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk.
Although the season has many characters who feature prominently in each episode, the main protagonists are Bette and Dot Tattler (played by Sarah Paulson), who are conjoined twins. They share thoughts, organs and one body, but have two heads on their shoulders. Alongside the brilliant special effects required to realistically film a person with two heads, the complex and visually stunning cinematography only emphasizes the show’s sublime production.
After the Tattler sisters have gained attention, they become a huge attraction and commodity- specifically for Elsa Mars (played by Jessica Lange), who runs and operates the struggling freak show. Lange’s character is brilliantly portrayed, showing signs of obsessive vanity, an undying quest for stardom, and a German accent. The relationship dynamic between Mars and the conjoined twins becomes a materialist one, signalling the underlying themes of human value and treating humans as commodities.
Perhaps what is most intriguing about the show is the delineated storylines between seasons. For the American Horror Story series, each season tells an entirely different story. Often taking place in unique and historically rich time-periods, the landscapes and refreshing cultural images allow for a breadth of masterful storytelling. Furthermore, a lot of the same actors have been used throughout all four seasons of the show. This allows for an actor to showcase their talents, portraying a wide variety of characters, each with deeply developed personalities and complexities.
This current season looks very promising, and, so far, has delivered on its previous successes. Showcasing elaborate sets, creepy make-up and special effects, as well as a few musical numbers, American Horror Story is consistently proving that the show is a must-watch.
If the horror genre is not your ideal kind of entertainment, this show is worth watching solely due to its complex character development and the interpersonal storytelling that projects themes of stardom, vanity, comradery, and jealousy. While a majority of the characters introduced in the beginning of the show have been crucial towards the ongoing storyline, there are a few guest appearances that add further intrigue to this new season. Specifically, it has been confirmed that Neil Patrick Harris will feature in the final two episodes of the season – yet another reason to watch and follow the complex and enjoyable story telling of American Horror Story: Freak Show.