I have found the season so far to be gratuitously violent without any ambition to be anything more. One feels no investment and the shocking violence achieves nothing as a result. Ryan Murphy is becoming another Eli Roth.
2
The first season of AHS was truly innovative and novel. Jessica Lange's camp actually helped to minimize, even explain, the other characters' bizarre roll-overs in the presence of the bizarre. To a certain extent, they even permitted the viewer's extended hold on suspended judgment.
Each succeeding season pounded a stake into the heart of that formula. Camp went out of control, and outrageousness completely replaced horror. Suspended judgment is no longer possible: impaired judgment is required.
Each succeeding season pounded a stake into the heart of that formula. Camp went out of control, and outrageousness completely replaced horror. Suspended judgment is no longer possible: impaired judgment is required.
4
Agreed, but last season's circus theme had more depth than any other since season one. At least one could empathize with some of the characters, anyway.
j mats, You said it perfectly. My personal opinion: Ryan Murphy is a gay man who doesn't like women all that much or doesn't know what to do with them. See Coven, which was a hot mess and could've been a good tale of female empowerment. I'm shocked some great actresses would allow themselves to be subjected to his treatment. Murphy might have a some intriguing ideas, and definitely some pretty sicko ones, but he just doesn't know how to sustain a storyline.
3
Completely derivative and really stupid. I've seen all these images and disgusting visions before. Ryan Murphy needs a lobotomy or EST in order to find something fresh and original. A total waste of talent and craft. The commercials are a relief because they have a point.
1
I watched this and was amazed by the films this show has blatantly ripped off......."The Shining", "Bram Stoker's Dracula" just to name two. And they even showed clips of the class film "Nosferatu" in this episode. I'll continue watching but I still think the first season was the best season. And I miss the great Jessica Lange.
5
I doubt there's such a thing as naïve camp anymore, at least not in entertainment There's only neo-camp. Meaning these days camp is ambitious. It as a code, an agenda. And AHS is far too calculating in its effects not to know what it's trying to achieve. Certainly it has the surface glitter and winking gay sensibility of camp, but the show has yet to achieve a truly over-the-top outrageousness that is in equal counts, appalling, sublime and, most important, seemingly effortless. It is a summit not easily achieved, but it certainly is interesting to watch AHS try, and occasionally the show comes pretty close.
No, if you want true camp, one must look to republican politicians, predominantly southern.
No, if you want true camp, one must look to republican politicians, predominantly southern.
2
Disgusting or fear ? This episode was disgusting.
4
Year after year friends tell me to watch AHS. This year I gave in and watched E1. I just don't get it. I guess I'm not sophisticated enough. There is nothing interesting going on, no story being told, just scene after scene of blood, gore and torture. I guess I am getting old and need more lighthearted fare. Can't wait for S3 of Penny Dreadful though, now that's worth an hour of my time.
6
The Hunger and The Shining written all over it for me
4
I really have a love hate relationship with AHS.
I'm drawn to the cinematography, actors and soundtrack, but at the end of the episode, I question why I just watched it.
It's not even a guilty pleasure, it's more like the remains of a collision on the highway. I can't look away, but don't feel good about what I saw and in the end, wish it never happened.
I'm drawn to the cinematography, actors and soundtrack, but at the end of the episode, I question why I just watched it.
It's not even a guilty pleasure, it's more like the remains of a collision on the highway. I can't look away, but don't feel good about what I saw and in the end, wish it never happened.
17
Such a wonderful way to put it! Watched last season. And recently soldiered through Season 1. Some good ideas and some incredible stupidity combined with unnecessary Brutality. Have tried Season 2, but just don't think I can get through it after only 1 1/2 episodes. And season 3 is so far a Juvenile mess.
Yes indeed - a Highway collision. Saw a terrible terrible highway collision on a family trip many decades ago. In those days though, they at least had the decency to Cover all the bodies laying at the Road's edge. Nowadays It seems folks would run up & take Selfies, careful to include the mutilated Bodies. And then post it all. Nothing like generating a few "Likes".
Yes indeed - a Highway collision. Saw a terrible terrible highway collision on a family trip many decades ago. In those days though, they at least had the decency to Cover all the bodies laying at the Road's edge. Nowadays It seems folks would run up & take Selfies, careful to include the mutilated Bodies. And then post it all. Nothing like generating a few "Likes".
1
Was thinking more along lines of Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie in The Hunger than Marlene Deitrich but maybe just me..
6
'The Hunger', featuring DavidBowie & CatherineDeneuve, portrays vampires John & Miriam Blaylock; when theCountess & her companion were walking into the cemetery, sat down & made eye contact with their intended, it immediately resurrected the opening scene when B&D are nightclubbing in Heaven, spot an extroverted couple on the dance floor & an incredibly bad date ensues. AHSH references the movie in many respects but doesn't literally translate; they play Bauhaus' 'BelaLugosi'sDead' after the carnage to pay homage to the original; if you're going to steal, steal from the best.
8