TV: AMERICAN HORROR STORY

I have never liked Horrors, but Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk in combination make more than horrors. Their skill is prevalent in each and every episode of American Horror Story and of course the first episode of AHS: Hotel does more than exceed their reputation. The sheer violence in the filming technique and scene set up is what has always allowed me to seperate them from the remaining horror-maker-clan. Murphy and Falchuk seep violence and terror into every aspect, from the marked wallpaper to the single absent-looking bloodstain in the carpet.

The first episode of AHS: Hotel had be shaking a bit, I didn't expect to be so intensely engrossed in something that I, quite literally, found gross. Certain elements had me almost pushed to the 'too far' stage, but Murphy & Falchuk always reign it back in just in time. There is horror engrained in the introduction to each and every character, except the Countess, played by Lady Gaga. The Countess is another story, her presence attacks you and makes you a slave. We are introduced to her being escorted, her nature is quite obviously based on pride, but I think the viewer quite instantly decides her pride is deserved. She wears artisanal pieces that would have you clawing at her feat if she was attainable, and her metal menacing glove makes you want to cower in the corner and beg for mercy. Yet she essentially resembles peace, like the predator honing in on her prey with the knowledge that no worry is needed. She will eat tonight.