American Horror Story: Season 1

I won't go into detail about each episode with this series, because others have done a great job doing that. I just want to give my general thoughts on this series. My feelings about this show can be summed up in two words......Jessica Lange!!! She portrays a southern matriarch with a dark twist. Her ability to switch from sugar-sweet to a blood letting B*%#H is worth the purchase of this alone. I would liken her performance in this series to that of Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. In both of these you have a very strong southern woman who is not afraid to take charge of the situation. The writers of this series should also be praised for constructing a story that hooks the viewer from the beginning, and then leads us down many dark hallways to understand just how haunted this house truly is. The thing I really liked about the Horror Story is that it is self-contained. I don't want to give anything away, but I was quite surprised at the ending. I am on the edge of my seat as I wait for the beginning of Season Two of this fantastic series. In the meantime, I will enjoy going back and watching Jessica deliver lines that make me want to whip up a Mint Julep and enjoy it in my swing on the verandah, while perhaps taking a crack shot at the neighbor's annoying dog (insert dark laughter here). If you're looking for a show that has a great storyline, fantastic acting, and darkly twisted, The American Horror Story is the show for you!!

I've waited a long time for a show like American Horror Story. I think a lot of people have because it's so different from anything else on television. I would compare it's insanity to that of Nip/Tuck, which makes sense when you realize the same creators are behind it. The first episode will probably confuse most people, but stick with it. Each episode will answer questions from the previous ones and leave you with even more than the last. The cast is beyond superb. Jessica Lange as neighbor Constance is the homerun of the series for me. She plays that role with such conviction and is very deserving of the Emmy Award she won. The rest of the cast is top-notch as well, including Connie Britton (you may know her from Friday Night Lights) who's character is put through an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entire season. This show plays off as creepy more than scary, but it works splendidly. American Horror Story is definitely out there. Sometimes you'll just scratch your head and think, "what is going on?". Then you'll figure it out and it's well worth the confusion. They tackle some dark subject matter and this is really not a show for kids. You'll find a good bit of nudity and sexual situations for a show on cable. The language is pretty harsh as well, but the show wouldn't be as effective without it. My advice to anyone who starts watching this show, don't give up after the first episode. The second episode will clear up some questions you'll have about it and then there's no stopping there! This is one of the best shows on TV today. The originality, writing, and acting are all A++. I can't wait for season 2!

American Horror Story defines a whole new "era" of TV. I am an avid horror fan and I enjoy everything from the serial killer, the monsters, the zombies, the suspenseful family-member related stuff, the blood, guts and gore, the Sci-Fi horrors, the ghosts....everything. This somehow manages to combine everything into one for the most captivating series that you just can't look away from. There were parts where I wanted to cover my eyes. There were parts where I wanted to cry. There were parts where I felt like I was part of the show and something would affect me directly. It has ties to real life things that go on, affairs, abortions, births, deaths, school violence, bullying, secrets, spousal issues...and makes them a million times more interesting. The actors were fantastic. Every main character in the show was Emmy-Worthy. The most exciting part of my whole week was waiting for Wednesday night at 10 to turn on FX to watch this show. The twists and turns and unexpected events that happen are just impeccably written and well thought out. It leaves you on the edge of your seat begging for more. Truly a 5 Star, A Plus show and I am so excited to watch it all again when I buy the First Season. Sometimes when movies or shows produce a second season or a sequel, it falls flat and lacks the captivation that the first had. I know that this one will not have that problem and I can't wait until October 17th to watch.

It doesn't play because it is region specific (don't know which region).. I'm unable to play it in India but it's been distributed by an Indian company.. Waste of money for me..

American Horror Story – Albtraum in Serie Untreue, Verrat und dann auch noch eine Fehlgeburt. Kurz bevor Familie Harmon aus Boston endgültig zu zerbrechen droht, entschließt sie sich für den Erwerb einer günstig angebotenen alten Villa in einem beschaulichen Wohnviertel von Los Angeles und somit auch für einen kompletten Neuanfang, der alte Wunden wieder kitten soll. Das bisher jeder Eigentümer ihres neuen Heims auf rätselhafte Weise verschwunden oder gar verschieden ist, wissen die Harmons allerdings (noch) nicht. Kaum sind die Umzugskartons ausgepackt, weicht die anfängliche Begeisterung über das einmalige Schnäppchen auch schon erheblichem Unbehagen. Seltsame Geräusche aus dem Keller des Hauses, eine aufdringliche Nachbarin und weitere ungebetene Gäste, die nun beinahe täglich auf der Matte stehen sind erst der Anfang von etwas, das sich im Laufe der Serie zu einem echten Albtraum entwickeln soll... Horrorfilme gibt es in der Tat wie Sand am Meer, Horror in Serie allerdings bisher noch nicht. Und auch wenn der Plot mit dem gruseligen Haus, das von seinen Bewohnern Besitz ergreift und das glückliche Familienleben erheblich erschwert, ein ziemlich alter Hut ist und hier Vergleiche mit "The Shining" oder "Amityville Horror" fast unumgänglich sind, American Horror Story ist anders - Böser, schmutziger, mutiger, perfider. Kreiert vom US-Amerikanischen Produzententeam Brad Falchuk und Ryan Murphy ("Nip/Tuck", "Glee"), verbindet die erste Staffel dieser neuartigen Fernsehserie Elemente des klassischen Horrorkinos mit einer guten Portion Psychothrill und einem Schuss Drama, das den Zuschauer Tief in seinen Bann zieht und ihn am Ende einer jeden Folge nicht selten mit einem bedrückenden Gefühl, einem Haufen Fragen und letztendlich mit seinen ganz persönlichen Ängsten zurücklässt. Das alte Haus, entstellte Gesichter, eine Hand voll trashiger Splatteszenen und ein Ganzkörperlatexanzug auf dem Dachboden sind im Grunde nur der Rahmen für eine Art des Horrors, der wesentlich tiefer geht. Die Geschichte befasst sich mit den Urängsten, die ein jeder Mensch in sich trägt. Vergänglichkeit, Sterblichkeit, Eisamkeit, Verrat und Verlust. Bei näherer Betrachtung lässt die Handlung eine Identifikation mit beinahe jedem Charakter zu, der als eine Art Schlüssel zu persönlichen, verborgenen Wünschen und Sorgen zu verstehen ist. Da ist zum Beispiel die alte glasäugige Haushälterin, die ausschließlich jedem Mann als aufreizende junge Nymphe erscheint, ein Symbol für sexuelle Begierde. Der Außenseiter, der sich nach Liebe sehnt und sich in Gewaltphantasien und Rachegelüsten verstrickt, oder die alternde Südstaatenschönheit von Nebenan (Jessica Lange in der Rolle ihres Lebens), die sich verzweifelt an Erinnerungen an bessere Tage klammert und ihre Furcht hinter ihrer Blasiertheit versteckt. Protagonisten die sich in Schmerz und Furcht verlieren zu scheinen. Sie alle, zeigen uns was wir wirklich fürchten und was schlimmstenfalls eintreten kann: Unsere selbst erschaffene Hölle auf Erden. Das besondere an American Horror Story ist neben dem gelungenen Genremix, die Idee in jeder Staffel eine in sich geschlossene Geschichte zu erzählen. Der durchgängig hervorragend besetzte Cast wird größtenteils beibehalten, verkörpert jedoch von Staffel zu Staffel andere Charaktere. Erzählt in teils bunten, teils bedrückenden Bildern, erinnert die Serie manchmal fast an ein exzentrisches Musikvideo. Allein das Intro zu Beginn jeder Folge, gehört sicherlich zu den schaurigsten, der Filmgeschichte und ist künstlerisch hoch anspruchsvoll. Rasante Kamerafahrten und kurze Schockmomente tun ihr übriges. Untermalt wird die Geschichte, die zwischen Gegenwart und Vergangenheit wechselt, von einem großartigen Soundtrack. Letztendlich zeigen diese 12 Episoden nicht bloß eine simple Gruselgeschichte, sondern ein komplexes Psychogramm, einer zutiefst verunsicherten, modernen Zivilisation, die Gedanken, Gefühle und vergangene Erlebnisse verdrängt und begräbt, anstatt sich mit ihnen auseinanderzusetzen. Eine sehr spannende und höchst aufwühlende Geschichte, die den Zuschauer regelrecht zwingt genauer hinzusehen und immer wieder die Frage aufwirft: Was passiert eigentlich, wenn man seiner Phantasie freien Lauf lässt? McFly 12.11.13 Meine volle Kaufempfehlung für die erste Staffel dieser großartigen Serie. Negativ gilt allerdings leider zu erwähnen, das die Aufmachung der DVD Box wie auch bei vielen anderen Veröffentlichungen derzeit auf dem Markt, sehr dürftig und lieblos ausgefallen ist. Übereinander gestapelte DVD's auf einer Spindel, kein Booklet und auch die Specials sind nicht der Hit. Für den ehrlichen Fan und Käufer mehr als ärgerlich. Man kann nur hoffen, das sich an der derzeitigen Veröffentlichungspolitik bald etwas ändert.

Rilflessioni di un viaggio nella Murder House ATTENZIONE: per chi non avesse visto la serie, il contenuto potrebbe contenere SPOILER Mi sono vissuto un bel viaggio (durato 12 giorni) nella villa vittoriana popolata dai non morti, con passione e coinvolgimento, e affezionandomi (ma questo e normale) ai personaggi della serie Tra horror puro, grottesco, punte di humor macabro, cinismo, efferati crimini, sesso, solitudine, drammi interiori, maternità (che sembra il cardine dove ruota tutta la serie), amarezze, delusioni, tuffi nel passato, mostri, fatti di cronaca nera, punte splatter, serial killer, leggende metropolitane, stragi e deformità (anche dell'anima), la prima stagione di AHS sazia l'encefalo e la visione. A volte citazionista fino allo stucchevole, con alcune idee di script, per "gonfiare" un pò il tutto, più che discutibili (penso al secondo episodio con situazioni alla Funny Games, al candyman di "Piggy piggy" nel sesto episodio o il caso Elizabeth Short nel nono) Ma nel complesso soddisfacente, che si conclude nel migliore dei modi nel bellissimo,e ultimo, dodicesimo episodio, con "carnevalate" horror irresistibili, un "lieto fine" che scalda il cuore e una chiusa finale beffarda , che si stampa sulle labbra come un ghigno satanico Tra Shining e un Beetlejuice rivisto da Tennesse Williams, per esemplificarlo in due battute PERSONAGGI: Constance (Jessica Lange) Il vero perno su cui ruota attorno tutta la macabra faccenda. Custode di dolori e lutti, nonchè di segreti inconfessabili. Capace di atti efferati, ma anche di slanci passionali e di gran cuore. Si difende dal dolore con cinismo e ironia. La Lange è semplicemente magistrale Ben (Dylan McDermott) Come marito fallisce tradendo la moglie. Ma è un ottimo padre. Sarà l'ultimo ad aprire davvero gli occhi su quello che le accade intorno. Perfetta interpretazione dell'ex duro del Blue Iguana Vivien (Connie Britton) Sembra la classica moglie cornuta e casalinga inquieta (e anche un pò "spenta"), ma risolutiva e capace di perdonare l'uomo che ama e che la tradita. Ottima prova della Britton, con un volto comune, perciò molto credibile Tate (Evan Peters) Psicopatico, bugiardo cronico, crudele e malvagio. Autore di stupri e stragi. Sempre con le lacrime in tasca e innamorato-morbosamente-di Violet. Lui è l'autore di quasi tutte le disgrazie che succedono intorno alla casa. Violet (Taissa Farmiga) La figlia di Ben e Violet, adolescente complessa votata all'autolesionismo e a atti suicidi. Molto ben delineato il suo personaggio tormentato e irrequieto Moira (Alexandra Breckenridge/Frances Conroy) La doppia natura di una cameriera. Procace e focosa ninfomane che gira per casa con gli autoreggenti agli occhi degli uomini, ponderata e saggia signora anziana con occhio di vetro nella sua vera natura Nora (Lily Rabe) Era la mia preferita, addolorata e sconsolata dama degli anni 20, moglie di un chirurgo folle, persa nell'eternità a cercare quel bambino che le e stato strappato alla vita con efferata crudeltà. Alla fine, però, si rivela nevrastenica e senza nessun barlume di istinto materno Hayden (Kate Mara) Da viva, come amante giovane di Ben, era insopportabile e isterica. Da morta diventa lo spirito più pericoloso e psicotico che dimora nella Murder House Adelaide (Jamie Brewer) La figlia down di Constance. Sensibile e impicciona, che vuole essere una "bella ragazza". La sua morte spezza il cuore. Forse l'unico personaggio che non torna, perchè morta distante dalla Murder House Larry Harvey (Denis O'Hare) Innamorato perso di Constance, vede la sua famiglia avvolta dalle fiamme appicate da sua moglie. Ustionato su parte del corpo e per metà del volto, dopo che Tate le ha dato fuoco, e un pò il "facchino" degli spiriti della Murder House. Riuscirà a spurgare le sue colpe finendo in carcere Charles Montgomery (Matt Ross) E il chirurgo delle dive degli anni 20, ha fatto costruire la Murder House, caduto in disgrazia per via della droga. Procura aborti clandestini a giovani attricette nello scantinato della casa. Pervaso da una malsana sindrome di Frankenstein, riporterà in vita suo figlio Thaddeus, con conseguenze spiacevoli Altri personaggi, minori ma comunque incisivi, la coppia gay formata da Chad e Pat (Zachary Quinto e Teddy Sears), la medium Billie (Sarah Paulson), il mostruoso Thaddeus, i gemelli pel di carota e la mia Betty interpretata a Mena Suvari REGIA Il vero promotore sarebbe Ryan Murphy (suo e , infatti, il pilot e creatore della serie insieme a Brad Falchuk). La serie mantiene lo stesso livello costante, senza guizzi autoriali (due regie sono di due registi cult ottantiani, come Tim Hunter e Michael Lehmann), ma io ci ho visto solo e esclusivamente la mano murphyana (anche per il tratteggio della coppia gay) A lui vanno tutti i miei sinceri complimenti Altalenanti gli episodi (i migliori: Il pilot, il quarto, il settimo e l'ultimo). Ma , fra alti e bassi (e ricomponendo mentalmente il puzzle), più che soddisfacenti Alcune cose mi sono sfuggite: I ragazzi massacrati a scuola da Tate non sono morti nella Murder House (altro elemento che ho trovato superfluo e inutile alla linearità del racconto), allora perchè ritornano? Il marito di Constance è stato ucciso nella Murder House, ma lui non torna (forse perchè e stato macinato!).Lo spirito di Violet non può uscire dalla Murder House, mentre quello di Hayden se ne và bellamente a zonzo. Moira e morta giovane, perchè la ritroviamo invecchiata? Di culto assoluto: Le due Moire, l'altalena erotica, i flashback negli anni 20 con le disgrazie della famiglia Montgomery, la porcaggine di Moira, la "fame" di Thaddeus, la moglie e le figlie di Larry ridotte a stizzoni umani viventi, lo scantinato della sofferenza, i dolcetti di Constance, lo sgabuzzino degli specchi dove viene rinchiusa Adelaide, il massacro compiuto da Constance, in camera da letto, nel 1983, dove secca marito e amante (Moira) a colpi di pistola, il marito macinato e dato in pasto ai cani, il motivetto fischiettato di Bernard Herrmann (Twisted Nerve), la canzoncina che apre anche l'incipt del pilot (Tonight You Belong To Me), il deforme Bo nella soffitta, il parapiglia carnevalesco orrorifico per far scappare i nuovi inquilini, la chiusa dell'ultimo episodio, la tuta nera in latex Bellissima la sigla iniziale tra foto d'epoca di bambini dai volti spettrali, immagini terrifiche subliminali e fiamme che avvolgono il tutto Menzione speciale per il make up man Mike Mekash e per l'ottimo lavoro svolto su creature mostruose e maschere di dolore (nonchè per aver reso, di un iperrealismo dolente, il corpo divelto in due della mia Betty) Ottima, infine, l'edizione in dvd della Fox Video

American Horror Story is the unique, fresh and scary horror series created and produced by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, the guys behind Glee and Nip n Tuck. Since its initial run in October 2011 it has achieved worldwide fame and acclaim. Actress Jessica Lange even won a Golden Globe award for her performance in this. The first season centres around "the murder house" a malevolent haunted house that seems to claim the life of anyone foolish enough to stick around. It features Dylan Mcdermott and Connie Britton as Ben and Vivien, a couple who have been torn apart due to the miscarriage of a baby boy and his subsequent infidelity with a younger student. They move to LA with their teenage daughter Violet (Taissa Farmiga) as they believe it is the only way to save their family from falling apart. After moving into their new "dream home" the family meets numerous strange and interesting characters, including their eccentric actress neighbor Constance (Jessica Lange) her daughter Adelaide (Jamie Brewer) who has downs syndrome and the mysterious housekeeper Moira (Francis Conroy/Alexandra Breckenridge.) Ben, a psychiatrist also begins therapy sessions with a troubled boy named Tate who may or may not have been responsible for a shoot-out massacre at his old high school. Tate also begins "seeing" Violet and ultimately ends up being the centre of the troubles in the house. From there, things take a terrifying turn as the family fight to stay alive in the house that knows no bounds. As this is a haunted house-type drama series there are plenty of scares and a whole bunch of gruesome ghosts, but this is very much a character driven story about trying to hold onto your sanity and save your family from the greater evils in life. Each episode begins by explaining a little bit more about the history of the house and some of the ghosts who reside there (like how they died and why they are bound to reside at the house.) The main story then begins and each chapter adds depth to a family who are on the verge of falling apart. McDermott plays a man struggling to find himself, his wife is stricken with grief for their unborn child and the ultimate betrayal from her husband and the teenage daughter has a hard time with bullies at her new school and the psychotic relationship with Tate who is antagonistic and narcissistic. So much happens to these characters that any "supernatural" occurances (and yes there are many) almost seem a relief as it takes away from dealing heads on with the obvious problems that are tearing the family apart. The characters who appear throughout the season are all interesting and layered and some scenes are unsettling to say the least. There are lots of jump scares but what works the most is the creepy atmosphere that seeps through the story. There are also lots of sadomasochistic sex scenes (this is a real life couple trying desperately to add spice into their relationship) but it is mostly done tastefully. There is also lots of violence, some of which is pretty disturbing (children getting their throats cut, people being shot in their beds, set on fire etc) but these moments are few and far between and actually add a lot to the story so they are not just scenes thrown in for shock value. This was obviously penned to shock critics and audiences across the world. Everything is thrown in- hardcore sex, countless bloody murders, children with downs syndrome being verbally abused etc, but if you can look past this then you will discover an interesting story that twists and turns and keeps you guessing til the very end. The acting is superb, especially from Lange and Evan Peters as the disturbed Tate. The dialogue between the characters is also very intriguing. The script goes from serious to tongue-in-cheek at times. Lange plays a deliciously evil character underneath but her bittersweet appearance and behavior makes her almost comical to the audience who know her real motives. Farmiga also steals the show from time to time as the angst-y teen with a fully loaded mouth to boot. Each actor and their alter ego ultimately does a very god job at convincing which is great to see in a horror driven TV show. The only thing that takes away from the entertainment are the cliches that sometimes rear their ugly head. Every single haunted house cliche is thrown in (though sometimes it feels as though this is done as an in-joke or homeage to other films) however AHS is mostly so scary that it never really matters. The basic plot is ripped directly from The Amityville Horror (family buys an expensive house for half the price due to a number or murders that occurred there, family moves into house to try and build a relationship) and the main protagonist Ben could almost be Jack Nicholson from The Shining (he starts to lose his mind etc) but overall this still feels fresh and there are interesting twists added to keep the story moving. This is definitely worth your time. It will keep you gripped and on the edge of your seat. The story is rich, fun, interesting and you can actually relate to the characters. Yes there is plenty of violence and it is also pretty sexy as well but this was never made for kids so hopefully you can look past that and see this for what it is- a horror series that aims to scare the living daylights out of you.

Serie que te engancha y no te suelta en ningún momento. Muy recomendable a todos los amantes del género. fin