American Horror story recently premiered their fourth season this past October which is based on a freak show located in Jupiter, Florida. Various reviews have been announced amongst my peers and some say this season doesn't compare to the previous three and other have trouble sleeping at night due to the image of twisty the clown imprinted in their memory. Opinions will differ depending on the viewer, but I stumbled upon an two adamant reviews that stood out from the rest, writers Ken Tucker and Mike Hale.
Found in the Hollywood Reporter Ken Tucker wrote an interesting article on this abnormal television series. Tucker used words such as "obvious" and "slow-paced" to describe freak show. Tucker also made it a point to mention that is this season cannot appeal to a viewer that was eager to watch it, such as himself, how would it lure in new and uninformed viewers? In addition he says if you look past the strange anatomy within the talent and the limited murders committed, the plot lacks an unoriginal story line. Tucker reveals that he hopes the show reveals new surprises to keep the viewers interested in the upcoming episodes. Although, aside from the plot, Ken Tucker does mention the gorgeous production value and the admirable performances given. The cast make-up is so realistic, yet so beautifully done that we forget what really lies beneath.
Mike Hale, who wrote a blog posted on "MegaCritic" from the New York Times, focus' more on the absent scare factor of the season. He notes that the style of the show has been consistent but in the newest season lacks the creepy, squeamish feel we are used to. Hale also mentions the clear imitation of the Tod Brownings "Freaks" from 1932, those familiar with "Freaks" would definitely agree. As the episodes air week by week they become less and less scary. What i found most interesting about Hale's review is he took an intense approach by stating that Freak show is a metaphor, in which the sideshow performers dream of being stars and form their own shadow version of a Hollywood studio pecking order. Hale lastly writes about how sex plays a more evident role in Freak show than the previous seasons. Between Jimmy Darlings Lobster hands and the black and white orgy projected on the screen, this season plays with the horror within sex.
As a huge fan of the American Horror story seasons, I fell in love with freak show. I disagree with some of the previous statements made but could see where both of the critics were coming from. I feel the plot runs much deeper than what is projected in front of us, but that is for the audience to decipher. Overall, I respect the reviews and was entirely intrigued with the statements being said on the new American Horror story: Freak Show.
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