American Horror Story: Freak Show

Freak Show, is the fourth season of the FX horror television series American Horror Story, set in 1952 Jupiter, Florida. It tells the story of one of the last remaining freak shows in America and their struggle for survival.

American Horror Story: Freak Show

Production Designer, Mark Worthington stated that “this season, we’re turning the freak show inside out. You’ll see it from the point of view of the people in it and see them as people, not objects of derision.”

Before the show aired, promotional posters were revealed to audiences and these allowed viewers to get an insight into the weird and wonderful world of the Freak Show. The shows promotional posters were the starting point at showcasing to the audience the strange and curious world of the Freak Show. These promotional posters are very compelling and mysterious, capturing certain aspects of the freak show and revealing very distinct and original characters. However, these visual images still leave room for imagination and curiosity behind the show, and don’t reveal too much information.

The shows production design lives up to the expectations met by these posters, as they continue to capture an eerie and almost sinister essence. What is more, the sets seen throughout the show have a tendency to reflect this sinister yet appealing quality, that is also reflective through the shows characters. Most of the sets seen try and showcase the glitz, glamour, fascination and talent of the freak show and its performers, rather than the fear and discrimination towards them.

The whole show has a running theme, whether it be the sets, costumes, props, music, cinematography or the characters back story, the whole show embodies a twisted yet engaging artistic appeal that leaves you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. The visual aesthetic of the show flows throughout the whole American Horror Story anthology and the use of cinematography and design is pleasing to the eye.

American Horror Story: Freak Show Promotional Poster

Sources:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/behind-the-curtain-of-american-horror-story-freak-show#.yrzrpJjPz
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1844624/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11115772/American-Horror-Story-Freak-Show-meet-the-characters.html