One of the most anticipated new shows of the fall arrives tomorrow night on FX with the debut of American Horror Story. Created by Glee creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuck, the series focuses on the Harmons, who move from Boston to Los Angeles seeking a fresh start. Unknown to them, the house they move into has a history of evil.
Starring Dylan McDermott as Ben, Connie Britton as Vivien and Taissa Farmiga as their daughter, the series finds the Harmons trying to find a new start after Ben has an affair and Vivien a miscarriage.
And while the series will feature the requisite amount of blood and gore, Murphy says the show will avoid the slasher-genre conventions by dishing out the blood and gore judiciously and instead focusing on “fears in society.”
“A thing we talk about (is) people’s obsession with crime and murder (as) ways to circumvent your own anxiety in very anxious times,” he tells USA Today. “Usually, in times of economic anxiety, two genres flourish: horror and musicals. People want to be scared or completely forget about their troubles.”
Horror doesn’t shy from the staples of the genre, and Murphy and Falchuk say it pays homage to past films and series. Some of their favorites include Jaws and Don’t Look Now, and Murphy grew up with Dark Shadows and The Night Stalker.
And while the show will push the boundaries of cable, McDermott say that it’s not done for the shock and gore value but instead to make people think.
“It’s not realism. This is horror. This is hyperrealism. The only thing that’s real and grounded is the relationship of the family,” he says.
“This horror is all about character, all the psychologies and fears and even the hopes. It’s all reflected in this house,” adds Britton.
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