Freaks and Freakishness as an Element of Horror. The Example of "American Horror Story: Freak Show"

Dossier / Travail , 2022 , 15 Pages , Note: 1,3

Filmologie

Looking at movies like "Freaks" or "American Horror Show", the question is how this concept can be understood in the context of 'freaks' and 'freakishness', whether it is sorely related to physical deformity, how this concept is expressed culturally, what "horror" is and how it works. Above all, there is the question of how 'freaks' and 'freakishness' are associated with horror. How they are supposed to generate fear in the viewer, and how this could be concretely illustrated by an example.

The series "American Horror Show: Freak Show" and the episode "Rosa Cubcakes" are approached from the perspective of these questions. In order to find basic answers to these questions, the first part of this work roughly deals with 'freaks' in American history and culture, terms are explained and the understanding of freaks and their representation in films is discussed. This is followed by a reference to monsters and their connection to the horror genre, which is outlined in its early development in America. In order to understand the effect of horror in films better, basic, typical film techniques of the horror genre are discussed. In the second part a short introduction of the series follows and then the analysis of the episode Rosa Cupcakes where the focus lies on the representation of 'freaks' and 'freakishness' with their connection to horror. Finally, the insights gained are related to the questions mentioned at the beginning and put into the overall context.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• About 'freaks', Monsters and the Horror Movie genre in American Culture
  • 'Freaks' in American History and culture
  • About the Horror movie genre and its relation to monsters in American culture
  • Techniques used to create horror in Horror Movies
• The example of American Horror Story - Freak Show
  • The series American Horror Story - Freak Show
  • Analysis
• Conclusion
• References

Objectives and Key Themes

This work examines the concept of 'freaks' and 'freakishness' within the context of horror, exploring how these figures and themes generate fear and contribute to the horror genre. Using the example of the American Horror Story series "Freak Show," the paper investigates the historical and cultural significance of 'freaks,' analyzing the series' depiction of them and their connection to horror.

• The historical and cultural evolution of the term 'freak' and its connection to "freak shows" and the horror genre.
• The role of monsters in the American horror movie genre and their relationship to the concept of 'freakishness.'
• The creation and manipulation of horror in films, including specific techniques and elements.
• The representation of 'freaks' in the American Horror Story series "Freak Show" and their connection to horror.
• The impact of 'freaks' and 'freakishness' on the audience's experience of horror.

Chapter Summaries

• Introduction: This section introduces the concept of the monstrous and its historical significance, highlighting the use of the term 'freak' throughout history. It also introduces the American Horror Story series "Freak Show" as a case study and outlines the research questions and methodology.
• About 'freaks', Monsters and the Horror Movie genre in American Culture: This chapter explores the multifaceted meaning of the term 'freak' in American culture, from its historical development to its usage in movies. It examines the concept of 'freakishness' as a deviation from normalcy, encompassing physical disabilities, abnormalities, and behavioral deviations. The chapter also discusses the horror genre, its goals, and its relationship to monsters and 'freaks' in American culture.
• The example of American Horror Story - Freak Show: This chapter provides a brief introduction to the American Horror Story series and then focuses on an analysis of the episode "Rosa Cubcakes" in relation to the representation of 'freaks' and 'freakishness' as they connect to horror.

Keywords

The key terms and topics explored in this work include: 'freaks', 'freakishness', horror, monster, American Horror Story, American culture, deviant, normalcy, physical disability, abnormality, horror genre, film techniques, cultural representation, social constructs.

• Université: University of Cologne (Department of English)
• Cours: Thinking (about) the Human. Meanings, Tensions, and Contradictions in U.S. History
• Note: 1,3
• Auteur: Anonym (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2022
• Pages: 15
• N° de catalogue: V1395573
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346943880
• ISBN (Livre): 9783346943897
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: freaks, freakishness, element, horror, example, american, story, freak, show