American Horror Story: Asylum - The Real-Life Tragedies Behind Season 2
American Horror Story has become one of the most popular horror television shows in recent years, with each season featuring a unique storyline and set of characters. The second season, American Horror Story: Asylum, is arguably one of the most terrifying seasons to date, with its disturbing setting and complex characters. But did you know that the show's creators took inspiration from real-life tragedies to create the storyline for this season?
Here's a look at some of the real-life events that influenced the creation of American Horror Story: Asylum.
The Story of Nellie Bly
The character of Lana Winters, played by Sarah Paulson, follows the story of Nellie Bly, a real-life journalist who went undercover at a mental institution to investigate the conditions there. Bly's story was published in a newspaper and eventually became a book, "Ten Days in a Mad-House," which shed light on the cruel and inhumane treatment of patients in such institutions during the late 19th century.
The Bridgewater State Hospital
The setting for American Horror Story: Asylum is a mental institution run by the Catholic Church in the 1960s. This setting was inspired by the Bridgewater State Hospital, a real-life institution in Massachusetts. The hospital was notorious for its inhumane treatment of patients, including the use of experimental procedures such as lobotomies.
The "Devil's Walk" and the "Angel's Walk"
The "Devil's Walk" and the "Angel's Walk" were actual areas within the Bridgewater State Hospital. Patients who were considered dangerous or prone to violence were placed in the "Devil's Walk," while patients who were considered harmless were placed in the "Angel's Walk." The show's creators used this real-life divide to create the storyline for American Horror Story: Asylum.
The Story of Anne Frank
In one of the most shocking twists in American Horror Story: Asylum, it is revealed that Anne Frank is alive and being held at the institution. This storyline was inspired by the real-life story of a woman named Luba Tryszynska, who claimed to be Anne Frank after the war. Her story was eventually debunked, but it provided the basis for the twist in the show.
Final Thoughts
American Horror Story: Asylum is a season filled with terror and fear, but it is also one that sheds light on real-life tragedies and injustices. The show's creators did an excellent job of using these real-life events to create a captivating and thought-provoking storyline. Despite its disturbing subject matter, the season's themes of redemption and salvation provide a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak and terrifying landscape.
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