FX Press Release: American Horror Story, co-created by former Nip/Tuck executive producers and current Glee co-creators/executive producers Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, revolves around The Harmons, a family of three who move from Boston to Los Angeles as a means to reconcile past anguish. The All Star cast features Dylan McDermott (The Practice) as “Ben Harmon,” a psychiatrist; Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights) as “Vivien Harmon,” Ben’s wife; Taissa Farmiga as “Violet,” the Harmon’s teenage daughter; Jessica Lange (Tootsie, Blue Sky, Grey Gardens) in her first-ever regular series TV role as “Constance,” the Harmon’s neighbor; Evan Peters (One Tree Hill) plays “Tate Langdon,” one of Ben’s patients; and Denis O’Hare (The Good Wife) as “Larry Harvey.” Guest stars for the series include Frances Conroy (Six Feet Under) as the Harmon’s housekeeper; Alexandra Breckenridge (Dirt) as the Harmon’s housekeeper; and Jamie Brewer as Constance’s daughter. The pilot episode of American Horror Story, shot in Los Angeles, was written by Murphy and Falchuk, and it was directed by Murphy. In addition to Murphy and Falchuk, Dante Di Loreto will also serve as Executive Producer of the series. American Horror Story is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television.
“Open House” American Horror Story Season 1Episode 7 Advance Review, Airing 11/16/2011
Last week on American Horror Story we found out about Tate’s (Evan Peters) past and if any of you were still questioning if he was alive, you got your confirmation on what he truly is. Violet (Taissa Farmiga) pulled a Ryan (Wilfred) and took a bunch of pills but Tate came to her aid and helped her but the real question is, was he already too late? “Open House” – Moira persuades a prospective buyer to make an offer. Constance and Larry work against her efforts. Vivien and Luke grow closer. Written by Brad Falchuk; directed by Tim Hunter.
American Horror Story has the best theme music and it was co-written by one of my favorites, Charlie Clouser. Even if you are not familiar with his name, there is no way that you have not heard his work. He is responsible for scoring the Saw films as well as a number of other projects. He was also in a little band called Nine Inch Nails. Perhaps you have heard of them?
Constance (Jessica Lange) is just full of surprises and tonight, she has someone new for you to meet. Jessica is so brilliantly wicked in this series. Even if you are not a fan of the show, you have to recognize the charming charisma that she brings to the role. I can tell you one thing, I’m glad she doesn’t live next store to me.
Vivien (Connie Britton) and Ben (Dylan McDermott) get some unexpected and kind of humorous baby news delivered to them.
Marcy (Christine Estabrook) is showing the house and she has several slips of the tongue while speaking with a potential buyer. I do like her line, “help yourself to nibbles.” That is just creepy enough to work in that house and it certainly lends itself perfectly to later events.
Tate shows his undeniable concern for Violet. Tate is the character that I feel the most for because he is so confused and doesn’t fully understand what happened to him. He is responsible for ending so many young lives, his included, but with a mother like Constance, you know he didn’t get the help that he needed. Perhaps if had someone would have listened to him he would be living next door and not trapped inside the “murder house.” Tate asks Violet a beautifully relevant question.
A “gentleman” sets his sights on the house and he doesn’t want to blow his chance and not put an offer in.
Ben gives Larry (Denis O”Hare) a taste of his own medicine and there is some really fantastic product placement that occurs. Ben also gives a nod to Saw films. We learn so much more about Larry tonight. He is delightful in this series and whether or not you like the show, you have to give a round of applause to the special effects makeup team because their work is incredible. The burn makeup on his character is sensational. There is also a character in the beginning of the episode named Bo that just demonstrates what a phenomenal team American Horror Story has. In a world overrun by CGI, it is a welcomed treat to see truly gifted artists make their mark on the world.
Dr. Charles Montgomery (Matt Ross) and his wife Nora (Lily Rabe) make a special appearance and we get to find out a bit more about them. I love learning more about the “good” doctor and his wife and what they were up to in the house. I’m sure we will find out even more about them before the season finale.
I’m really enjoying the series and this is a pretty solid episode. The Halloween episodes have been my favorite so far. This is probably the only episode where Constance actually appreciates Moira (Frances Conroy, Alexandra Breckenridge).
Don’t miss American Horror Story tonight on FX.
AMERICAN HORROR STORY
Season One Episode 7 Advance Review
“Open House” Airs November 16, 2011
Watch American Horror Story Wednesday nights at 10 EST on FX
November 16, 2011
By Lena Lamoray