American Horror Story Hotel Cortez (DVD) Review
The Hotel Cortez, located in Los Angeles, has a colorful past. It was constructed by industrialist James March (Evan Peters), who was an evil serial killer and sadist. Now haunted by his ghost and home to Countess Elizabeth Johnson (Lady Gaga), who has wielded power over the hotel with an iron fist since she was born there.
Over the years, this hotel has experienced numerous ghosts and murders – most notably Elisa Lam in 2013. But now it has been purchased by fashion designer Will Drake (Cheyenne Jackson) who plans to breathe modern day life into it. With that comes a new threat for both its secrets as well as guests.
This season of American Horror Story draws its inspiration from the hotel’s dark and mysterious past, as well as real-life events that occurred there, such as the murder of Canadian student Elisa Lam in 2013.
Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s fifth season is far more esoteric and expertly directed than previous seasons, offering viewers an unprecedented experience. The opening episode follows two European tourists as they check into a hotel despite its mustiness, moans, and Kathy Bates behind the desk – a familiar theme many horror shows adopt but one skillfully handled for an unforgettable opener.
Lady Gaga as The Countess brings to life a more traditional horror-story character than she has previously, yet her performance is more poignant and touching than any of her previous AHS appearances. Her portrayal of a woman who has spent most of her life holding onto memories, as well as the scars from her son’s suicide, is testament to both her talent and ferocity in playing this role.
It’s easy to get caught up in this roller coaster of drama and mystery, especially with its star cast – Lady Gaga, Evan Peters, Wes Bentley, Sarah Paulson and Denis O’Hare all have their moments here. But O’Hare truly steals the show with her touching performance as Liz Taylor – a former travel salesman now father to young daughter Alex.
O’Hare is an incredibly sensitive actress who can evoke intense emotion and vulnerability at will. However, her performance in the penthouse apartment where she shares an apartment with Donovan and his mother Iris (Kathy Bates) is particularly remarkable; O’Hare portrays both roles with equal parts wistfulness and anger as she attempts to embrace life after losing her son.
John Lowe (Wes Bentley) begins to connect a string of murders to the hotel and Iris and Donovan are drawn in; she to protect her family, while he seeks out answers about what happened to his mother.
But as Hotel grows in popularity and attracts an eclectic group of guests, it becomes apparent that none of them are who they seem. From a young woman trying to make her mark in the world to an innocent Swedish girl living through her husband’s death, Hotel brings together characters for no other purpose than murder.
