American Horry Story : Coven

[Chine]

Hey, guys. I'm working on an article discussing the resurgence of interest in Magic, Witchcraft and Voodoo in recent pop culture. Specifically, this series. Curious if anyone is watching it and your thoughts. I have a wealth of knowledge on the witchcraft, magic end. Voodoo, not so much. I've contacted a couple writers to ask if they'd contribute thoughts.

Reading some interesting articles as well. Naturally, it's television and won't adhere fully to historical accoints. Yet, with a stellar cast : Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates, it's impressive. Thanks.

[West of the Rockies]

Haven't seen the program, Chine.  I DO see that CBS is going to "re-imagine" Charmed -- you remember that 90's era witchcraft weekly with Shannen Doherty & co.  It is so curious how a certain paranormal creature just captures the collective imagination:  right now we're in an all-things-zombie era.  We're on the tail end of vampires and werewolves, too.  (Of course, witches aren't "creatures", but they do have access to paranormal powers when they are depicted in books, films, TV shows.)  I'd love to see the article when you finish it!

[Chine]

Ah! My journey of research has been wild. Charmed being revisited should be interesting.


So...today on a whim I called the Voodoo Museum in New Orleans to inquire who I can speak to on my article. This man answers and I ask how he is...silence. Okay. I thought he said 'This is Sam' when he answered. He corrects me, 'No. I'm not Sam. Sam is my snake.' Ah...er. Okay. Yet, he warmed up to me as he used to live down here on Siesta Key, Fl. When I mentioned that I was a painter and also wrote on film, the arts. He informed me his connection to the art museum here, which I've covered exhibits as press. Then, he asked me to call back later as he's super busy with tours being Halloween weekend. I should have asked if Sam was a python or boa. I once raised 500. with my art to renovate a reptile house at a zoo. Adopted two snakes (as in assisted in finance for their care there).

That lead didn't feel right. BUT, turns out a friend of mine know s the owner of Hex (shops in new orleans and salem). Christian Day is a friend of hers. He's been on C2C, Clyde Lewis. So, I'm going to ask him if I can interview him.

On the Voodoo...she directed me to Voodoo Queen / Priestess Miriam. She's the Laveau of this time. So, this is awesome. I can't squeeze a lot in the article. Btw, my interview with Loyd Auerbach is published. Will post in the Dark Matter Loyd Auerbach thread.

As a painter, I really want to paint a Marie Laveau. So, the research has a deeper level for me beyond the article.

[WildCard]

Hey, guys. I'm working on an article discussing the resurgence of interest in Magic, Witchcraft and Voodoo in recent pop culture. Specifically, this series. Curious if anyone is watching it and your thoughts. I have a wealth of knowledge on the witchcraft, magic end. Voodoo, not so much. I've contacted a couple writers to ask if they'd contribute thoughts.

Reading some interesting articles as well. Naturally, it's television and won't adhere fully to historical accoints. Yet, with a stellar cast : Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates, it's impressive. Thanks.

Looking forward to reading this. Loved "American Horror Story" from the beginning. Every season gets better and better.

re:Voodoo in recent pop culture
In "Dexter", Season 2, Episode 1 - "Dexter pursues a blind voodoo priest, Jimmy (Glenn Plummer), but finds himself uneasy and ultimately unable to kill the man, and lets him go."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_Alive!_(Dexter)

While not Voodoo per se, in "Breaking Bad", Season 3, Episode 1 - "The Cousins are first seen in the opening scene of Season 3 as they arrive in an expensive Mercedes at a small village in the Mexican desert where they find men and women crawling on their bellies up a dusty, adobe-lined desert road. The Cousins join them, leading up to a path toward a candlelit shrine to Santa Muerte. The two men rise to their feet. One makes an offering; the other pins something to the shrine: a sketch of "Heisenberg" ("No Más")."
http://breakingbad.wikia.com/wiki/The_Cousins

[Chine]

Yep, familiar with those episodes in Breaking Bad and Dexter. That episode of Breaking Bad was powerful. I'm curious of the research they did for that scene. That's some dark spooky energy in the black magic, Santeria. Here's a neat article on Angela Bassett discussing her role...

http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2013/10/m-american-horror-story-covens-angela-bassett-talks-voodoo-on-queen-latifah.html

It's so easy to delve and explore at length. Unfortunately, have to be conscious of length. I wrote an article on art on set and television production. Art of The Mad Men. Including artists whose work was on Dexter and Mad Men. One of my paintings was on the NBC series, 'Heroes'. Remember the Lila painting of Dexter? I'll share the article here. Here it is. From 3 yrs ago when I wrote for Art Whisperer before writing for Sarasota Day.

http://www.artwhisperer.tv/blog_post.cfm?BLOGID=301

[Mind Flayer Monk]

I saw some research about 8 years ago that said when the economy is bad, audiences go for more fantasy-oriented story lines. When the economy is good, they go for more realistic stories.

I haven't seen AHS:Coven, I have only seen an ad on TV. I usually don't watch lots of paranormal shows as Art Bell is usually plenty for me. I will check out an episode of Coven this week and tell you what I think.

[Chine]

Arggghhh.

I love this series!!! Went out and bought first two season.  I haven't bought a dvd set since Dexter. I have Lost, Six Feet Under, Nip/Tuck, Carnivale in my collection too.

I wasn't going to start a new thread, so found this one I started months ago focusing on Coven.

Honestly, Asylum (Season 2) is my favorite so far.

There's been buzz and Ryan Murphy will have "Circus" for Season 4. Yet, he's stated in articles that's mostly fan chatter and an avalanche rumor when fans created poster art and even trailers. I will say, though... the trailers are genius.

Jessica Lange is studying up on her German and will have a Marlene Dietrich type character. I can't remember offhand what year the story takes place. If I find the articles I'll post here. But, curious of who else is watching this series.

[onan]

Arggghhh.

I love this series!!! Went out and bought first two season.  I haven't bought a dvd set since Dexter. I have Lost, Six Feet Under, Nip/Tuck, Carnivale in my collection too.

I wasn't going to start a new thread, so found this one I started months ago focusing on Coven.

Honestly, Asylum (Season 2) is my favorite so far.

There's been buzz and Ryan Murphy will have "Circus" for Season 4. Yet, he's stated in articles that's mostly fan chatter and an avalanche rumor when fans created poster art and even trailers. I will say, though... the trailers are genius.

Jessica Lange is studying up on her German and will have a Marlene Dietrich type character. I can't remember offhand what year the story takes place. If I find the articles I'll post here. But, curious of who else is watching this series.

My wife loves it. I found Dylan McDermott masterbating in the exercise room while crying to be too much for me...

[Chine]

There are some surprisingly disturbing scenes! Some I don't mind as to create a very dark and uncomfortable to push the story. If they didn't have the calibre of Jessica Lange, for example, I probably would be less interested. She really carries this series. And in Season 3, with Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett.

[Chine]

Can't wait for Season 4. Official announcement is it definitely will be 'Carnival' theme. Freaks, creepy clowns, etc. Jessica Lange portraying a Marlene Dietrich character. 1950's. Also Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates returning. Michael Chicklis (sp?) on board too. Should be good. Reminds me of a fav series of mine 'Carnivale'.

Waiting for it. Also...Excited Game of Thrones season 4 starts this Sunday!

[onan]

Can't wait for Season 4. Official announcement is it definitely will be 'Carnival' theme. Freaks, creepy clowns, etc. Jessica Lange portraying a Marlene Dietrich character. 1950's. Also Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates returning. Michael Chicklis (sp?) on board too. Should be good. Reminds me of a fav series of mine 'Carnivale'.

Waiting for it. Also...Excited Game of Thrones season 4 starts this Sunday!

good to see ya... hope all is well.

[Chine]

good to see ya... hope all is well.

Good to see you, too! I try to pop in when I can. All is good, very busy with the art and writing. Hope you are doing okay?

[cweb]

Can't wait for Season 4. Official announcement is it definitely will be 'Carnival' theme. Freaks, creepy clowns, etc. Jessica Lange portraying a Marlene Dietrich character. 1950's. Also Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates returning. Michael Chicklis (sp?) on board too. Should be good. Reminds me of a fav series of mine 'Carnivale'.

Waiting for it. Also...Excited Game of Thrones season 4 starts this Sunday!

Michael Chiklis? LOVED him in The Shield. Sounds really promising!

My fav season of AHS was the first, probably because it was the creepiest. Second season is a close...second. Third seemed like it had a lot of blood for the sake of blood. Trying too hard. But it still exceeded my expectations, even if the last few episodes were pretty bleh.

[West of the Rockies]

I haven't seen the show; anyone know what age the viewing audience should be?  Is it okay coy a 12-year-old?

[onan]

I haven't seen the show; anyone know what age the viewing audience should be?  Is it okay coy a 12-year-old?

I don't think so, but it is a hard call. Kids today... you know the rest.

[pyewacket]

I haven't seen the show; anyone know what age the viewing audience should be?  Is it okay coy a 12-year-old?

Hi West- I wouldn't let my kids watch it- definitely adult themed show- too graphic on all counts for youngsters!

[Jackstar]

I haven't seen the show; anyone know what age the viewing audience should be?  Is it okay coy a 12-year-old?

My mother took me to see Ridley Scott's Alien when I was five, so when I tell you that I think it depends on the child, realize that you'll have to watch it yourself first, then decide.

[pyewacket]

My mother took me to see Ridley Scott's Alien when I was five, so when I tell you that I think it depends on the child, realize that you'll have to watch it yourself first, then decide.

I wish more parents would watch what their children were being exposed to and try to steer them away from the really destructive material out there. As a well adjusted adult, people can see it for what it is- not an easy thing for young developing minds. The pop culture media has more influence on the kids than their families do in some cases, often with disastrous results.

American Horror Story is an over the top show with everything, short of a taboo here and there, thrown in. I've watched all 3 seasons and I think they take it further each year. I would not recommend it to anyone unless I know that they are OK with that sort of material. Definitely not a show for everyone!

[Chine]

FREAKSHOW! Yes! I can't wait. This is going to be so good. Sad this will be Lange's last season, too. She makes this series.