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

Exploring the intersection of film and societal perceptions, this seminar paper analyzes how movies like "Freaks" and "American Horror Story" portray 'freaks' and 'freakishness.' It delves into the cultural implications of physical deformity, examining the nature of horror and its impact on audiences. The study seeks to understand the relationship between these concepts and the fear they evoke, providing concrete examples to illustrate how 'freaks' are utilized to generate horror in cinematic contexts.