Who was Will Drake, really? More than just a wealthy fashion designer with a penchant for the macabre, Will Drake, as portrayed in American Horror Story: Hotel, represents the allure and the danger of unchecked ambition, artistic obsession, and the human tendency to be consumed by the darkness we seek to understand. He was a catalyst, a conduit, and ultimately, a victim of the very spirits he sought to exploit.
The Enigmatic Fashion Mogul: Unpacking Will Drake’s Character
Will Drake’s introduction to the Hotel Cortez in American Horror Story: Hotel immediately establishes him as an outsider, a modern disruptor thrust into a realm of timeless horror. His ambition is palpable; he sees the hotel not as a haunted relic but as a canvas for his own artistic vision, a place to reinvent and redefine his brand. This drive, coupled with his naiveté regarding the true nature of the Cortez, sets him on a collision course with its spectral inhabitants. Drake isn’t evil; he’s merely driven, and tragically, unprepared for the forces he unleashes. He represents the modern consumerist culture, believing that anything, even history and horror, can be bought and rebranded.
Drake’s relationship with his son, Lachlan, adds another layer to his character. He genuinely seems to care for Lachlan, despite his somewhat detached and occasionally neglectful parenting style, typical of someone deeply engrossed in their career. This paternal connection humanizes him, making his eventual demise all the more poignant. He seeks to provide a stable and luxurious life for his son, but in doing so, exposes him to the unimaginable horrors of the Hotel Cortez.
Furthermore, Drake’s exploration of his own sexuality, spurred by his encounter with The Countess, underscores a hidden vulnerability. He is a man grappling with his identity, seeking validation and acceptance, even in the most unconventional of circumstances. This exploration, however, is ultimately tainted by the Countess’s manipulation, highlighting the seductive and destructive power of desire within the hotel’s walls.
Will Drake and the Hotel Cortez: A Symbiotic Nightmare
The relationship between Will Drake and the Hotel Cortez is complex and multifaceted. Drake initially sees the hotel as a project, a business venture. He plans to renovate and modernize it, transforming it into a high-end, trendy destination. He is oblivious to the hotel’s dark history and the supernatural forces that reside within its walls.
However, as he delves deeper into the renovation, he begins to uncover the hotel’s secrets. He discovers hidden passages, chambers, and evidence of the horrors that have occurred within its walls. This discovery fuels his curiosity and ambition, leading him to become increasingly obsessed with the hotel and its history.
Ultimately, Drake’s presence in the hotel serves as a catalyst for further chaos and violence. His actions inadvertently awaken dormant spirits and exacerbate existing tensions among the hotel’s inhabitants. He becomes a victim of the hotel’s dark allure, a cautionary tale about the dangers of tampering with forces beyond our comprehension.
FAQs: Unveiling the Mysteries of Will Drake
Here are some frequently asked questions about Will Drake and his role in American Horror Story: Hotel:
H3: What was Will Drake’s primary motivation for buying the Hotel Cortez?
Will Drake purchased the Hotel Cortez with the intention of renovating it into a luxurious fashion-forward hotel. He saw it as a blank canvas for his artistic vision and a way to revitalize his brand.
H3: How did Will Drake die in American Horror Story?
Will Drake was murdered by The Countess and Donovan, who had grown tired of his presence and no longer found him useful. They framed his death as a suicide, allowing them to maintain control of the hotel.
H3: Did Will Drake know about the Hotel Cortez’s dark history before buying it?
Initially, Will Drake was largely unaware of the hotel’s true history. He knew it had a reputation, but he underestimated the depth and depravity of the horrors that had occurred within its walls.
H3: What was Will Drake’s relationship with The Countess?
Will Drake and The Countess had a complex and manipulative relationship. She seduced him, exploiting his insecurities and vulnerabilities. He, in turn, was captivated by her beauty and power, becoming a pawn in her schemes.
H3: How did Will Drake’s presence affect the other residents of the Hotel Cortez?
Will Drake’s arrival stirred up conflict and chaos within the hotel. His renovations disturbed the spirits and disrupted the established order, leading to increased violence and unrest.
H3: What was the significance of Will Drake’s fashion designs in relation to the Hotel Cortez?
Will Drake’s fashion designs often reflected the themes of darkness, glamour, and violence that were prevalent in the Hotel Cortez. His collections served as a visual representation of the hotel’s history and its inhabitants.
H3: Did Will Drake ever regret buying the Hotel Cortez?
While never explicitly stated, it’s highly probable that Will Drake experienced moments of regret and fear as he became more aware of the hotel’s true nature and the dangers it posed.
H3: How does Will Drake’s story relate to the overall themes of American Horror Story: Hotel?
Will Drake’s story explores themes of ambition, obsession, the allure of the dark, and the consequences of unchecked desire. He represents the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of seeking validation in superficial pursuits.
H3: What happened to Will Drake’s son, Lachlan, after his father’s death?
The fate of Lachlan after Will Drake’s death is not explicitly shown. It is implied he was either taken care of by Iris, or the hotel staff or found other family. Lachlan’s innocence and proximity to the hotel’s darkness highlight the theme of lost innocence and the vulnerability of children to the horrors of the adult world.
H3: Was Will Drake a sympathetic character?
Despite his flaws and questionable decisions, Will Drake possessed elements of sympathy. He was a flawed individual struggling with his identity and seeking connection, making him a relatable character even in his villainous surroundings.
H3: How did Will Drake’s sexuality contribute to his character arc?
Will Drake’s exploration of his sexuality added a layer of vulnerability and complexity to his character. It highlighted his desire for acceptance and his willingness to embrace unconventional relationships.
H3: What lasting impact did Will Drake have on the Hotel Cortez?
Even after his death, Will Drake remains a permanent fixture within the Hotel Cortez, forever trapped as a ghost. His presence serves as a reminder of the hotel’s allure and its ability to consume those who dare to enter its doors.
Beyond the Cortez: What This Means for Understanding American Horror Story
Will Drake’s character serves as a microcosm of many of the broader themes explored throughout American Horror Story. His story highlights the seductive nature of darkness, the corrupting influence of power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. He is a cautionary tale about the dangers of tampering with forces beyond our understanding and the importance of recognizing the limitations of human control. His arc resonates because it reflects universal human flaws and desires, amplified within the exaggerated and terrifying world of American Horror Story. He represents the tragic figure who, despite good intentions or ambition, becomes consumed by the very evil he sought to understand or exploit. Ultimately, Will Drake is a compelling character who adds depth and complexity to the already rich tapestry of American Horror Story: Hotel.