American Horror Story: Asylum, a season steeped in dread and paranoia, wasn’t based on a single, named asylum. Instead, it drew inspiration from a confluence of historical asylums, mental health practices, and societal anxieties prevalent in mid-20th century America.
The Horrors of Briarcliff: A Composite Nightmare
While Briarcliff Manor in American Horror Story: Asylum is fictional, its horrors are undeniably rooted in the very real and often brutal history of mental institutions during the 1960s. The show meticulously blended various infamous asylums and historical accounts to create a truly terrifying, albeit fictional, setting. It isn’t a carbon copy of one specific place but rather a composite of the worst aspects of multiple facilities of that era, amplifying the fear and dehumanization faced by patients within these institutions.
The show’s creators, Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, have openly stated their intention was to explore the historical treatment of the mentally ill and the social stigmas surrounding mental health. This exploration is evident in the depiction of lobotomies, electroshock therapy, and other outdated and often harmful “treatments” used at the time. Elements of real-life scandals, such as the wrongful confinement of individuals and the experimentation on patients, were woven into the narrative, adding another layer of disturbing realism.
Inspiration from Real-Life Institutions
Although no singular asylum served as the direct blueprint for Briarcliff, several institutions likely contributed to its chilling atmosphere and narrative elements. These include:
Danvers State Hospital, Massachusetts:
Also known as “Hospital on the Hill,” Danvers State Hospital, with its imposing architecture and grim history, is often cited as a major inspiration. Its use of prefrontal lobotomies and other controversial treatments, along with stories of patient abuse and neglect, strongly echo the events depicted in Asylum. Danvers, like Briarcliff, housed a diverse range of patients, from those with severe mental illnesses to individuals deemed “undesirable” by society.
Willowbrook State School, Staten Island:
While technically a school for children with intellectual disabilities, Willowbrook’s horrifying conditions and experiments on its residents certainly influenced the show’s themes of dehumanization and exploitation. The intentional infection of residents with hepatitis to study the disease’s progression is a particularly disturbing example of the ethical breaches that occurred within institutions like Willowbrook. The show’s exploration of unethical medical practices reflects these real-life atrocities.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia:
This imposing Gothic structure, now a tourist attraction, housed thousands of patients over its history. The stories of overcrowding, understaffing, and alleged abuse at Trans-Allegheny, formerly the Weston State Hospital, share common ground with the chaotic and often violent atmosphere portrayed within Briarcliff. The asylum’s dark and foreboding architecture, reminiscent of Briarcliff, further reinforces this connection.
Beyond the Physical: Societal Anxieties
Beyond the physical locations, American Horror Story: Asylum tapped into broader societal anxieties of the 1960s. The season explored themes of religious hypocrisy, homophobia, racism, and government conspiracy. These fears, prevalent during the Cold War era, contributed to the atmosphere of paranoia and distrust that permeated Briarcliff. The show’s portrayal of Sister Jude, a character grappling with her own demons and societal pressures, reflects the complex and often contradictory values of the time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about the inspiration behind American Horror Story: Asylum:
What was the most common treatment used in asylums during the 1960s?
The 1960s saw a combination of treatments, some now considered barbaric. Lobotomies were still practiced, though their popularity was waning. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was widely used, and various psychoactive drugs were becoming increasingly prevalent. However, the effectiveness and ethical implications of many of these treatments were highly questionable.
How common was patient abuse in asylums?
Unfortunately, patient abuse was alarmingly common. Overcrowding, understaffing, and a lack of oversight created an environment where abuse, neglect, and even experimentation could occur unchecked. Many former patients have come forward with harrowing accounts of their experiences.
Did asylums really perform lobotomies as depicted in the show?
Yes, lobotomies were performed in asylums across the country, including the infamous icepick lobotomy. While the procedure was sometimes seen as a last resort for severe mental illness, it was often performed without proper consideration for the patient’s well-being and long-term effects.
How were people committed to asylums?
Commitment processes varied, but often relied on family members, doctors, or even law enforcement. The criteria for commitment were often vague, leading to the wrongful institutionalization of individuals who were simply “different” or challenging to manage.
What role did religion play in the operation of asylums?
Religious institutions often played a significant role in the operation of asylums, either through direct ownership or through the presence of religious staff, such as nuns or priests. This connection is explored in Asylum through the character of Sister Jude. Sometimes the religious convictions of the institution shaped the treatment of patients, for better or for worse.
Was the “Angel of Death” type character based on anyone real?
While the character of Sister Mary Eunice and her possessed state isn’t directly based on a specific individual, the concept of an “Angel of Death” figure within healthcare is a recurring theme in real-life medical history. There have been documented cases of nurses or other medical professionals who have taken the lives of patients, though not always with the supernatural elements depicted in the show.
How accurate is the show’s depiction of mental illness?
American Horror Story: Asylum is a work of fiction, and it often exaggerates and sensationalizes aspects of mental illness for dramatic effect. While it touches on some real struggles, it should not be viewed as a definitive or accurate representation of the diverse experiences of individuals with mental health conditions. It is important to remember that the show is entertainment, not a documentary.
What happened to the large state asylums?
Many large state asylums were closed down starting in the mid-20th century, due to factors like the introduction of new medications, deinstitutionalization efforts, and growing awareness of the abuses that occurred within these facilities. However, the closure of these institutions also led to challenges in providing adequate care for individuals with severe mental illnesses.
What replaced the state asylums?
The deinstitutionalization movement aimed to replace state asylums with community-based mental health services. However, these services were often underfunded and inadequate, leading to issues like homelessness and incarceration for many individuals with mental illness.
What are the ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of mental illness in the past?
The ethical concerns are vast and include the use of inhumane treatments, the lack of informed consent, the violation of patient rights, and the stigma surrounding mental illness. The past treatment of the mentally ill serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical and humane care.
Does the show accurately depict the power dynamics within asylums?
The show does accurately reflect the power imbalances that existed within asylums. Staff, including doctors and nurses, held significant authority over patients, who often had little recourse against abuse or mistreatment. This unequal power dynamic is a recurring theme in the series.
What can we learn from the history of asylums?
The history of asylums teaches us about the importance of compassionate, evidence-based treatment for mental illness, the need to protect patient rights, and the dangers of stigma and discrimination. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for abuse within institutions and the importance of ongoing advocacy for mental health.