American Horror Story: Hotel’s chilling narrative unfolded within the seemingly opulent, yet deeply sinister, confines of the Hotel Cortez. While the fictional hotel is a product of Ryan Murphy’s twisted imagination, its exterior shots were primarily inspired by, and feature, the James Oviatt Building, a historic art deco masterpiece located in downtown Los Angeles.
Decoding the Cortez: From Imagination to Inspiration
The Hotel Cortez, a central figure in American Horror Story: Hotel, served as a playground for vampiric desires, ghostly encounters, and unspeakable horrors. But beyond the fictional facade, a tangible architectural inspiration breathed life into its unsettling grandeur. The Oviatt Building, with its art deco splendor and layered history, provided the visual foundation for the hotel’s external shots, adding a layer of authenticity to the show’s horrifying ambiance.
The Oviatt Building: A Glimpse into the Past
Built in 1928, the Oviatt Building is a stunning example of art deco architecture, a style characterized by its geometric patterns, rich materials, and a sense of opulent modernity. Its intricate facade, adorned with bronze details and shimmering glass, evokes a sense of timeless elegance, which ironically juxtaposes the dark secrets hidden within the Hotel Cortez. Designed by architects Walker and Eisen, and inspired by the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, the building showcases the vision of its namesake, James Oviatt, a successful haberdasher.
Art Deco and Horror: A Perfect Pairing
The choice of art deco architecture for the Hotel Cortez’s exterior contributes significantly to the show’s overall aesthetic. The style’s inherent elegance and sense of grandeur create a stark contrast with the violence and depravity unfolding within its walls, amplifying the horror and leaving a lasting impression on viewers. The sharp lines, geometric patterns, and use of luxurious materials found in art deco architecture lends an air of sophistication while subtly hinting at the underlying darkness and secrets.
The Reality of Production: Bridging Fiction and Reality
The exterior shots of the Hotel Cortez primarily showcased the Oviatt Building. However, the show’s production team didn’t simply rely on exterior shots. Extensive set design and construction were employed to create the elaborate interior spaces that defined the Hotel Cortez’s unique character.
Inside the Cortez: A Set Designer’s Dream (and Nightmare)
While the Oviatt Building inspired the exterior, the interiors of the Hotel Cortez were entirely constructed on sound stages. Production designer Mark Worthington and his team meticulously crafted a series of sets that embodied the hotel’s sinister history and decadent atmosphere. Key spaces like the Countess’s penthouse, the bar, and the various guest rooms were all carefully designed to evoke a sense of dread, luxury, and timelessness. The color palette, the selection of furniture, and the overall layout of the sets all contributed to the hotel’s unsettling ambiance.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
The combination of the Oviatt Building’s striking exterior and the meticulously designed interior sets proved to be a powerful tool for visual storytelling in American Horror Story: Hotel. The juxtaposition of elegance and depravity, combined with the show’s signature visual style, created a truly unforgettable and disturbing viewing experience.
FAQs: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Hotel Cortez
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Hotel Cortez and its real-world inspiration:
What inspired the story of Hotel Cortez?
The Hotel Cortez story was inspired by several real-life hotels with dark histories, most notably the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, known for its numerous suicides, murders, and other mysterious events.
Did they film inside the Oviatt Building?
While the Oviatt Building was used for establishing exterior shots, the majority of filming occurred on sound stages specifically built to replicate the Hotel Cortez’s interiors. Limited interior shots were taken in the lobby of the Oviatt Building.
Is the Oviatt Building a real hotel?
No, the Oviatt Building is not a hotel. It currently houses offices, retail spaces, and a private residence. It was originally designed as a department store and office building.
Can I visit the Oviatt Building?
Yes, the Oviatt Building is open to the public. You can admire its art deco architecture and even take a guided tour to learn more about its history.
What is so special about the Oviatt Building’s architecture?
The Oviatt Building is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved art deco design. It features a Lalique glass ceiling, Italian marble, and intricate bronze detailing, making it a significant landmark in Los Angeles.
What other famous hotels inspired American Horror Story: Hotel?
Besides the Cecil Hotel, the Chateau Marmont, also in Los Angeles, and the Chelsea Hotel in New York City, known for their artistic and sometimes troubled past, were inspirations for the show’s setting and characters.
How did the show’s creators choose the Oviatt Building?
The show’s creators were likely drawn to the Oviatt Building’s unique art deco style and its ability to evoke a sense of both elegance and mystery. The building’s historical significance and dramatic architecture made it a perfect fit for the Hotel Cortez’s exterior.
Are there any ghost stories associated with the Oviatt Building itself?
While not as notorious as the Cecil Hotel, the Oviatt Building, being an older building, has its share of urban legends and reported paranormal activity. However, these stories are not widely documented or substantiated.
How much did it cost to build the Hotel Cortez set?
The exact cost of building the Hotel Cortez set has not been publicly revealed, but given the scale and detail of the sets, it was undoubtedly a significant investment in the show’s production.
What is the address of the Oviatt Building?
The Oviatt Building is located at 617 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014.
What is the name of the designer of the Hotel Cortez interiors?
The production designer responsible for the interiors of the Hotel Cortez was Mark Worthington. He is known for his work on numerous films and television shows.
Was Lady Gaga involved in designing the Hotel Cortez?
While Lady Gaga played a significant role as the Countess in American Horror Story: Hotel, there is no evidence to suggest she was directly involved in the set design or architectural choices. Her influence was primarily in the character’s portrayal and the overall aesthetic of her scenes. She collaborated with the costume and makeup departments to solidify the Countess’s character.