Will Drake, the flamboyant and often ruthless fashion designer played by Cheyenne Jackson in American Horror Story: Hotel, embodies a paradox: a man driven by artistic vision and the pursuit of luxury, ultimately undone by his own ambition and the malevolent forces residing within the Hotel Cortez. His character serves as a potent exploration of how unchecked desire and a lust for relevance can lead to tragic consequences, making him a compelling, albeit deeply flawed, figure in the AHS universe.
A Fashion Icon’s Fateful Acquisition
Will Drake’s arrival at the Hotel Cortez marks a pivotal shift in the narrative of Hotel. He represents a new era – a contemporary intrusion into the hotel’s macabre history. Initially, he appears to be a savior, injecting money and modern sensibilities into the decaying Art Deco landmark. However, his motivations are far from altruistic. He views the hotel as a canvas, a space to reclaim his dwindling relevance in the cutthroat fashion world. His hubris, combined with the hotel’s inherent evil, sets him on a collision course with the supernatural forces that have long plagued its halls. His attempt to modernize the hotel, ironically, unearths the very horrors that ultimately consume him.
From Runway to Ruin: Drake’s Descent
Drake’s character arc is a fascinating study of decay, both literal and figurative. He arrives with a sense of purpose and a drive to restore his career. But as he delves deeper into the hotel’s secrets, he becomes increasingly consumed by its darkness. His relationships unravel – his marriage to Elizabeth (The Countess) is built on a foundation of lies and mutual exploitation, and his interactions with the hotel’s ghostly inhabitants reveal a man increasingly out of his depth. His superficial glamour clashes with the hotel’s profound darkness, highlighting the futility of trying to mask true evil with material wealth.
Death and Legacy in the Cortez
Will Drake’s demise is a direct consequence of his ambition and his inability to comprehend the true nature of the Hotel Cortez. His attempts to profit from the hotel’s morbid history, specifically through the exhibition of its hidden horrors, prove to be his undoing. Murdered by the Countess, his spirit becomes another permanent resident of the hotel, trapped within its walls for eternity. Even in death, he contributes to the hotel’s lore, adding another layer to its already complex and horrifying history. His death serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the price of meddling with forces beyond one’s control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Will Drake
H3 Why did Will Drake buy the Hotel Cortez?
Will Drake purchased the Hotel Cortez primarily to revitalize his career and reclaim his position as a leading fashion designer. He saw the hotel’s unique architecture and dark history as a potential source of inspiration and a way to generate buzz and notoriety. His aim was to transform the hotel into a trendy and cutting-edge space that would attract attention and boost his brand.
H3 How was Will Drake connected to The Countess (Elizabeth)?
Will Drake married Elizabeth (The Countess) in a business arrangement. He desired her social cachet and the prestige associated with her supposed wealth and influence, while she sought his money and the opportunity to secure her future. Their marriage was a transactional agreement based on mutual benefit, devoid of genuine affection or emotional connection.
H3 What role did Ramona Royale play in Will Drake’s downfall?
Ramona Royale, played by Angela Bassett, sought revenge against The Countess for a past betrayal. She saw Will Drake as a means to achieve this goal. Ramona manipulated him by uncovering and exploiting his insecurities and vulnerabilities, ultimately contributing to the unraveling of his life and his eventual murder.
H3 Did Will Drake know about the Hotel Cortez’s dark history before buying it?
While Will Drake was aware of rumors and whispers surrounding the Hotel Cortez’s dark reputation, he didn’t fully grasp the extent of its horrors. He underestimated the power of the supernatural forces within its walls and believed that he could control and profit from its history. His ignorance and arrogance proved to be fatal.
H3 What was Will Drake’s relationship with his son, Lachlan?
Will Drake’s relationship with his son, Lachlan, was strained and distant. He struggled to connect with Lachlan on an emotional level and often prioritized his career and personal ambitions over his son’s needs. Their relationship mirrored the superficiality and disconnection that characterized many aspects of Will Drake’s life.
H3 How did Will Drake die in American Horror Story: Hotel?
Will Drake was murdered by The Countess (Elizabeth) after she grew tired of him and his increasingly erratic behavior. She used her bladed glove to slit his throat, ending his life and trapping his spirit within the confines of the Hotel Cortez. His death was swift and brutal, a fitting end to his tragic arc.
H3 What kind of fashion was Will Drake known for?
Will Drake was portrayed as a high-fashion designer with a focus on avant-garde and often controversial designs. He sought to push boundaries and create visually striking and provocative pieces that would generate attention and challenge conventional norms. His style was as flamboyant and attention-grabbing as his personality.
H3 How does Will Drake represent themes of wealth and ambition in Hotel?
Will Drake perfectly embodies the themes of wealth and ambition that run throughout Hotel. His pursuit of fame, fortune, and relevance drives his actions and ultimately leads to his downfall. He represents the corrupting influence of power and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their desires. His character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing material success over genuine human connection.
H3 Was Will Drake based on a real person?
While Will Drake is a fictional character, some believe he may be loosely inspired by certain fashion figures known for their controversial personalities and flamboyant styles. However, there is no definitive evidence to suggest he is based on any one specific individual. He is more of a composite character, drawing inspiration from various figures within the fashion industry.
H3 What is Will Drake’s role as a ghost in the Hotel Cortez?
As a ghost trapped in the Hotel Cortez, Will Drake becomes another permanent resident of its haunted halls. He continues to wander the hotel, haunted by his regrets and forced to confront the consequences of his actions. He becomes another layer in the hotel’s complex and tragic history, a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition.
H3 How does Cheyenne Jackson’s portrayal enhance the character of Will Drake?
Cheyenne Jackson delivers a compelling performance as Will Drake, capturing his vanity, ambition, and underlying insecurity with nuance and depth. His charismatic presence and ability to portray both the glamorous and vulnerable sides of the character make Will Drake a memorable and captivating figure in American Horror Story: Hotel. Jackson’s performance elevates the character beyond a simple caricature, making him a relatable and tragic figure.
H3 Beyond the horror, what commentary does Will Drake offer on the fashion industry?
Will Drake serves as a commentary on the often-superficial and cutthroat nature of the fashion industry. His relentless pursuit of relevance and his willingness to compromise his integrity to achieve success highlight the pressures and anxieties that exist within this competitive world. He represents the dark side of the fashion industry, where image and ambition often trump authenticity and genuine talent.