Kathy Bates is perhaps the only actress alive who could make you feel almost sorry for a racist. Almost. Her portrayal of the horrific Madame LaLaurie on “American Horror Story: Coven” is truly magnificent. Like the always supreme Jessica Lange, Kathy has fully embraced both the overtones of crazy camp and undertones of pitiful pathos that run through the twisted heart of all “American Horror Story” stories. She shows us the promise of this weekly mish-mash of gushing blood and broken taboos.
Oh course, I’ve loved her since the days she was a wee lass breaking ankles for fun and obsession. Kathy has always been exceptional, even when some of the work has been below her capabilities. And us gay ladies will keep a special place in our hearts for us because she was our on-screen surrogate in learning about the timeless love between Idgie and Ruth in “Fried Green Tomatoes.” That car ramming scene in the parking lot remains one of my all-time favorite moments to rewatch and bask in the empowerment. “Face it, girls. I’m older and I have more insurance.” Towanda!
Kathy was also predictably spectacular, and heartbreaking, as the lesbian political consultant for the thinly veiled Bill Clinton character in “Primary Colors. She absolutely stole the movie, as she steals most things she is in. And so she is doing the same in “American Horror Story: Coven.” This is no small feat considering her phenomenal roster of co-star.
Madame LaLaurie is a despicable character, made more so because she was a real-life monster from history who tortured her slaves in 1834. Yet Kathy makes her befuddlement upon waking up in 2013 to find her worst nightmares are real (i.e. a black President of the United States of America) almost sympathetic. Almost. We hate her, but damn if we don’t love to watch her. Plus nothing can top her hissing, “Liiiiiiiiiiiiiessss” at Jessica’s Fiona upon learning the news. Really, nothing. It was worth sitting through this week’s entire stomach-churning hour of mother-son incest, murder and minotaur sex. Happy weekend, all.
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