The horror in 'American Horror Story: Asylum' comes from various aspects. The character of Bloody Face is a major source. His sadistic and murderous nature, especially his obsession with skinning his victims, is extremely disturbing. The way the show depicts the power dynamics within the asylum, where the inmates are at the mercy of the often - corrupt and sadistic staff, is also quite horrifying. The atmosphere of the asylum, with its constant screams, the smell of decay, and the feeling of being trapped, all contribute to the overall horror experience.
The characters in 'American Horror Story: Asylum' are crucial. Sister Jude, for instance, is a complex character. She starts as a strict and somewhat tyrannical figure in the asylum but later has her own journey of self - discovery and redemption. Her transformation shows the different sides of human nature in the face of the horrors within the asylum. Then there's Lana Winters, a journalist who becomes an inmate. She represents the voice of reason and the struggle for truth in a place filled with madness and lies.
American Horror Story Asylum was based on a combination of fictional concepts and real-world inspirations related to mental institutions and their histories. It incorporated elements of horror tropes and dark themes to create a compelling narrative.
The show isn't based on a specific true story but rather takes cues from common horror tropes and real-life asylum conditions to create a fictional and terrifying narrative. It combines elements of psychological horror and the unknown to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.