Christmas

So another xmas season has come and gone. Same as ever; same routine (get up, breakfast, open presents, take presents to room, wait around, eat dinner, put presents away) and similar gifts (jewellery, bath stuff, bags etc).

I definately feel that working in retail and having 'xmas offer now on' and hearing xmas songs in mid November has made me tire of this holiday very quickly. No wonder people lose their xmas spirit when they have to maintain it for several weeks!

However, I have recently discovered Instagram and I am in love! Hence the following photos with lovely Instagram filters! I have also ordered some extension tubes for my Canon and am hoping to take some nice macro shots (probably of my geckos) as soon as it gets here.

Our Mini Nightmare Before Xmas Themed Tree:


Jack Skellington Xmas Tree Topper: 


Santa Pixie:


Snowflake Glasses:


 About Two Thirds Of My Xmas Presents:


Union Jack Kitchen Bin:

Things I Love This Week

Feeling Better - Seem to keep getting ill at the moment, so glad to feel back to normal today!

Private Practice - Just finished season 4, such a good season!

Gecko Babies - Although I love them every week, Carcass is yawning a lot recently, and its the cutest thing ever. I'm a proud gecko mummy.

Moving On In Life - Its nice to feel that people from the past are still stuck in the same place on repeat and to see that I've totally changed everything and am now better off!

Day Off - And with the boy! Makes a change!!

Xmas Shopping - Being prepared meant I had all mine finished weeks ago! I feel sorry for people who leave it until last minute!! 

Things I Love This Week

Advent Calendars - I've ended up with two, a 'Me to You' one and a Hotel Chocolat one. Nom.

Finishing Xmas Shopping - All over for another year!

Alice In Wonderland Sugar Bowl - Bought a lovely sugar bowl for a mere £10!!

New Kettle - Even though we've bought plenty of things for the new appartment already, the lovely cone shaped, red Morphy Richards kettle is definately one of my favourite items!

Masters Certification - My MA certificate arrived, its not quite as nice as my degree one, but still, people are always impressed by it!

Work Xmas Do - Good night out, and nice to see people outside of work!!

The Portrayal Of The Occult

An essay on occultism in film from my third year of my degree, part of a Spiritualities, Sacred and the Screen module.

The portrayal of the Occult, in particular Satanism and Demonic Children; focusing on the films The Exorcist,  The Omen, Rosemary’s Baby and Little Nicky

The term ‘Occult’ refers to many things, the word itself comes from the Latin word occultus which roughly translated means hidden or concealed. Primarily, it is a term used to group together the paranormal or supernatural, (Dictionary) as well as covering left-hand path religions and beliefs such as Satanism and Devil Worship. Many religious groups ranging from Abrahamic religions (for example; Christianity, Judaism, Islam) to India religions (for example; Hinduism, Sikhism) recognise the Occult in one form or another (Jenkins, 2004). However, some religions, in particular conservative Christians, view anything that is not Christian as being Satanic, or of Satan, and therefore deem anything that is un-Christian as being part of the Occult (Cult Awareness). Many of these religions deem the Occult as acts or articles of paranormal or supernatural activity which are not achieved by or through their idea of ‘God’, and are therefore considered the work of an opposing entity of some form. However, ‘Occult’ can also refer to acts that require knowledge which is not generally widely know or “talents which lie beyond the five senses” (Religious Tolerance)         

Occultism is the study of the Occult and covers topics such as ‘Magick’, alchemy, spiritualism and astrology amongst others, and also includes activities such as tarot cards, tea leaf reading and Ouija boards (Cult Awareness). Many whom study the Occult, known as Occultists, claim to follow non-traditional religions such as Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Thelema and various forms of Satanism, such as LaVeyan Satanism and Luciferianism. It is unclear when exactly Occultism appeared, yet some ideas and beliefs systems can be traced back to at least the Middle Ages (Jenkins, 2004). However between the 15^th and 17^th centuries Occultism had a revival in Western countries (Jenkins, 2004). Many 17^th century scientists, for example Sir Isaac Newton, were accused of using the Occult within their research and experiments (Isaac Newton's Life). This revival was stopped due to the Age Of Enlightenment, which saw more people accepting reasoning from science and natural philosophy over religion (What Is The Age Of Enlightenment?).

Beauty Comes From The Soul

I like tattoos. I find them to be artistic and a visually pleasant way to express yourself, providing it has some sort of meaning to the person wearing it. Although I have heard/seen photos of Rick Genest previous to his appearance in Lady Gaga's music video and his catwalk work for Mugler, after seeing the 'Go Beyond The Cover' advertisment for DermaBlend, I was inspired to learn more about the person behind such life changing tattoos. From several interview video clips you can clearly see that this man is simply a creative personality whom comes across as genuine and intelligent.

I think Rick inspires debate as to what the true definition of beauty is; is it a series of boxes upon a list to be complied with and ticked off, or is it more relaxed, individual and specific to the subject in question? Personally, I feel that we have images of what the media and retailers feel should be considered beautiful thrust in our faces on such a regular basis that we now really have to take time out to stop, think and look before deciding for ourselves what we deem beautiful. But even then, many feel apprehensive about going against the grain to see alternate beauty. I like the fact that what one person finds repulsive, someone else can find beautiful, and resent people who criticise for others for holding opposite opinions to their own.

I'd love to be able to meet him, as I'm sure many people would. However, I wouldn't waste time asking him 'why?' as it is obvious that to him this is what beauty and feeling comfortable in your own skin entails. Instead, I would simply want to admire the artwork that adorns his body, as I am afterall a massive fan of horror films and the macabre myself.

I'll leave you to make your own conclusions about him and his tattoos, but I am inspired.



Go Beyond The Cover advert for DermaBlend:


Interview with Rick Genest:

Things I Love This Week

Horse Riding - Loving riding (as always) but loving seeing that I've improved since starting at a new riding school. Adore the horses I've been riding, Dennis and Minnie too <3

Steven's Scooter - Glad he's bought a new scooter as the old one is a piece of junk! I curse the day it was bought!

M&S Lemon Drizzle Cake - Not usually a massive fan, but it was pretty nice cake!

Boardwalk Empire - Only watched the first episode but hoping to get involved quickly.

Long Shot Film Festival 2011 - Gutted that I didn't win the audience award with 'Resume' but think it was just the wrong audience and that people failed to see the creative, unusal message. Was good to get my film screening in a room full of people, even if it was terrifying too.

Bents Garden Center - Went over the weekend and was impressed by their christmas displays, also picked up a couple of bargains for when we move out!

David Blaine & The Great White

One of my biggest ambitions in life is to swim/dive with sharks, I'm very jealous of this very crazy David Blaine video for designer Adam Kimmel. Mr Kimmel, if you need anyone else for some reshoots I'll volunteer!!



Dressed for Dinner from adam kimmel on Vimeo.

A Bout De Truffe

Tom Tagholm's A Bout De Truffe is another of my absolute favourite shorts. I first remember being shown it by my lecturer whilst doing my BA degree and it's stuck with me ever since. This French short is about Jean Dubois, a truffle hunter who is down on his luck, until he comes across the daddy of all truffles. It is set in a beautiful delapidated cottage in a woodland (you know how much I love decaying things!) and his pig, Carinne, is gorgeous.

Danse Macabre: The Most Beautiful Film In The World

I first saw Danse Macabre, a film by Pedro Pires, at Edinburgh's Dead By Dawn Festival in October 2010. I think I must have watched the whole film with my jaw hanging open. It was visually stunning and the concept was beautiful. I really don't even know how to summarise what an impact it has had upon me! I found out today that I could finally buy the entire film from iTunes and it really has made my year in regards to being an audience member.

Here's the trailer:

Long Shot Film Festival 2011

I am very happy to announce that my short film 'Resume' has been selected to be screened as part of the Long Shot Film Festival!

It's my first proper screening of any film that I have created so I'm super happy and excited!!

You can buy a ticket for a mere £5 from here if you'd like to come along!! There is an audience award category, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

Urban Exploration

I'm a huge fan of abandoned, deserted places that time forgot. I think there is an incredible beauty in the quiet, isolatedness of a place where no one goes anymore. Recently I've been looking at more and more blogs about the exploration of abandoned places and a lot of the photos I've seen have really moved me. Strange but true! One of the best, if not the best blog I came across was by Michael John Grist's website (I hope he doesn't mind me linking to his site). I spent around 2 hours looking at his photos and reading about his trips exploring locations and felt that I'd been trekking round Japan with him! I'd really recommend having a good read of his website and it's very entertaining.

Recently, I discovered a way into an abandoned airfield within a few miles of where I live. I'm amazed to think that it was there all this time and I had no clue!! So I dragged my poor boyfriend around for a quick look whilst we were looking for locations for Project Black. We only had around 20 minutes before we needed to get back to meet the rest of the crew, but this was long enough to find the control tower and spot a bunker style tunnel.

As soon as I had to be dragged away I wanted to go back. So I planned to go back the following week. We managed to have a good look around pretty much the whole airfield, including the control tower, 2 bunkers, the reservoir and all of the runways. It's amazing!! We did get stopped by a guy who said part of it was private land and asked us to leave. It was a shame but we left without fuss as we'd seen most of what we wanted to anyway. I think I'm going to leave it at least a few months until I go back to see what changes occur.

Here are some photos I took, I'm no photographer, but they're nice to look at methinks and not bad for my first go!:

Toxic Barrel

Mini Runway

Caution: Height Restrictions

Control Point

Start/Finish

Reminants of a Party

Stairs

Switch

Radio Receiver

The Hungry Caterpillar

Lonely Hut

Yellow

Tunnels

Hidden Tunnel

Empty Reservoir

Scattered Seats

Handprints

Love

Silhouette

Things I Love This Week

Vivienne Westwood Shoes - Two new pairs!! A gorgeous grey heel with thick ankle cuff and a kitten heeled, pointy black slip on shoe with a skull on!! Awesome.

Raindance Saturday Film School - Very informative and creative, Elliot Groves is a genius. 

Red Hot World Buffett - Good range of food, nice night out with the work ladies.

Christmas Shopping - I have officially started and have a present for my mum!

Project Black - Nearly finished!!

Onesie - I officially own a leopard print all in one pyjama suit.

Things I Love This Week

Nine Inch Nail's 'Still' Album - Amazing! Perfect mood altering/movie score music!

Vintage Movie Cameras - I now have 5 after starting a collection only last week! Going to try and fix them to see if I can get them working. If not, they're pretty to look at.

The Mighty Boosh - Comedy gold.

David Guetta - He's come out with plenty of songs I like, but I'm over the moon that the boyfriend got to cook for him at work whilst he was staying in the hotel before playing at Creamfields!

Project Black - Had a blast shooting it, really sad to see it end though.

Golden Syrup - Sooooo tasty! Especially on ice cream.

Things I Love This Week

My New iMac - Very confusing for a non-Mac user, but I'm slowly getting there!

Promotion At Work - I got promoted to Senior Sales Assistant after wanting it for a good while! Very happy!

Filming - It's good to be finally shooting Project Black after all that planning and casting!! Find us on Facebook here: Project Black Facebook Page

Nandos - Nom nom nom

My Birthday - I suppose being 23 isn't that bad so far...

The Mighty Boosh - Quality programming!!!

Film Adaptation: One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

Another essay from my uni days, this one was part of a Film Adaptation module during my second year at TASC

Discuss the fidelity of the film adaptation of Ken Kesey's 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest' in relation to audience theories; including the reception of the film and the difference between readers of the novel and viewers of the film.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest was a 1962 novel written by American author Ken Kesey. It was adapted into a film of the same name in 1975. Actor Kirk Douglas originally played RP McMurphy in a stage version of the novel, after purchasing the rights to film the piece he passed them onto his son, fellow actor Michael Douglas who set into motion the production of the film whom also acted as producer for the film (Dirks). It was claimed that the film was made in order to appeal more to contemporary audiences. At the time, the now all-star cast were all relatively unknown, the film propelling their careers due to its critical acclaim, both as a film and also in novel form.

The film is set in a mental hospital in the 1960s and followed a group of patients on an all male ward. Kesey himself had spent time as a guinea pig for experimental drugs as well as an aide on a ward in a hospital in Oregon, and based his novel loosely upon his experiences and patients whom he had met during this time (Huffman, 2002). The novel is told from the point of view of a large Indian patient known as Chief Bromden, whereas the film is told from a more neutral view point, but closely follows McMurphy. The story begins when McMurphy is brought onto the ward after his behaviour becomes questionable whilst serving a prison sentence working on a farm after committing a string of crimes, the latest of which being statutory rape. The rest of the plot continues on, showing the reader and view what everyday life in the asylum is like. However McMurphy, not content with this, sneaks prostitutes onto the ward, gambles with the other patients and in the film, steals a bus and boat in order to take the men fishing (Dirks) (Kesey, 1962) (Forman, 1975).

Bucket List

I have decided to start a Bucket List. A list of things I want to do before I die, in no particular order. I'll keep updating it as life goes on!

*To produce a horror film that causes uproar because of its controversial content
*To have a successful career within the film industry, ultimately culminating with being a (paid!) producer
*To make a success of Little Lost Pegasus Films
*To have one of my own produced films shown in an art house cinema
*To watch every film on the Video Nasties list
*To produce fashion films for good designers
*To shoot music videos for bands that may actually make it big
*To shoot a Video Nasty style film of my own
*To meet Jack Nicholson
*To dive with sharks in the sea
*To compete in Show Jumping once again
*To own my own horse
*To do a charity ride (across a desert or up a mountain)
*To visit the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California
*To properly visit Egypt
*To own more than 5 pieces by Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Chanel
*To get married in a Vera Wang wedding dress
*To UrbEx at least 10 places
*To have an inspiring mentor
*To be able to watch at least 5 films a week for most weeks

Well that's it for now, I'm sure I'll add to it at a later date!

Can Japanese Cinema Be Fully Understood By Western Audiences?

I've covered some really interesting topics through my degree and masters degree courses, so thought I'd pop them onto my blog so that people can see some elements that interest me from a film studies angle! This essay was from my second year at Trinity and All Saints College during my Film & Television Studies degree.

Discuss the claim that Japanese cinema cannot be properly understood by Western audiences without a wider understanding of the country’s history and society.

                Japanese culture is very different to that of the western world. To say that Japanese cinema cannot truly be understood by a western audience is only partly correct; it is true that a basic knowledge of Japanese society is useful, as the society structure is a lot different to that of Western areas, however it is not vital. For the majority of Japanese cinema it does not matter if the audience knows much about the history of Japan, as generally many relevant aspects are explained, however the more knowledge that the audiences possesses, the more sense the film will make and audiences will be able to place it into context more easily.

                History is important in Japan, and has helped to shape the way society is structured today. Events such as World War Two and the rise of Japan’s economy in the 1970s have had huge impact on Japan (Bordwell, 2003), especially as relationships with work are of huge importance to the Japanese as individuals. After Japan had boomed successfully, a recession began and the long time leaders, the Liberal Democratic party were shown to be corrupted on multiple occasions (Bordwell, 2003, p. 646). Aspects such as this are an important influence on films and the making of the films themselves, little knowledge of these events can hinder ones knowledge of the country as a whole, but generally are less relevant to most films, unless they are about a certain event itself, for example war, in which case historical facts are generally explained in the films plot or narrative. 

The Confrontation

Short film written and directed by my fellow filmmaker Stuart Leah, about an enraged brother confronting his drunken brother-in-law.

I helped out with some camera/sound work and with pre-production stuff too!

Things I Love This Week

Queens Of The Stone Age - Incredible band! One of my all time favourites. I've loved everything they've brought out, including spin offs such as Eagles Of Death Metal and the Desert Sessions. Seeing them years ago at Leeds festival was incredible, very badly want to see them live again!

Beyoncé/Destiny's Child - Encouraging women to be more independent is only a great thing. Beyoncé was awesome at Glastonbury!

Grey's Anatomy - Still addicted...

Fire - Sitting outside with the boyfriend and his family in the evening sat round a fire was very enjoyable.

Gecko Babies - Nearly 3 years since I've had them!

New Riding Boots - Been years since I wore long boots, but they're so comfy considering they're new!

Things I Love This Week

Dukan Diet - Going to be giving it a go, hopefully it will enable me to have some better eating habits if nothing else!

Days Off - A rarity, but has given me a chance to completely tidy my room and throw away some clutter. Much prefer working on a film though!

Scripts - For every 2094834 scripts that are rubbish, there's always one thats unique - Bad Penguin anyone?

Old Rock Sound: Music With Attitude CDs - Rediscovering my love of songs and bands I used to listen to years ago; Breed 77, Open Hand, Silvertide, InMe to name a few.

Kerrang! Smash It Up CD - The BEST free CD I have ever owned! Completely reminds me of being 15 on holiday and first starting to get into punk and punk rock music.

Charlottes Birthday Meal - Lovely meal at Ask Italian restaurant with the work girls.

Shamrock (Film)

My latest film, Shamrock. A short drama about a priest who can't cope with his sins and compulsions.

Starring Andy Lloyd and Natalie Southern.

I loved this script, I altered it slightly to fit with my intentions to make it using some Hitchcock techniques. Im really happy with how its turned out, and think the cast did well.

Big thanks to Stuart Leah (my sidekick!) and Steven (the boyfriend) as I couldn't have made it without them!!

Things I Love This Week

London - Loved our trip to London! The Wimbledon tour was damn good! As were the unusual restaurants we ate at; Inamo, Ed's Easy Diner and Archipelago.

Grey's Anatomy - Getting a serious addiction! 8 episodes in a day means I have a problem! Great cast/characters though!

New White Dress - Been looking for one for ages and managed to find a very pretty one in London

Encouraging The Boy To Spend - Managed to get him to let me buy him a gorgeous Ralph Lauren Wimbledon shirt!

Key - Getting a key at work made me very happy! Not a senior sales position like I want, but it'll do for now.

Cyber Candy - Amazing sweets!!

Things I Love This Week

New Plugs - Got some gorgeous new plugs from Glamsquared! They're blue Victorian Style skeleton design ones!! So well made and unique!! Love Stuff like this! Here's the glamasaurus etsy shop! 

Horse Riding - First proper lesson in a few years tonight! Will be good to get properly back into it! If not expensive!

Curse Of The Golden Flower - Just wow! Visually stunning film with a great plot and cast!!!

Citti Petts - Just filmed their music video for Love In a Riot. Can't get the song out of my head! Really cool band, check them out on Soundcloud

Casting - Getting stuck in casting away for our latest short film! A seaside based drama about a failing musician!

Resume: A Short Film About Suicide

As part of my uni work for semester 1 we were required to submit a 3 minute long short film.

I decided to do a visual piece to accompany one of my favourite poems 'Resume' by Dorothy Parker. This is just my own interpretation of the piece!!

I couldn't have done it without my awesome little crew! So thanks to the 3 of you!!!

Comments would be much appreciated!



Produced, Directed, Edited & Camera: Vicki Henshaw
Starring: Natasha Katz
Sound: Scott McGregor
Music: Phil Daine

Things I Love This Week

Tattoos - Just went with a friend whilst he got his, really craving a new one now! Plenty of ideas, just not plenty of money!

Blackpool - After spending the morning there looking at some locations for a new film Im completely in love with it again! The weather was awesome for March!

Mega Week Bargains At Debenhams - Good old mega week is on at Debs this week. Might mean some late shifts for me, but that equals more money for me and some good bargains for my family!!

Pro Tools - Good lecture on Pro Tools, seriously making me debate learning more about becoming a sound recordist.

The Boyfriend - When I get in after a long day and he tells me he's missed me and wants cuddles I am a very happy girl! <3

Hot Chocolate From Uni - Nearly better than sex!

Things I Love This Week

Writing Reviews On LoveFilm - I really can't stop writing reviews on films I've watched or really loved, even if its just a short comment. Just another way to get my opinion out there!

LaTasca - Going to one of my favourite restaraunts to celebrate being with my boyfriend for 6 months tomorrow <3

Twitter - Trying to get twitter gonig again. Keep having spells of not using it then getting back into it. Username is @VickiMihn if you want to follow!

Massive Clearouts - Including under my bed and on top of my wardrobe. Feels nice to know that I've not just got a load of junk stashed there anymore!

Alice In Wonderland Necklace - My xmas present off my boyfriend. One of my favourite pieces of jewellery, jsut because its from him!