Vintage Seance: 2012

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving Nostalgia...

Yes it's corny, but it's my all-time favorite Thanksgiving moment in cinema...

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I am actually visiting my Aunt in Scotland right now (don't worry I'll update and post pics soon), so I won't be getting to celebrate Thanksgiving, one of my all-time favorite holidays. So if you do get to celebrate, enjoy it even if you get stressed or don't want to deal with family, be grateful! However, if you do feel the relatives are getting to you... there's nothing wrong with giving them a little history lesson...

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Halloween 2012: My Costume...

Lydia Deetz.

For as long as I can remember Beetlejuice has always been an absolute favorite of mine, especially for it's Tim Burton style. The elements, and design throughout the film are truly unique to itself, but one of the costumes always stood out to me; this being Lydia Deetz's red wedding dress.

The iconic look became Lydia's signature costume, as it contrasts her entirely black wardrobe that is seen all throughout the film prior to the wedding scene.

When I first decided to create the look for myself for this Halloween, I did what I do every year: hit up the goodwill and other thrift stores. This year however, I did not find any great pieces to work with or alter. So I figured I'd have to sew and base for the skirt and then look for a top that might work. After making the base for the skirt out of regular red taffeta, I still struggled to find a good top and lowered my standards by seeking out a simple red tank top, v-neck, to at least attach lace too, but shockingly I couldn't find that either. I then foolishly attempted to make my own top out of the left over taffeta... keep in mind I know very little about sewing, and only sew what I have to. I pretty much glue-gun everything else. Did I also mention that my sewing machine broke before I really got going on the costume?

Anyway, finally I had stitched the "top" together (which looked as jaggedly put-together as the flesh of Frankenstein) and of course, there were so many mistakes the top wasn't going to fit. When this moment of realization happened, it was 4 in the morning, day of my Halloween party. Pumpkinrot recently posted about every Haunter's nightmare, you know that one where you're scrambling to get everything together and people are coming over or trick-or-treaters are on their way? This was one of those moments. As early as it was, I knew I had so much still left to do that I felt rushed. So I did what every resourceful haunter does, I think "what do I have that I can rip up to pieces?" Then I remembered I had an awful Christmas shirt from a tacky Christmas sweater party from a few years back and it happened to be the same bright red. I pull that sucker out of the back of my drawer and cut off the ridiculous snowman design on the front, and turned the shirt around to reveal the back and create a v-neck for the front.

Anyway, the costume somehow became a success - oh wait, I know how, my magic glue-gun! Thank goodness for that...

However, I mustn't brag about my own costume. My friends impressed the hell out of me with their clever ideas and great costume executions; characters from Pulp Fiction, Gangs of New York, and Moonrise Kingdom, as well a few cowboys, indians, and pirates... One of the most clever costumes was my roommate's, the bp oil spill...

Friday, November 2, 2012

Dia De Los Muertos

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Halloween 2012...

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I am a terrible blogger. Not only did I not continue with my Halloween Movie Countdown, as I had hoped, but I also failed at posting anything this entire month! I guess that's how it is being a part time haunter and a busy college student involved in film, theatre, and improv.
Despite my lack of blog activity, I still managed to have a fun-filled Halloween with many of my closest friends, but continued to keep all of my east coast haunters in my thoughts and prayers during all of the chaotic weather. It's upsetting anytime something gets in the way of our favorite holiday, but more disturbing, of course, when something this massive disturbs one's daily life. I wish them all the best as they return home and deal with getting back to normalcy.
Again, sorry for posting so little this season, I'll soon post some photos of my halloween festivities and costume and continue sharing all bits of spookery that strike my fancy as they come...

Monday, October 1, 2012

Halloween Movie Countdown: "Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire"

It's October... which means it's time for my annual Halloween Movie Countdown. Hopefully I will be able to post quite a few movies for my Halloween Movie Countdown this month, unlike last year when I posted only two (so much for a countdown...).

I decided to start this year's countdown off with a nostalgic Disney throwback... Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire.

To put it shortly, the film is about a teenager named Adam and his sister Chelsea who get grounded, and therefore decide to set their mom up on a date, so they can spend their Saturday night out. But, of course, her date happens to be a vampire. When Adam and Chelsea find out, they are determined to save her.

Being a made-for-TV Disney movie, Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire might not be a Halloween movie to rave about, but it's definitely one that my generation admires for its charm, cliches, and Halloween elements (as we know disney is usually great at all three of these things).

To be quite honest, I'm generally not a huge vampire fan, but I do however, think Charles Shaughessy, as Dimitri, gives a great performance by having "suave, debonair" characteristics, while still having a dark sense of humor.

Caroline Rhea is also very good in this film, as a single mom struggling to get back into the dating scene... plus if you've grown up watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch, it's funny to now see her in a film involving Vampires.

My favorite character in the film is, of course, Adam. I typically love protagonists that aren't fully moral and tend to have a sly side- those who are persuasive talkers, even liars. Adam is not only this way, but he also happens to be the "movie monster kid" of the film. I put this in quotations since I've noticed Disney, especially, loves to include a main character who likes monsters, scary movies, and gruesome happenings in many of their Halloween flicks- in this film, it's Adam Hansen. His knowledge and passion for monster movies not only provides the movie with Halloween spirit, but it also helps our protagonists in their fight against Dimitri.

Here's to kicking off the season with some Disney charm and Halloween Spirit!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Gorey Children's Tales...

"Three Classic Children's Stories brings the unmistakable Edward Gorey aesthetic of the irreverent fancy to Little Red Riding Hood, Jack the Giant-Killer, and Rumplestiltskin, charmingly retold by James Donnelly. The result is a gem that lives somewhere between the best of the Brothers Grimm, early Arabian Nights illustrations, and Harry Clark's haunting artwork for Edgar Allen Poe, with a distinct Gorey flair..."

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The Horrors of Stephen King

This has become one of my favorite documentaries about film and horror. Aired last year on TCM, The Horrors of Stephen King provides insight into Stephen King's take on the horror genre with a general and personal view. I recommend giving it a watch, great way to get into the upcoming Halloween season!

Monday, August 27, 2012

Autumn Mornings...

They're crisp and I can feel them coming already.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

4

Yep, there's more Paranormal Activity to come...

Yahoo! Movies

The Wasp's Nest

Been reading The Shining by Stephen King, getting near the end and loving it so far.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Treats & Goodies: Williams-Sonoma

Love this link PumpkinRot posted of Williams-Sonoma's Halloween tricks and treats. Looks like some yummy goodies and some beautiful kitchen and dining accents as well.

Williams-Sonoma.com

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Been Awhile...

Haven't posted anything is quite some time and neither has one of my favorite YouTubers, Adam Beauchesne. I figure since he's posting videos again, I should probably get back to my good old blog, and what better way to do so than to share some of his latest work! Here's a fun new AYAOTD summary of "The Tale of the Phone Police"- one of the lamest and funniest episodes ever, and even funnier when summarized by Adam.

Here's another great new summary of "The Tale of Laughing in the Dark," seriously Adam, you're hilarious!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

125 Days!

Drawing up some Halloween plans already!

Abe

Been enjoying Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Graham-Smith. I hope to finish reading it before I see the movie. Gotta admit, it's pretty entertaining.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Glimpses

Some shots a friend of mine took at the Haunted Mansion the other day...

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Bones

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Friday, June 8, 2012

Avery Parrish Thieves

Sorry I have been away from my blog for so long. Been working on a whole new short film called Avery Parrish Thieves. The film is about two thieves traveling throughout Louisiana during the 1930's who find themselves agreeing to a stranger's sinister request. Be sure to "Like"it on Facebook to get the word out. Here's the teaser:

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Tribe Order

My brother, Bijan Sharifi just came out with his new album Tribe Order as part of his side project Ulcantegu, now available on iTunes. Half of the the album's proceeds go to charity to help survivors of natural disasters. The album cover was designed by my best friend, and amazing artist, Tesily Diehl and even features a photograph she took of me. So cool to know I am surrounded by a best friend and brother who are so talented and always continue to inspire me. Great work guys! Also the track "Filthy Razcals" will be featured in my upcoming short film, pretty neat way to get a sneak peek.