Denise Does Johnny

Dark Shadows, (Re-make)

Born in 1963, I was not an avid follower of the late 1960’s – early 70’s TV series Dark Shadows with Jonathan Frid as Barnabas Collins, but knew of it well.  Needless to say I was still most interested to see Tim Burton’s movie rendition of this classic ABC daytime Serial.

Finally having had the opportunity to see Dark Shadows, I was pleasantly entertained and very much enjoyed this film.  I was slightly amused with an opening scene, where the young woman sitting in a train on the way to the Collins Mansion to apply for the governess position, scanned her immediate surroundings in the compartment she was travelling in and noticed a poster with the words “Ski VICTORIA, B.C.”.  Hence the lead character’s name “Victoria Winters”.

I was intrigued by the choice and use of the city’s name and province “Victoria, B.C.” (my home town).  It is not a city that is highly recognized and known by many. 

Normally I would not make a point about acknowledgments in films, but because there was one small detail the writers failed to realize……there is no skiing in ‘Victoria’, BC.  One can ski on the island, yes, but it would be on the slopes of Mt. Washington located 4 hours north of Victoria.  Victoria is not a well known city, but a city, where many who have graced its boardwalks and streets, have been blown away by its beauty and charm , i.e. JK Rowling.

I have indulged in the character Barnabas Collins for Halloween purposes only.

Barnabas Collins played by Johnny Depp

A little Johnny, a little Jack, a little…… Steampunk?

 For those who are very much into ‘Steampunk’, “Hugo” is a must see film. It is a co-production of Johnny Depp’s Infinitum Nihil and Graham Kings, GK Films. Produced by Johnny Depp, Graham King and Timothy Headington, directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie is based on Brian Selznick’s novel ‘The Invention of Hugo Cabaret’. “Hugo” is a fantasy adventure that takes place in a Paris railway station in the early 1930s. Hugo Cabret is a young boy whose father, a master clockmaker, and mother has died, leaving him with his alcoholic uncle, who is a watchmaker responsible for maintaining the clocks in the railway station. Hugo’s adventure begins when he meets a young girl, godchild of the legendary film maker and illusionist Georges Méliès, who holds the ‘key’ to the ‘mechanical man’ Hugo’s father left behind upon his death.  A very heart felt and moving film. It honours old historical movies by Georges Méliès, who is sometimes referred as the First ‘Cinemagician’.

Steampunk is a present fascination of mine… the concept, fashion, gadgets… all clearly intriguing with overwhelming ideas.  It is yet another chapter in my world of ‘dress-up’.

UPDATE:  HUGO has been nominated for 11 Academy Awards on February 26, 2012.

Craigdarroch Castle ‘STEAMPUNK’ Convention 2011

Empress ‘STEAMPUNK’ Convention 2010

Prawn Fest 2011

A little shameless self promotion…

I will never get used to those individuals, whom I have never met before, compliment my tribute towards the few Johnny Depp characters I have chosen to pursue.  As a female, I know I am up against some incredible stiff male competition who have the added bonus of being,.. well,… a man.  It always remains a surprise, and yet a reward, to receive praise and high regard towards the ‘visual’ I have created for the public’s enjoyment. 

Not too long ago, a family member told me that at the end of a CBC radio broadcast interview, covering the 2011 Prawn Fest on BC’s Vancouver Island, the interviewer’s final question was, “… and what was the highlight of this event?” (Gentleman being interviewed): “Oh the hightlight? The hightlight was definitely this amazing Jack Sparrow look-alike that graced and entertained the crowds…..just uncanny….”.  

 POTC Premiere On Stranger Tides at Silver City Theatre:

‘I think you make the most unbelievable Jack look-alike I have ever seen. I first saw you in 2009 at the buccaneer days, then again just a few weekends ago at the opening sold out show of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides at Silver City. I was standing in line has you walked up the hall way and no joke the whole line went crazy everyone left to just get a pic with you or even talk to you then came back and couldn’t stop talking about how you showed up the whole movie and was talking about how much you look like him. It’s so amazing, the reaction you can make on so many people even though a lot of people know your not the real one, they still want a pic to and to talk to you to say what your doing is awesome. Hope to see u soon in action:) a big fan’.

– Mandy

Thank you so much Mandy.  Hope to see you again soon as well 🙂

POTC: On Stranger Tides Premiere Weekedend

A most amazing wedding I attended as the Mad Hatter:

‘Now, you were simply….fantastic!!! From the moment I spoke to you, to your final departure that evening, you were not only professional but extremely easy to work with, interacted with all the guests, and everybody loved you. I have some great pics of you that evening for you and your site if you wish. You definitely were a huge hit. Thank you so much, The Farquharsons’

– Steve

Photography by: Steve Farquharson

 Thank you Steve and thank you and your family for your tremendous hospitality 🙂

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Film, theatre, dressing up,….it is all part of a ‘make belief’ world, and creating escapism for the audience.  If I am given that one compliment or was able to make that one person smile, then in my heart, I believe, I have done my job of being able to create a moment,….. in that world of  ‘fantasy’.

“Just For Fun” Observation

When I took part of the viewing of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”, not only did I thoroughly enjoy this installment, but pleasantly “stunned” to see Penelope Cruz play a female Jack.  This undoubtedly took some pressure off certain aspects of the Jack character being played by women, ,….. one in particular, the constant adjustments and struggle to ‘lowering’ the voice.  Although,… is it now expected of me to obtain a Spanish accent “I wonda”?  Ahhh, I believe I will leave that task to my daughter, who now cosplays Angelica Teach. 

During the viewing, there were a few familiar scenes,… pictures rather.  One in particular where Jason S. Photography, snapped a similar shot of me at a Classic Boat Festival a year prior to the release of the movie.  (See below).

Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides May 2011

Photo taken at the Classic Boat Festival June 2010

Photo 2 taken at the Classic Boat Festival June 2010