Ellen Cheshire

In 1996, I was studying English and Film at the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University). For an English module titled H.G. Wells and Science Fiction , I wrote an essay analysing the psychological impacts of electronic surveillance in George Orwell's 1984 . Having recently watched Northern Ballet/Jonathan Watkins' dance adaptation of the novel, I decided to revisit that old essay. I dug it out from a dusty, long-abandoned computer and am sharing it here

Some bucket list stops require planes and planning. Others are hiding in plain sight; places you’ve passed a dozen times and always meant to visit one day. From the outside, English Martyrs Church in Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex looks like any other modest parish church. Red brick, low roof, a quiet presence on a suburban street. You could easily pass by without a second glance. But step inside and it’s as if you’ve walked through a wormhole to Renaissance Rome. Because within

After the success of last year's #JeanHagenJune, when I enjoyed a chronological deep dive into Jean Hagen's filmography , this June I dug...

In 1984 I saw 21 live performances & 30 films at the cinema, this year I’m recreating them all. Six months in, how am I doing? Read my...

I Blame Society Here's the 20th batch of #52FilmsByWomen watched since taking the pledge in 2016. This blog covers films watched between...

On the way back to the south coast after a weekend in Saffron Walden, I took a small detour via Gants Hill — where I used to live, where my mum grew up, and where my grandma had her home. A quick look round, a wander past familiar streets, and then on with the plan. I also stopped at Shalom Hot Bagels Bakery to pick up some goodies for an upcoming home screening of Yentl as part of my 1984 Revisited project . That was always part of the itinerary. So was finally ticking off s

Jane Campion was born on this day in 1954. To celebrate this great filmmaker make May the month where you'll catch up with her short...

In preparation for a talk in June 2024 on film adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays for Chichester Literary Society last year I asked on...

Here's the 19th batch of #52FilmsByWomen watched since taking the pledge in 2016. This blog covers films and TV watched between December...

Welcome, fellow film fans to the most eagerly anticipated awards show of the year—the Oscars! As we eagerly await the grand night when the stars dazzle brightest and cinema is honoured, it's time to indulge in some delightful predictions and share my personal favourites while shining a light on those that were unjustly overlooked. Join the conversation on X . This year's Oscar race is shaping up to be one of the most exceptional in recent memory. With nine out of ten Best Pic

It’s January 2024, and time to rewind back to 1974 as I watch seven films from that year that I’ve never seen before. Plus, a revisit of...

I've started a podcast with two friends, James Clarke and Paul Tonks, check out Excellent Adventures: The Time Travel Movie Podcast on...

With thanks to @letterboxd pro stats, compiling this end of year film lists so much simpler. I logged 832 films this year, 606 first-time watches, and 228 re-watches. 76 in cinemas, the rest at home. You can check out my letterboxd profile, cheshellen . And what a year it was! I took part in some fab online community themed watches inc #precodeapril #shocktober #noirvember . I also created some of my own film viewing projects including #JeanHagenJune and #AroundTheWorldi

Here's the 18th batch of #52FilmsByWomen watched since taking the pledge in 2016. This blog covers films and TV watched between August...

In 2024 I'm planning a nostalgic journey to revisit the 21 live performances & 30 films I saw at the cinema in 1984. Join me ...

Earlier this year I was asked to write the lead essay for the BFI's release of Ken Russell's Gothic. Written by Stephen Volk it's a wild...

In my quest to visit theatres I've not been to before, this week I found myself at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park to see an adaptation...

One of my planned stopping off points in Spain was the port city of A Coruña on the Northwest coast. If people have heard of A Coruña at...

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry opened in 1997. When the fishing industry in the city...

Today is the last day working for a charity based in Colindale which saw me visiting North and North West London on occasion for work...