Prologue
During the shooting of this videoclip our director Vincent suffered a eplectic seizure.
We were all thrown by surprise since we did not know what to do. Afterwords he described it as what is happening in the videoclip. We wanted to share the following statement of our director:
"Trapped inside your own mind. That is epilepsy. To feel the world around you change. Getting frightened because you feel that you are falling into a gap between dream and reality. Your body experiences one reality, while your head resides in a shadow reality. Then everything becomes black. I fall. When I wake up again I am confused and physically broken. This can happen round the clock.
During filming, I fell to the ground. Epileptic dancing on a concrete floor in the presence of cast and crew. 'The Abject' originally intended on capturing the feeling of a forced psychiatric hospitalization back in the early 20's. Ultimately, at least for me, it has also become a portrait of what epilepsy is. The falling, the confusion, the fatigue ... That is not what is difficult about epilepsy. From one moment to the other, my consciousness feels separate from my body. That is what is difficult about epilepsy. No longer being able to follow a conversation while you are still just standing. Creeping up on you is the thought that soon... I will dance with the floor. That is what is difficult about living with epilepsy. Want to know how that feels? Then just watch 'The Abject'."
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SEE SOMEONE HAVING A SEIZURE
It's all about taking precautions.
-Give them room. Keep other people back.
-Clear hard or sharp objects, like glasses and furniture, away.
-Cushion their head.
-Loosen clothing around their neck, if you can safely.
-Don't try to hold them down or stop their movements.
Don't put anything in their mouth. Contrary to popular myth, you can't swallow your tongue during a seizure. But putting something in their mouth could damage their teeth, or they might bite you. If their head isn't moving, turn it to one side.
Look at your watch at the start of the seizure, so you can time its length. Remember, this probably isn't an emergency, although it may look like one.
After the jerking stops, gently place them on their side, to help keep their airway clear.
For milder seizures, like a bit of staring or shaking arms or legs, guide the person away from hazards, including traffic, stairs, and water.
Don't leave someone who's had a seizure alone. Stay until they're fully aware of where they are and can respond normally when you talk to them. Speak calmly. Reassure them and explain what they missed if they're confused or frightened. Don't give them anything to drink or eat until they've completely recovered.
When to Call 911 or 112
Get medical help when:
-It's a child's first seizure.
-The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
-Another seizure begins soon after the first.
-The person doesn't "wake up" after the movements have stopped.
-The person was injured during the seizure.
-If you're concerned that something else may be wrong, or the person has another medical condition such as heart disease or diabetes, call a doctor.
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SONG
Produced, recorded & mixed by Tim De Gieter at Much luv studio
Mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege
Performed by Monkey Juice
VIDEO
Written by Vincent Van Nauw & Monkey Juice
Directed by Vincent Van Nauw & Mattijs Stremes
Extra visuals by Maya Stoffijn
Shot at Bleek kunstencentrum
Videoclip by Monkey Juice for The abject cassette (24/3/18)
Special thanks to Michiel De Malsche, Kenny Smet, Thomas Borms, Tim De Gieter & Nevermind The Hype.
