Andreas's Notes

I want to start out this little about me section by thanking everyone; friends, family and strangers who’ve opted to check out this little website that my good friends and I have created. Whether you agree with our takes or not, having this space for constructive, meaningful conversation about film is a dream come true, and I’m thrilled that we at Reviews Revived and you get to go on this journey all together.

With that being said…

Hi, I’m Andreas, born and raised in Cyprus and I believe film is one of humanity’s greatest achievements.

This medium is a constant source of fascination for me. Regardless of having made films and studied them and even working in the mainstream film and TV industry, the magic never dies down for me.

I admire it for its malleability, its idiosyncrasies, its grandiosity. The feeling of immersion, especially in a big theatre, is an unmatched sensation. And when you leave that theatre, you learn a little bit more about something. The world, people, history, politics, the texture of a sound, the radiance of colour. I can go on and on and on…

This is what film means to me. It is the ultimate form of understanding and connection that transcends words, and I have made it my ultimate goal to contribute to this incredible art form in any way I can.

This is what Reviews Revived is for me, a contribution.

And if it helps promote some deeper connection with a film or even helps generate a desire to go out and watch something, I’ll very much consider that task fulfilled.

Now, I know to some people (most likely those who don’t know me), this may sound, let’s say extravagant. But I need to emphasise, this is just my default mode. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Because this is the thing about me, I believe in this medium unequivocally and love it unconditionally.

I’m here to talk about things I love, things that made me feel joy, sadness and reflection. This isn’t about having the right opinion or the definitive one or even looking at films from unprecedented new angles. This is just a diary, for Marielle, Eunice and me, and gives you some insight into how we view this medium, for the love of it rather than making a point or social media clout.

In a time where everything is marred with artifice, where films and even opinions of them are truncated, distilled and packaged in at times woefully reductive ways, this is a space for just being real.

The three of us are film nerds and certified yappers, and if you are too, then this space is for you.



Eunice's Notes

As Varda aptly states, "Each face tells a story." Stories serve as powerful mediums for individuals to share their narratives and connect, especially filmic stories. My approach to evaluation is based on the technicalities of filmmaking and the final product’s influence in relation to contemporary global culture. For instance, I find Pride and Prejudice (2005) to be my favourite film for its cinematographic mastery and the film’s approach to adaptations, especially for a story that is so beloved in the literature community.

I was entranced by the elegant style of cinematography accompanied by the humble yet grand soundtrack. The Netherfield Ball is a prime example of compelling visual storytelling. When Elizabeth and Mr Darcy are dancing, they converse as if no one else is around them. The transition from a room full of people to just the two of them, and then going back to the room to end the sequence, is so smooth that the cuts are not jarring and even add a layer to the tense character dynamic without destroying the lively atmosphere of the setting thanks to the soundtrack. The brilliance of the Netherfield Ball does not end here. We are presented with a continuous shot combining tracking and panning techniques, which is packed with details. We can see all the characters in action as they come and go, in and out of focus. The ballroom scene is not overwhelming, capturing just the right amount of liveliness of the romantic era. The dialogue that comes with the shot, though short and fleeting, encourages the characterisation of each individual in the story, demonstrating how much thought and effort goes into filmmaking.

Reviews Revived is a space for film professionals to reflect on their and their peers’ works and to offer you, the audience, an alternative perspective on our work. As a filmmaker, I am eager to honour and praise the hard work the filmmaking community has contributed to films. However, as a reviewer, I am eager to reflect on our efforts. There are no “right” opinions in this space, only justified ones.

P.S. Feel free to disagree with our opinions in a respectful manner. I hope you enjoy our writings.



Marielle's Notes

My name is Marielle Carleton. I am a co-founder and writer for Reviews Revived. I grew up in Washington State, before moving to Pennsylvania as a teenager, then moving back to Washington before university. During both of these moves, I leaned heavily on reading and watching TV as a way to get through tough days. I found comfort in being able to escape reality and instead follow the paths paved by fictional characters in various stories. When I was deciding on where to get my degree, I opted to try something that felt bold. The University of Essex in the UK offered a Bachelor’s degree program for Film and Creative Writing, and I felt it calling my name. At school, I learned about various aspects of film and writing that opened my eyes to a whole new way to watch the movies and read the books I’d come to love over the course of my life.

Whether it’s a new movie or a rewatch, I always aim to see them with fresh eyes and a blank slate. So much goes into making a movie, beyond the actors reading their lines. There’s someone composing the music for that big confrontation scene, someone setting the neurotic character’s room to look like organised chaos, and someone making sure the light hits the trees just the right way. There are things that will linger in your mind even after the credits have finished rolling, as well as things you may not notice until the fifth watch. This understanding of the nature of filmmaking and movies in general, gives me at least half a leg to stand on when it comes to reviewing films.

In a world where creativity and free thinking is recurrently challenged, it’s important to not forget the value of using one’s voice. Stories connect us. I remember going to the cinema with my dad and leaving with a laugh still reverberating out of me, just as well as I remember walking out of a movie with Eunice and Andreas and agreeing the film was so bad it made us collectively nauseous. (Eunice and Andreas confirms)

My hope with my work here on Reviews Revived is to give you all more than just standard film critique, but to provide a personally meaningful analysis. By looking at not just what is surface level, but what you may not know until you look behind the scenes. Additionally, you should prepare yourself for my analyses to have a focus on the writing, as I love examining that side of filmmaking. Moreover, as an older Gen Z I love a good meme, and therefore will be on the hunt for a film with meme-able content. That’s the joy of movies, isn’t it? Being able to look at it with seriousness one second, before laughing out loud the next. I look forward to sharing my reviews with you!