Feature Film Review

Film Info:
To be a leader, you don't have to change the world. You just need to convince someone else that they can.

Written By: Athena Hiotis,
Ian Kaine MacGregor
Directed By: Edgar David Nazario
Genre: Action
10 Minutes

ON FACEBOOK
ON TWITTER
ON iMDB

MAID OF HEAVEN ( 2016 )

  "Maid Of Heaven" was a bit of a surprise. To be honest, I wasn't expecting a music video at all and thinking back, I don't understand why. It clearly says "music video", I just wasn't really expecting one. I was thinking it was more of a catchy title than an actual music video. I was wrong. Directed by "Edgar David Nazario" and penned by both "Athena Hiotis" and Ian "Kaine MacGregor", this project took me back a few decades to a time when music videos were, in fact, short films. The video for "Thriller" comes to mind; not because of any similarity, but because of the short film itself. During the golden era, the great music videos not only showcased a tune, but also had a story being told beyond the cookie cutter videos of today. No close-up band shots here, "Maid Of Heaven" is like watching your favorite film with an added musical bonus. There is a story being told as well, and it's an interesting one indeed.
  Technically, "Maid Of Heaven" is done rather well. Since it's a music video at heart, there really are no audio issues to write about. Generally in indie film, audio is always a big problem but in this case, it's not even a factor. The movie like segments that do have audio were done well however, clear, easy to understand, and mixed properly. My ears are thanking you. The lensing of "Maid Of Heaven" was also a real treat to behold. Cinematography is so important when telling a story and here, it compliments rather than attempting to cover up. Throw in a nice slick edit and... as just happens to be the case, a great tune, and you're left with a really nicely paced video. One that actually has a narrative that compliments the song. Excellent post work all around.
  In the spirit of nit-picking, I did happen to notice one thing that I kind of chuckled about. Being a society on the brink of artistic ruin, I found it funny that the counsel chambers were all decorative stained wood. The chamber itself was the most visually appealing room in the film, and also the most artistic. I found it an interesting choice considering the content.
  A lot can be said today about indie film and how far it's come. It's really a shame that the majority of music videos, don't actually take advantage of the creative freedom that comes with today's visual gear and prices. Sure, we get the occasional video that is, in itself a short film; these are usually heavily budgeted productions however, and are still few and far between. "Maid Of Heaven" takes full advantage of the ability to create a good, cheap short movie. Making this a solid contender in both the musical and film areas of creative expression. Did I mention I really enjoyed the song itself? "Maid Of Heaven" easily sails through the mediocre mark, earning it's score. If only more artists would follow suite.
-JT

Other Reviews That May Interest You