Interview with Filmmaker Revaz-Giorgi Arveladze (THE FOURTH IS OF A DEVIL)

THE FOURTH IS OF A DEVIL played to rave reviews at the May 2022 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Film Festival.

1. What motivated you to make this film?

When the world is constantly moving, you don’t really notice the bad habits you pick up over time. However, when the world essentially stopped in 2019, all of those issues came rupturing back into my life with a vengeance. In short, I’d have become a slave to my own compulsions and habits. So, while in this distressing situation, I did what any other filmmaker would do – I made a film about it, and my god, it helped. It’s hard to vocalize your issues, or your “nature,” even when it’s happening in real-time, but to write a character like “Nina” and “Dato,” who against all reason compulsively fly into the hands of danger, well, it helped me pick myself up.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Once I complete a script, the process was quick – I had a lot of good people on my side so we mobilized quickly. We spent two weeks on pre-production, but the actual shoot lasted about five days. Writing the film, however, was really difficult. Over the course of a few months, I can’t even count how many times I started over completely. All I knew going in was that I wanted a Noir Story in which we would follow the Femme Fatale.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Noir Fantasy – Having someone acknowledge this in the audience reviews nearly made my heart skip a beat from happiness.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

I’ve always been fascinated by the femme Fatale, and as I grew up and started watching more noir films, I noticed something interesting. The Femme Fatale usually goes through a similar character arc In every film. She is a force to be reckoned with when introduced. She plays a huge part in challenging the protagonist (usually morally), and toward the end of the film, she is “punished” for her wicked ways, or she completely destroys the protagonist (or both). That said, despite this clear arc of “demystifying” the dangerous woman, something always felt very human about her. I’ve always found myself relating to both the protagonist and Femme Fatale in that at their core, they were both slaves to who they really were. There’s something very human about that, and I wanted to really showcase that humanity in both.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

The audience review was very insightful and I was pleased to see that, not only was my film and intentions understood, but everyone (the crew) who worked so hard on this film was acknowledged and praised.

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

One thing consistent about me throughout life is that I’m a slow learner, but when it do learn, it sticks. I’ve always known I wanted to tell stories, but I realized I wanted to make films in college when one of my professors, Marc Wiskemann, literally pointed it out that I had an eye for it. And a few years later, here I am in LA.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Inglorious Basterds, and Wolf of Wall Street.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Honestly, I just want to show it to people!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How have your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Great! I’ve found wonderful festivals and outlets on this site. Very accessible for newcomers as well!

10. What is your favorite meal?

Georgian – Chicken Cutlets.
And dumplings. I love dumplings.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I’ve written and am currently working on completing a more political film about the situation with Ukraine and Russia. of course, it’s going to have my own weird handprint on it.