Under Surveillance

I saw Under Surveillance at the Cleveland Indie Gathering film festival and was very impressed.

The film is clever, very well presented, and most importantly has a sense of fun lacking in many other films. The use of space and digital photography really shine, creating a moody atmosphere rarely visually present in DV film-making.

Though the opening is slow in a classic sort of way, and there are some confusing bits, Under Surveillance is well worth the watch. Some parts are absolutely brilliant, and the film is definitely entertaining. (It also seems Mr. Campfield might have an acting career ahead of him). Check it out if you get the chance!

In Under Surveillance, Dave Campfield, in his first feature film, typifies the triple threat of writer, director, and actor (might we add, co-producer!). On a budget of $30,000, he transforms digital video into a slick, cinematic tour-de-force that rivals, if not surpasses, a 35mm concoction. He utilizes the camera's possibilities as a character in the cast, moving deftly and subliminally into and out of the mindset of mystery and psychological intrigue. He employs a writer's precision in pacing his screenplay with appropriate calibers of suspense and revelation, layering it with rich characterizations and subtext, brought to life by a compelling and well-assembled cast. Director of Photography Andrew Seltz maximizes the technical potential of digital video with lush and ominous color landscapes punctuated by Pixelvision-like black and white points of view of the surveillance cameras, offering us a peephole into the private lives of this repertory of players. Composer Evan Evans lends a haunting and enthralling score, reminiscent of early Bernard Herrmann, and contributes significantly to the overall tone of the piece. Under Surveillance is bound to elicit attention in the independent film arena; and as long as there are fine films to be seen and fine director/writers (such as Dave Campfield) to make them, it should secure a memorable place in that canon and beyond.

The DVD title is "Dark Chamber", and the cover features a barebacked woman with a pentagram carved into her back. Believe me the film is nowhere near as awesome as the cover is.

Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp) name on the cover might be a selling point, but unfortunately she nowhere near as dominant in the film as the placement of her name makes it appear. I'm always temped to grab newer horror movies when the have a cult favorites name on the box. I love seeing classic horror stars in new films!

Anyway, the movie is boring. There's no T & A to help offset the boredom. As for the acting, you'll find better acting in a grade school play. I mean these people make Charles Bronson look Oscar worthy.

Under Surveillance is a carefully crafted murder mystery tale by indie filmmaker David Campfield. He keeps things moody, atmospheric,and tense throughout the entire film. Part of the fun is guessing what will happen next.It pays homage to the films of Hitchcock, with a little Sliver thrown in for extra spice. The movie keeps you glued to your seat until the very end. It makes you think and reflect on human nature in general. What is it about snooping on other people that is so interesting? Everyone plays their lives out differently, and it's human nature to want to observe and learn from that. With a solid cast and very nice cinematography, I recommend Under Surveillance for a night of murder,mystery and intrigue. Keep up the good work Mr. Campfield, I look forward to seeing your future projects.

"Under Surveillance" is well cast and well acted by virtual unknowns. Director / Writer, Dave Campfield manages to maintain a constant sense of tension throughout the movie, reminiscent of many Hitchcock works.

Considering the film's meager budget of less than $30,000, the technical merit is most impressive. In this case, the fiscal restraints actually worked to the Director's advantage, as the film relies completely on raw talent, character development and story line, rather than being carried by special effects and over production.

What also struck me about this piece was the Mr. Campfield's ability to plausibly tie in such multi-faceted characters by the end of the film.

Special mention should be given to the outstanding score throughout the movie, originally written by Evan Evans and finalized by Joseph Bauer. Sound levels were right on the money and the music itself was more appropriate to the film's theme than most major motion picture scores.

Everyone associated with this film should feel comfortable in considering it a very positive addition to their professional resumes.

Dave Campfield poses a triple threat as Director / Writer / Actor of "Under Surveillance", satisfying all three capacities remarkably well. I look forward to viewing his next project.